Specifications
21
EKO BOILER MANUAL
Cleaning the EKO Standard Model Heat Exchanger Tubes
On the EKO standard models, the heat exchanger tubes should be manually cleaned every two
weeks using the following procedure. (Note: The bi-weekly cleaning routine described as follows is
not necessary with the Super 1 models).
1. Remove the back panel and unscrew the heat exchanger cover plate with a metric wrench (from
13 to 17mm, depending on the model). IMPORTANT: Use care when screwing and unscrewing the
retaining nuts. Lubricate the threads before removing the nuts, and avoid excessive force when
tightening them back down.
2. Clean each heat exchanger tube for its entire length, using the tool provided. Be sure that soot and
creosote do not accumulate at the bottom of the tubes. Clean any soot that has accumulated in the
back of the boiler behind the tubes.
3. To facilitate cleaning, it is a good idea to burn dry potato skins (about 10 liters) in the boiler a day
or two prior to cleaning. The starch in the potato skins acts as a catalyst, allowing the boiler to burn
off accumulated soot and creosote more easily.
The heat exchanger tubes are susceptible to ash, soot and creosote buildup, which diminishes their
ability to transfer heat, making the boiler less efcient. A good way to monitor their condition is with an
instack probe thermometer. Dirty tubes will result in higher temperatures (above 350-400 degrees, F)
at the chimney outlet.
Maintaining Tight Seals
It is very important to maintain tight seals on the doors, heat exchanger cover plate and the rebox
bypass chimney damper. Poor seals can result in smoke and gases leaking out of the boiler and lead
to uncontrolled burning which may cause the boiler to overheat. The berglass rope used to seal both
doors and the heat exchanger cover should be inspected regularly and treated with graphite or some
other lubricant (i.e. motor oil or WD-40) as needed, to keep them exible.
Over time (typically one heating season) the rope seals on the doors can become attened through
normal use. When this occurs, the door hinges can be adjusted to compensate for the new shape of
the sealing rope, as follows:
1. Remove the door.
2. Loosen the cap.
3. Turn the hinge 360 degrees.
4. Tighten the blocking nut to block the hinge retaining screw.
!
Warning!
The upper and lower hinges should be
adjusted at the same time.
Blocking Nut