8
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Dickinson Natural Draft Stoves & heaters
Dickinson diesel appliances, both our stove and heater models,
are tough, robust professional appliances originally intended
for commercial fishing vessels and other marine industry uses.
In British Columbia it remains pretty common to board a
fishing vessel and find a Dickinson stove that’s been serving
up meals for over 40-50 years. While oil ranges have become
largely obsolete outside of an offshore environment, there is
no denying their lasting ability to produce and distribute heat
efficiently even without electrical power, using nothing but
gravity and fuel.
What is a natural draft appliance?
A natural draft appliance produces heat by burning a mixture
of vaporized fuel & air (page 12, fig 11)
When this mix is ignited, the result is clean combustion which
gives off hot exhaust gasses. The Dickinson natural draft
appliance uses this to generate heat for the cabin, cooking and
water heating, while the exhaust itself leaves via the chimney.
As the exhaust rises up the chimney, fresh air from the cabin
is sucked into the burner to replace it. This fresh air feeds the
flames. In order not to starve your appliance of fresh air, every
cabin containing a natural draft appliance must have an open
fresh air vent when the appliance is running.
see page 12
What do I need to install this appliance?
Each natural draft appliance install will require it’s own
uniquely configured chimney. Stainless steel chimney pipe,
elbows, fittings, caps and accessories are all available to
purchase from Dickinson dealers. Mapping out the chimney run
and measuring carefully will help to determine what chimney
parts are required.
Fuel delivery to the appliance can be accomplished by means
of gravity feed or an impulse pump system. Fuel filters are
also recommended.
see page 29
Where can I install this appliance?
Dickinson natural draft diesel appliances are not certified or
approved for domestic or land based commercial use.
Installing one may affect insurance coverage. Wherever this
appliance is installed it will require adequate safety clearances
from combustibles and a minimum 4 foot chimney rise.
See page 16
How safe will children, at risk individuals
and pets be around this appliance?
Everyone sharing the cabin or space heated by a Dickinson
diesel appliance should be aware of the potential hazards it
presents. The surfaces of the appliance including it’s stainless
steel panels and chimney become hot enough to cause burns
both during and after use.
A poorly maintained appliance represents additional risks as it
will result in unbalanced combustion which may overheat the
appliance. An appliance that is not regularly and properly
maintained can become a potential fire hazard.
See pages 41-43
How important is the chimney?
The height and shape of the chimney attached to the appliance
are the most important considerations in choosing a location for
install. Choosing a location that will not allow for a tall enough
chimney stack, or choosing a location that will require multiple
bends in the chimney may result in poor performance from
appliance (page 21, fig 23)
The chimney height will ultimately determine the strength of the
upward draft it’s able to generate. Without a strong upward
draft, the appliance cannot draw in adequate fresh air or vent
exhaust gasses efficiently. Make sure your proposed install
location will allow for this. If you have concerns or questions
you can email Dickinson Marine for support.
See page 20
What is the metering valve? (Carburetor)
The metering valve (often called the carburetor) is a box-like
device made from cast aluminum, housing a float switch. The
job of the float switch is to maintain the oil level inside the
valve at a steady level. It does this by automatically
opening/closing the fuel inlet, rising and falling to maintain the
oil level no matter which setting the valve is set to.
See pages 26-27
Can this appliance run on alternative
fuels?
It can. The standard metering valve comes fitted with a
metering stem machined for #2 diesel fuel that will not meter
alternative fuels with accuracy. However, specially machined
metering stems for the accurate metering of kerosene oil and
stove oil (#1 diesel) are available from Dickinson.
Can the appliance be operated without
electrical power?
Yes. While the standard draft assist fan on the appliance runs
on an 12v / 0.4 amp power source, it’s not required in order to
operate the appliance. The appliance can be lit, run and
balanced and run indefinitely without the use of the fan. The
light-up procedure will differ somewhat depending on fan
availability.
See page 36-37
Have other questions?
If you have any questions about our product that are not
answered by this manual, please Email them to
info@dickinsonmarine.com
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