Preheat before float box?

[mgp141]

I’ve got a new to me Thor 2x4 with drop flue back pan, float box and front syrup pan. Should I put in the effort to preheat before going into the float box or does the proximity of the float box preheat sufficiently? Thanks in advance.

[BSHC]

i dont think you will see a huge gain in evaporation from pre-heating unless you make a significant effort into a pre-heater. It will be running in slowly so its not going to kill the boil.

[tcross]

id say, if you don't have a hood... don't bother. if you do have a rear hood, it would certainly help your boiling rate.

[maple flats]

different size but on my 3x5 thor raised flue pan, with a hood, I increased my boil rate slightly more that 10% when I build and connected a pre-heater. Being smaller you still might get a 5-6% increase, any little improvement helps save fuel.