2021-2022 BK everything thread

[circle_burner]

@circle_burner did you do your own install?

My install was done by the local dealer.
The installer kept stressing on how important it was that the stove was never to be operated outside the cat gauge and that has me a little paranoid.

No (t yet?).

Though that will happen this year as I have some wood that's slightly too long for N/S loading due to the previous, larger (in width, not cubic feet) stove.

I like cutting to 18" so I also have slightly too long wood to do north south in the belly.
Making the belly fit a 18" split would be a great change for a KE40.1

When my set up is on simmer mode the burn happens from center front to back. At the later stages my stove seems to consume wood like a candle burning from one end to the other. As long as the log was part of the initial center simmer burn it will disappear to fine white ash.

On 5 hour load hot burns I think the wood lasts longer set east west. Also I think pure volume of wood is more important than how it's oriented so next year I'm cutting to 20" and packing it full.

 

[circle_burner]

Is that pine?

Yes sir. All soft wood mostly lodgepole possibly some fir with a little larch kindling on this load. I have a mixed pile.

 

[BKVP]

My install was done by the local dealer.
The installer kept stressing on how important it was that the stove was never to be operated outside the cat gauge and that has me a little paranoid.



I like cutting to 18" so I also have slightly too long wood to do north south in the belly.
Making the belly fit a 18" split would be a great change for a KE40.1

When my set up is on simmer mode the burn happens from center front to back. At the later stages my stove seems to consume wood like a candle burning from one end to the other. As long as the log was part of the initial center simmer burn it will disappear to fine white ash.

On 5 hour load hot burns I think the wood lasts longer set east west. Also I think pure volume of wood is more important than how it's oriented so next year I'm cutting to 20" and packing it full.

You might try that loading theory before you cut them all 20". I found I got less wood fuel weight into the stove because once 1/2 full, I was unable to maneuver the pieces into place. That's a tetris game for top loaders!

 

[Poindexter]

I see you crossed stack your fuel load. Is this a practice you use often? Do others cross stack? Chime in please....

If I have a big enough pile of coals, esp in the morning when I am in a hurry to get out the door, I have loaded 1 layer E-W behind the hot coals, and then loaded everything else N-S as the second and third layers.

If I have a bunch of coals at the afternoon reload I am more likely to let them burn down so I can load everything N-S. Hard to play tetris unless I am looking at N-S endgrain.

 

[charger4406]

Not yet, I may give it a try when I get bored.

I see you crossed stack your fuel load. Is this a practice you use often? Do others cross stack? Chime in please....

 

[kennyp2339]

My install was done by the local dealer.
The installer kept stressing on how important it was that the stove was never to be operated outside the cat gauge and that has me a little paranoid.

Oh ok, I was just wondering about the install because the dvl adapter on the flue collar is sitting about 1/2" above the stove top, was wondering how that was done, mine just lays on top of the stove.
About the operation outside the cat gauge, the dealer is correct but only on the inactive side, meaning don't close the by-pass damper before the cat is active.

 

[kennyp2339]

I see you crossed stack your fuel load. Is this a practice you use often? Do others cross stack? Chime in please....

When I first light the stove I have smaller pieces kind of all over, once I get a situated fire its either all NS or EW loading, I like packing the splits tight and getting the box filled to the max.

 

[Todd]

If I have a big enough pile of coals, esp in the morning when I am in a hurry to get out the door, I have loaded 1 layer E-W behind the hot coals, and then loaded everything else N-S as the second and third layers.

If I have a bunch of coals at the afternoon reload I am more likely to let them burn down so I can load everything N-S. Hard to play tetris unless I am looking at N-S endgrain.

This is what I used to do with my Princess. When you have a pile of coals raked forward you can even out the load if you stack a few splits E/W in the back then pack it full N/S on top of that. I think it may give you a little longer burn with those E/W splits tucked back in there.

