Break-In Procedure; Starting And Maintaining A Fire; Adding Fuel - Jøtul F 118 Black Bear Installation And Operating Instructions Manual

5.6 Break-In Procedure

The Jøtul F 118 Black Bear is constructed of cast iron
and high- temperature furnace cement. This type of
construction requires the stove to be"broken-in" gradually
so that heat expansion does not occur too quickly and
cause damage. The following steps describe the proper
break-in procedure for the Jøtul F118 Black Bear Black
Bear. Use a stove-top thermometer to monitor stove
temperature, placed directly on the top plate.
1. Set the Primary Air Shutter fully open.
2. Light a small fire of newspaper and kindling in the
middle of the firebox floor. Gradually add small
pieces of wood, but only allow the stove to reach a
maximum surface temperature of 200°F (93° C). Burn
for approximately 1 hour.
3. Allow the stove to cool to room temperature.
4. Light a second fire, allowing the stove to reach a
maximum temperature of 300°F (149°C) for 1 hour with
the FlashFire Lever in Position 2.
5. Cool the stove to room temperature.
6. Light a third fire and gradually allow the stove to reach
a surface temperature of 400°F (204°C)
7 . Cool stove to room temperature. This completes the
"break-in" procedure.
Note: If the temperature exceeds the limit during any
break-in fire, move the Air Shutter all the way to the left
to shut off the air supply completely. It is normal that the
stovetop temperature will continue to climb until the fuel
burns down somewhat. Once the fire is out and the stove
has cooled to room temperature, continue the break-in
procedure. Never attempt to reduce the temperature by
removing burning logs from the fire.
Break-in Odors: It is normal for a newly painted stove to
emit odor and smoke during the first few fires. This is
caused by curing of the high temperature paint and will
diminish with each fire. Open a window or door to provide
additional ventilation to alleviate this condition.

5.7 Starting and Maintaining a Fire

Burn only solid wood directly on the bottom grate of the
stove. Do not elevate the fire in any way.
1. With the Primary Air Shutter in the full open position
(to the right), start with several sheets of crumbled
newspaper placed directly on the grate at the front of
the burn chamber near the load door. On top of the
newspaper, place several pieces of small dry kindling *
(less than 1" in diameter) with two to three larger logs
(approx. 3" to 4" in diameter) on top.
2. Light the fire and close the door, slowly building the
fire by adding larger and larger logs. Be sure to follow
the break-in procedure before creating a hot fire that
might damage the stove.
3. Once the stove has reached a surface temperature
range of between 400° and 600°, (204°C -316°C),
adjust the primary air control lever as necessary to
generate the heat output and burn time desired. Set
the FlashFire Lever in Position 2 for standard operation
over extended periods.
We recommend use of a magnetic stovetop thermometer
to monitor the surface temperature of the stove. The
optimum surface temperature range for the most efficient
burn is between 400° and 600° (204°C -316°C).
You can also monitor stove performance through the
window. Peak combustion efficiency occurs when exhaust
gas is burned at the baffle in the top of the firebox. This is
apparent as yellow flames appearing at the secondary air
ports in the underside of the baffle plate.
Never over-fire the stove. If any part of the stove or
chimney glows, you are over-firing. A house fire or serious
damage to the stove or chimney could result. If this
condition occurs, immediately close the air control.

5.8 Adding Fuel

When reloading the stove while it is still hot and a bed
of hot embers still exist, follow this reloading procedure:
• Always wear gloves when tending to the stove.
• Open the Primary Air Shutter and wait a few seconds
before opening the load door. This will allow fresh air
to flush the firebox and prevent smoke escaping when
the door is opened..
• Use a stove tool or poker to distribute the hot embers
equally around the firebox.
• Load the fuel, usually with smaller logs first.
• Close the door, be sure to latch the door tightly.
• Wait 5 – 10 minutes before setting the air controls
for the desired heat output and burn time.
(If you have at least a 2" thick ember bed when
reloading, it may be possible to close the door and
immediately adjust the air control setting).
• Set the Air Sutter on the door for the desired heat output.
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