I have been running Esbit fuel in my new Mamod Stationary engine and have been finding with the design of the SP2D overhead type engine that quite a bit of water and oil drip down from above and run into my fire tray! This "seems" to make the Esbit residue build up more quickly. I have not used Esbit enough to know for sure?
I did a quick search online and found lots of guys with the Esbit fuel campstoves conplaining about residue as well, but no suggestions as to a cleaner that might soften the residue?
I suspect Someone on this forum has found a product that works....if so, please share!
Photo: this burner tray only has about 7 Esbit tabs run thru it...does not bother me so much on the burner tray, but the bottom (and sides) of my boiler looks similar as well....I may not be using much more Esbit
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The only thing I have found that works is if it’s a new/available engine, buy an extra burner and keep that one mint
Sorry, but I don’t think you will ever get that clean again.
As for the boiler, Maas/Simichrome and 0000 steel wool will take care of it. Like the burner, those firebox sides will never be perfect on these toaster Mamods after firing.
I blast with a media blaster (like sand , but I use walnut shells) much milder on the metals. if you want to keep the tray & boiler nice...don't use esbit.
It's a shame that Esbit runs so dirty, it gives a lot of heat.
While I am not such a fan of Burning Esbit aroma, I have to admit with the house smelling of Esbit and Hot Steam oil yesterday....Childhood memories of running a Wilesco "Olde Smokey" steam roller came flooding back. I am told that when an exciting childhood memory is associated with a "smell" that the memory is a powerful one. I was younger than 7 years old at (First Fire) than so I would say there is something to the smells/ memory theory.