 

[Nealm66]

I’ve only burned ew with kindling and everything else ns. Might have to try highbeams method for this time of year

 

[kennyp2339]

So... lets play a game of how dumb you can be... I'll go first - I've been complaining of a whistle noise coming from my flue collar adapter for a while, I took a look at the @circle_burner 's pic yesterday and the dim light bulb went off in my head, yea... I never screwed mine to the flue collar, it just laid on top with the air vents blocked for the air cooled side of the dvl. Amazing how one picture can bring perspective to things, I popped my dvl up, pulled the collar adapter, confirmed that the inner section did in fact went lower then the outer, got out the drill and level, mounted the dvl w/ three screws just a hair below the outer wall in relation to the flue collar screws. much tighter fit, seems the inner section pulled / flared more to the collar and now there is a channel for cooler air to enter from the under side of the dvl pipe. I think I feel much happier about this.

 

[BKVP]

So... lets play a game of how dumb you can be... I'll go first - I've been complaining of a whistle noise coming from my flue collar adapter for a while, I took a look at the @circle_burner 's pic yesterday and the dim light bulb went off in my head, yea... I never screwed mine to the flue collar, it just laid on top with the air vents blocked for the air cooled side of the dvl. Amazing how one picture can bring perspective to things, I popped my dvl up, pulled the collar adapter, confirmed that the inner section did in fact went lower then the outer, got out the drill and level, mounted the dvl w/ three screws just a hair below the outer wall in relation to the flue collar screws. much tighter fit, seems the inner section pulled / flared more to the collar and now there is a channel for cooler air to enter from the under side of the dvl pipe. I think I feel much happier about this.

I think, I know, according to my wife I win!

 

[Nealm66]

Lol, that makes 3 of us

 

[Nealm66]

Not doing too bad here, perfect princess weather. Low simmer, 24 cycle. Had a windstorm that knocked a couple trees down and lost power. Neighbors fir snag came over my fence but cleaned up pretty easy.

 

[Ashful]

I hate to say I was never able to get an answer at his home. I did have all his info and once I dropped by his home to say hello and he wasn't home. I too hoped he was ok, but to this day, never got a VM or an answer. I'll try once more right now....

I'm a figment of your imagination.

Just kidding... thanks for the call!

Sorry guys, been a bit busy recently. Was also getting my knuckles slapped by one of the newer mod's too frequently, accused of being a BK fanboy anytime I answered a question from a new user asking about BK stoves. It just wasn't fun anymore.

Hope you're all ready for winter. I'm still running the two Ashford 30's, one on a 2018 steelcat, the the other on BKVP's then-secret "B3" ceramic cat (since April 2017!). I'll be running nothing but the new ceramic cats, once I manage to toast the steelcat, their wider passages seem to do a better job with the fine ash kicked up by the stronger air wash in the "30" series stoves. They light off fast, hold it long, and show no signs of cracking or deterioration of any kind after 3+ seasons at 6+ cords per season in that one stove. I'm guessing they're not cheap, given the more expensive coating applied to them, but I'm sold on them.

 

[Diabel]

I'm a figment of your imagination.

Just kidding... thanks for the call!

Sorry guys, been a bit busy recently. Was also getting my knuckles slapped by one of the newer mod's too frequently, accused of being a BK fanboy anytime I answered a question from a new user asking about BK stoves. It just wasn't fun anymore.

Hope you're all ready for winter. I'm still running the two Ashford 30's, one on a 2015 factory steelcat, the the other on BKVP's then-secret "B3" ceramic cat (since April 2017!). I'll be running nothing but the new ceramic cats, once I manage to toast the steelcat, their wider passages seem to do a better job with the fine ash kicked up by the stronger air wash in the "30" series stoves. They light off fast, hold it long, and show no signs of cracking or deterioration of any kind after 3+ seasons at 6+ cords per season in that one stove. I'm guessing they're not cheap, given the more expensive coating applied to them, but I'm sold on them.

Nice to see familiar avatar!

 

[begreen]

I'm a figment of your imagination.

Just kidding... thanks for the call!

Sorry guys, been a bit busy recently. Was also getting my knuckles slapped by one of the newer mod's too frequently, accused of being a BK fanboy anytime I answered a question from a new user asking about BK stoves. It just wasn't fun anymore.

Lest fingers are pointed, this was noted by several mods. The bounds were stretched or overreached several times. It's not fun for a new person seeking information to get bombed with comments like my stove is the best, no contest. There is no such thing and it is not helpful.

 

[BKVP]

I'm a figment of your imagination.

