Waste Oil Heater Forum - Your definitive source for burning waste oil for heat.

No the plans don't have to be followed to a T.. I started with a 4'' flue and a 3'' intake (it was a gas water heater). Then I changed to a 5'' flue and still a 3'' intake.. I do recommend a larger intake due to same volume of air at less velocity. (velocity causes flame-out (flame being pushed off the burner loosing heat and in turn blowing out) I just use some small metal peices to limit the intake to stop flame out when needed. A steel burner dish will hold heat much more consistently than an aluminum one. A 3/8'' steel burner should be fine (1/2'' is what i have) The height of the burn dish from the end of the intake will effect burn and flame out also. Make sure to keep the oil drip tube HIGH up in the intake pipe I would say higher than the directions because of an issue I've had at high heat, My oil drip actually became a full flame stream. It's rare to happen but it cokes up the bottom of the drip tube and effects future use/cleaning need and It's a bit unsettling when you see it.  Last but not least! The depth the flue goes into the furnace chamber greatly effects heat lose through the flue and/or burn quality and/or major soot. Fiddle with that depth to find the sweet spot mines roughly 3.5- 4'' down into the furnace too deep no heat but good burn too high extreme heat super soot. Mine is still a fickle little b@st@rd but I get great heat out of it. Now if you got through my lack of proper grammar, pat yourself on the back and good luck.

it seems the other negative is you would seem to have to need a torch to heat the ozzirt every time you start it? I've been using shredded cardboard and a small amout (1/2) of kerosene in the sanders style (which is a very easy way to start it)

im curious to see this also alas youtube video is down.

Yea I noticed that Hope it helps. If this site flourishes it can be an AMAZING help resource and knowledge expansion place!

I have found that the depth the ex flue goes into the furnace chamber effects heat and soot output...however the catch is the less soot the less heat. considerably less heat.

DID THE 4 INCH INTAKE REALLY MAKE THAT MUCH OF A DIFFERENCE? i know this is an old post.

 I'm an avid gravity fed waste Oil furnace user. I have a 40 gallon water heater MEN style sanders conical burner Furnace I love and hate her. The heat is great but the SOOT has to go, Hence why I found this place. (thank you google) I hope to learn and help others if I can on my time here. BTW Mythbusters and MacGyver are important influences in my life.