2x4 raised flue operating questions

[wnybassman]

On my 18x60 raised flue I flood rear pan when I have 2 1/2 to 3 gallons left in the head tank. But prior to that, at about 7 or 8 gallons left I switch over to burning pine only to reduce coals. I mix in pine the whole boil so I can control coal load. After I flood the flu pan, I toss in a big handful of VERY finely split pine. This will create an intense fire to get everything to a boil, but will turn to ash in minutes.

Obviously, your rig has a higher GPH so your numbers will be different. Just gonna have to play with it until you slip into a routine.

[gbeneke]

Great answers already. I raise my flue pan level to 3 inches from my operating height of 1 1/2”. I leave the flue to syrup pan open. Also, after the fire is nearly our and fanoff, I open the door a1/2 inch and leave it open. That prevents the door insulation from sticking to the door the next morning.