new Evaporator first time boil

[Round Mtn Mapler]

My first boil on a new evaporator. 2x5 flat pan
any dos and donts I should know?

I did brick as per Masons instructions.
I do have a thermometer. I guess I just hold it in the pan because i dont think there is anywhere to mount it.
I think i will start with a couple inches of sap in the pan and make sure i have 50 more gallons of sap ready to boil.
I put the gasket all the way around the bottom of the pan but there is no gasket across the back.
Do i need to divert the heat under the pan from the front to the back? There is about 6" under the pan between the bricks and the bottom of the pan.

Should the evaporator be totally level?

[Dill]

Yes get it as level as you can before you start boiling.
The heat will travel to the back of the pan, with the draft from the chimney.
Not sure where the themometer mounts on that evap but if there isn't a port just use a clothes pin.