The only tool I use is a hook that I hammered out to grab the chains rather than reaching in and grabbing them. I think the wing nuts I used were a different pitch on the threads. Went on hard the first time. Now not so difficult![Stick Out Tongue :p :p](/talk/styles/default/xenforo/smileys/raspberry.gif)
![Stick Out Tongue :p :p](/talk/styles/default/xenforo/smileys/raspberry.gif)
You don't need any tools if you use wing nuts on the fire tube access plate.
You don't need any tools if you use wing nuts on the fire tube access plate.
I cleaned mine for the first time after 3 years of use , there was only a little fly ash in the fire tubes. Now that I've removed the original turbulators and done the chain mod it is much easier to clean. I do it every 2 weeks weather needed or not. That mod makes the cleaning a lot more enjoyable
.
I removed the shaft and all the mechanical junk and salvaged the turbulators. Welded a three inch ring on each of the turbulators and also made up a set of chain turbulators. I ran the unit with each set while carefully monitoring the stack temperature and found no difference in performance. I decided to use the chains because they are easier to handle and maneuver when removing them for brushing the tubes. I made myself a hook and simply drag them out and drop them in a bucket. BTW, I had to make a plate to plug the hole that the shaft went through. Now I just pop the insulated panel off the top. Remove the gasketed cleanout access plate and pull the chain turbulators.
View attachment 130045 View attachment 130046
Yes they do however they are basically useless and a huge roadblock when it comes to cleaning. It's a major undertaking to remove the turbulators to brush the tubes and just as much of a pain to re-assemble. The turbulators leave about 1/4 inch clearance from the walls of the tubes so when you actuate the lever no crud is removed unless there is at least 1/4 inch of it there. That's about ten times the amount that should be allowed in the tubes.Do the EKO 25s and 40s not have cleaning levers? How often do you clean your tubes?
Yes they do however they are basically useless and a huge roadblock when it comes to cleaning. It's a major undertaking to remove the turbulators to brush the tubes and just as much of a pain to re-assemble. The turbulators leave about 1/4 inch clearance from the walls of the tubes so when you actuate the lever no crud is removed unless there is at least 1/4 inch of it there. That's about ten times the amount that should be allowed in the tubes.
By removing the whole mechanism and only having the turbs in place brushing the tubes reduces the cleaning time from one hour plus to 10 to 12 minutes which gives me the incentive to brush more often. Plus if I want to do it in dress clothes I can stay clean as long as I wear a pair of rubber gloves.
I just stopped by Tractor Supply and picked up some 3 inch rings, sawed through them, twisted them enough to string the first link and re-welded the ring. Not much welding there. Nice and flexible and easy to handle.
I used 3/8". They give you a little more clearance to the walls but I think they scramble the flow better. Bottom line is you'll be brushing more often. You are getting rid of all that linkage, are you not?One last question. Is the chain 3/8" or 1/2"? I just pulled the turbulators out for the last time. My knuckles look like I just finished punching a guy with buck teeth.
I used 3/8". They give you a little more clearance to the walls but I think they scramble the flow better. Bottom line is you'll be brushing more often. You are getting rid of all that linkage, are you not?
Well after running my EKO 25 for 4 years I finally removed the turbs for the first time to clean the tubes. I thought maybe everyone was exagerating some about how much of a pain it was to remove the whole mechinism but now that I've experienced it they were correct!
Well there wasn't much crud in there at all just light fly ash that I was able to easily remove with a nylon brush I had (think it's an old oil burner brush?). Putting ti back together was worse than taking apart.
IF I see a big difference in performance over the next week or so I will remove the mechinism once and for all and do the chain or turbs with rings on the ends next time I clean
I was toying with the idea of leaving the linkage and hopefully getting some benefit from the cleaning lever. I'm not sure what I'm going to do. I was considering hanging the chain from the linkage with quick links. That way I would haven't to spend as much time pulling the apparatus apart - I could unscrew the quick links and pull the chains up. Am I wasting my time?
Bob
I am still in shoping mode for a boiler. I was kind of wondering just how effective those turbulater agitators were. Would the observations made here probably apply to all brands which use such a system?
Lloyd
Short answer ---- yes
So I cleaned my heat exchanger tubes for the first time about a week ago. With the warmer weather I haven't been running the boiler as much or as hard but I have started it from cold a couple times and I do have to say that with the brushed out tubes I am heating the water quicker. I also made a few other small changes so I can't say that the clean tubes are contributing but it seems to help.
We use essential cookies to make this site work, and optional cookies to enhance your experience.