If you have an EKO Super, which is to say any EKO sold in the United States over the past year, then you can get better access to the bottom hx tube openings when cleaning ashes by simply moving the hx cleaning handle. Since the turbulators move up and down in the heat exchanger tubes when you move the handle, there is a position where the front set blocks access to the space directly under the tubes.
To do this, push the hoe-style cleaning tool to the back of the secondary burn chamber/ash pit until it stops. Then, move the cleaning handle and see if you can't push the tool in farther. If you can, then by moving the handle you've lifted the front set of turbulators up enough to allow the tool in for a more thorough cleaning.
If this isn't a clear description (too early Sunday morning), then have somebody move the handle while you look into the back of the gasification chamber with a flashlight. You'll see what I mean.
I pulled a couple quarts of really fine, powdery ash out of that area in mine the other day--ash that I assume had been accumulating there for some time.
To do this, push the hoe-style cleaning tool to the back of the secondary burn chamber/ash pit until it stops. Then, move the cleaning handle and see if you can't push the tool in farther. If you can, then by moving the handle you've lifted the front set of turbulators up enough to allow the tool in for a more thorough cleaning.
If this isn't a clear description (too early Sunday morning), then have somebody move the handle while you look into the back of the gasification chamber with a flashlight. You'll see what I mean.
I pulled a couple quarts of really fine, powdery ash out of that area in mine the other day--ash that I assume had been accumulating there for some time.