Purchased Maxim, any recommendations

[T_Hartigan]

I purchased a Central Boiler Maxim a week ago. Should be here in a couple of more weeks. Planning on buring mostly corn.

I know there are a few Maxim users here. Any advice or changes you would make during installation if you had to do it again?

Thanks

Tim

[sting]

not an outdoor boiler guy

But from helping others, I would advise - do not cut corners on pex - install 1-1/2 inch supply and returns - boiler to load(s) and back

Other than that - Congrats and enjoy your big new engine.
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When you turn your boiler on -- Does it return the favor?
I am sorry - My responses are limited - You must ask the right question!

[pk]

The Maxim is close to a "plug and play" boiler. As with any boiler make sure you plumb you system correctly. I used 1 1/4" pex but had problems finding fittings to match. The pex I used came wrapped in bubble foil insulation then put into 4" flex drain pipe. I then wrapped the 4" flex drain pipe with bubble foil insulation and slid that into 6" flex drain pipe. I thought with all the air gap and foil it would be a good insulator. Well, my pipe is buried about 3 ft deep and it still melt the snow on the surface. I am not sure what that is costing me in total efficiency. As far as the Maxim goes, it runs great. I turned it on in the fall and it just keeps running. The propane start works great and when it is warmer out and the fire goes out it will automatically start with propane. I have gotten good enough at cleaning the flue tubes that I don't even get dirty. I have my temp. set at 165 deg. and have the combustion fan set lower than the factory preset. My theory is if you push less air thru the stove, less hot air goes up the chimney. You will still go thru a fair amount of corn. I can go for about 4 days on a hopper full. Good luck!!

[T_Hartigan]

I bought the Central Boiler Thermopex. It wasn't cheap, but from everything I read this does seem to be the place to not go cheap, and the Thermopex has gotten good reviews.

I think I may actually look forward to winter next year, at least a little bit.

[Kellc1]

Purchased the Maxim this past spring, and as of yet haven't finished the install of the water to water exchanger on the hot water heater in the house. All else is done. Maxim sits in the garage, next to 4 tons of pellets just waiting for winter to show up. Note - if you do not know, there is an upgrade (since May) to the Maxim for burning pellets. New software, burn pot, stirator, and auger. $1500.00 worth of parts, but no cost if still under warranty. Will be heating the garage, house, and hot water using Surefire softwood pellets. What I get a kick out of is that here we are on the leading edge of alternative fuels, and the government let the tax benefit expire (12/31/07), and people think I am a woodtick for "burning wood" for heat! Ha ha ha ha.
KC
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Screw winter - I want to ride my motorcycle!

[T_Hartigan]

Fired up the Maxim for the 1st time this weekend. Let it run for about 24hrs on pellets. Not cold enough to run continously yet. Now will be working on insulating the lines in the house now that I don't have any leaks.

Must say that it fired right up without any problems. I played with the feed rate a little, but not the blower. I had the water set at 160°F. I suppose I'll need to keep a log for awhile to figure out what the most effiecient setup for me is.

I was a little surprised at the smoke with the pellets when it went to idle or coming off idle. It wasn't bad, but thought there would be less.

Tim

[Kellc1]

Geez they are talking about a possible chance of snow here this coming weekend. I guess I had better get busy! Haven't even winterized the RV yet! Still need to hook up the water heater to the Maxim, fill with water, and get it going. Fall is always too busy! Glad yours fired right up. I am expecting the same. When did you take delivery, and do you know if yours has the latest upgrade?
KC
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Screw winter - I want to ride my motorcycle!

[T_Hartigan]

I took delivery in March. Not sure if it has the latest updates. I need to call. I'm planning on burning straight corn after we harvest, so not sure if the update is for pellets I would need/want it. I'll call and find out.

I do need to add a flo-check on the propain side of the heat exchanger. I ordered it yesterday. Had quite a bit of "ghost" flow.

Tim

[Kellc1]

Please tell me more about ghost flow, and the need to add a flo-check on the propane side of the exchanger. I have no idea what you are talking about. Thanks.
KC
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Screw winter - I want to ride my motorcycle!

[T_Hartigan]

With the Maxim heating the heat exchanger, the propain side of the exchanger had a small flow going through it because of the thermal effects of the warm water rising. It kept the house 70°F without the propain boiler pump ever kicking on, because I had the thermostat set at 68°F.

You could feel the outlet piping warm and inlet cooler. May not be an issue in Winter, but on the warm days may be an issue. Ordered a Taco 221 to solve the issue.

Tim

[Kellc1]

I see. A bit different than my system. I have propane forced air furnace, with the exchanger in the plenum. My hot water heat is still forced air. Are you going to heat your hot water with the Maxim also?
KC
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Screw winter - I want to ride my motorcycle!

[T_Hartigan]

Yes, I'm heating my hot water also. Didn't have a chance to get a lot of measurements, but I couldn't keep my hand on the outlet, so it was heating pletty warm. I'm running a 10 plate 5x12 heat exchanger ahead of the water heater.

With a forced air system, shouldn't have the same problem I have.

I'd be interested in your settings and consumption when you get it up and running.

[Kellc1]

Will keep in touch then! Thanks for the info.
KC
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Screw winter - I want to ride my motorcycle!

[etuck]

I would like to know what your corn usage is after you run your boilers for awhile. We are considering a Maxim because I feel this is a quality boiler. Thanks!!!

[potdamnate]

After one year under my belt my maxim burned about two bushel a day during normal winter conditions- southeast mn. heating 3400 sqft new house at 70 degrees, 900 sq ft garage at 50 and my hot water. It seemed to burn a bushel a day no matter what and up to two and a half at max. I would make the purchase again.