Just kidding... thanks for the call!

Sorry guys, been a bit busy recently. Was also getting my knuckles slapped by one of the newer mod's too frequently, accused of being a BK fanboy anytime I answered a question from a new user asking about BK stoves. It just wasn't fun anymore.

Hope you're all ready for winter. I'm still running the two Ashford 30's, one on a 2018 steelcat, the the other on BKVP's then-secret "B3" ceramic cat (since April 2017!). I'll be running nothing but the new ceramic cats, once I manage to toast the steelcat, their wider passages seem to do a better job with the fine ash kicked up by the stronger air wash in the "30" series stoves. They light off fast, hold it long, and show no signs of cracking or deterioration of any kind after 3+ seasons at 6+ cords per season in that one stove. I'm guessing they're not cheap, given the more expensive coating applied to them, but I'm sold on them.

Welcome back! I for one am glad the 'vid didn't get you.

 

[05ramctd]

Hello all, got a question where to find a part. I have a BK king parlor and my door latch bushing is wore. Any idea where I can find one? Thanks in advance…

 

[Highbeam]

Hello all, got a question where to find a part. I have a BK king parlor and my door latch bushing is wore. Any idea where I can find one? Thanks in advance…

I have a princess and can’t envision what you’re calling a latch bushing. If this thing can wear out, I want to check mine.

 

[kennyp2339]

Hello all, got a question where to find a part. I have a BK king parlor and my door latch bushing is wore. Any idea where I can find one? Thanks in advance…

(broken link removed to https://www.hechlers.com/product/door-latch-blade-new-style-5784bc/)

Blaze King Single Door Latch Assembly- new style Z5785 - Hechler’s Mainstreet Hearth & Home | Troy, Missouri

New style Blaze King Z5785 handle repair kit. For PE1006, KE1107, PI1010A, ROYAL GARDIAN RGT-3001 This is for the newer stoves with only one door handle. When ordering this handle we suggest you also order a new door latch catch part 0683. This handle is the latest style and works better with...

www.hechlers.com

 

[Captain Caveman]

I'm finally going to get to purchase my Ashcroft 25 next week that I have been wanting since they came out. What has been the consensus from everyone on this insert?

 

[Alpine1]

@Ashful
Welcome back!

 

[showrguy]

I'm a figment of your imagination.

Just kidding... thanks for the call!

Sorry guys, been a bit busy recently. Was also getting my knuckles slapped by one of the newer mod's too frequently, accused of being a BK fanboy anytime I answered a question from a new user asking about BK stoves. It just wasn't fun anymore.

Hope you're all ready for winter. I'm still running the two Ashford 30's, one on a 2018 steelcat, the the other on BKVP's then-secret "B3" ceramic cat (since April 2017!). I'll be running nothing but the new ceramic cats, once I manage to toast the steelcat, their wider passages seem to do a better job with the fine ash kicked up by the stronger air wash in the "30" series stoves. They light off fast, hold it long, and show no signs of cracking or deterioration of any kind after 3+ seasons at 6+ cords per season in that one stove. I'm guessing they're not cheap, given the more expensive coating applied to them, but I'm sold on them.

@Ashful, great to see ya back,, alot of us miss your stories and pictures of your setup(s)..

 

[showrguy]

(broken link removed to https://www.hechlers.com/product/door-latch-blade-new-style-5784bc/)

Blaze King Single Door Latch Assembly- new style Z5785 - Hechler’s Mainstreet Hearth & Home | Troy, Missouri

New style Blaze King Z5785 handle repair kit. For PE1006, KE1107, PI1010A, ROYAL GARDIAN RGT-3001 This is for the newer stoves with only one door handle. When ordering this handle we suggest you also order a new door latch catch part 0683. This handle is the latest style and works better with...

www.hechlers.com

Kenny, my Princess did the same thing a year or so ago..
you’d think ( I did ), that there would be a bushing in there, but there is not..
I ended up taking the door off, took it to a buddy that’s a machinist, he drilled out the brass block and turned a bushing for it… good as new..
I refused to spend over 100 bucks on a new handle assy. When all I needed was a damn bushing..

 

[05ramctd]

Looks like a bushing. The rod has some slip in it