I do want to get some spring latches for the lid of my 5 gal metal bucket. Will this set work, or do you recommend a different set?
Mart, I see that those are listed as spring latches but the only âspringâ they have is the over center tightening feature. Those will be hard to mount on a lid and will not give you any puff back protection. Gary Gilmore is good at making his own spring designs like this one using angle iron and flat stock plus a compression spring.
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also look out for bed or hammock/swing seat springs , they always come into the scrap yard in the thousands
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Many couches/recliners too.
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I never used any kind of puffer lid or relief valve of any kind on any of my charcoal gasifiers. I have though seen little puffs out of my intake.I am just carful around dry grass and leaves. Maybe just a piece of screen for a spark arrester. if it is going to puff this is where it will do it. Path of least resistance.
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You are correct Jim there is no real need as you correctly say it always seems to shoot out of the inlet nozzle , I use my springs to hold the lid down only because the steel ring latch had rusted away and wasnât pressing down hard enough on the lid .
Mart , how are things progressing now , are you nearly ready to start having fun ?
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I have managed to get the Air filter cover off and now I have a good look at the carb. I am updating my tools to now include a few metric wrenches 
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In looking closer at the exhaust, I am considering buying an adapter to make a split for the return to the gasifier. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Muffler-Exhaust-Manifold-w-Gaskets-Honda-GX240-GX270-GX340-GX390-Pipe-V-IN21-/201020661420?hash=item2ecdc3deac:g:ApMAAOxyRhBSvi0l&vxp=mtr
I also have considered boaring a hole into the pipe and tapping it to make a 3 way connection for air return.
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Hi mart, if you can weld or have a welder service near by you could get them to fab them for you. For the air intake I used a 2" pvc end cap that I drilled a large hole to fit the air intake and two small bolt holes to screw onto the carb plate. I then inserted a plumbing fixture to the cap and tuck taped it into place. I found the welded route was too restricting. Good luck whichever route you choose.
David Baillie
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Ok, I am looking at what line I should use for the line that runs from the 13 horsepower engine exhaust back to the gasifier inlet. Will 1/2 inch gas line cut it? I was not sure if it would give enough volume of gas.
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That should work,Mart. I used salvaged 1/2" copper water pipe on my lawn tractor with copper fittings held together with a small screw at each joint. I open my valve only part way because it cools too much wide open.
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Don
Do you use a thermocouple to measure the temperature of your reactor?
Thierry
Yes, on my latest build. Two actually. One that measures the water/steam temp and the other near but not into the combustion reaction zone to get an idea of operating temps.
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The plan for this is to use this 1 inch pipe at the base of the charcoal gasifier. I was looking for a metal bulk head fitting but not finding what I wanted I used a nipple inbetween the T and the coupler. I found that the electrical conduit rings worked great for setting a block at the back side of the washers that I drilled out to fit. I am thinking of using high temp caulk on this, but I am also considering duck seal between the washers and to use tape on the threads.
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I plan to drill out the two washers and use this for pipe connects in the top of the lid with high temp sealant.
I am having trouble finding 1 inch radiator hose, I am finding slightly larger hose.
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I decided to buy another carb for $14.00 and then cut it in two or plug up all the holes and make a custom fitting from the carb. The carb should line up with the other carb exactly and would allow me to make mods without me tinkering with the original.
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Mary, just a thought for you.
When I went to Jim Lâs place he showed me his air inlet that can be removed for outside of the reactor. It is reduced down on the inside to the diameter you desire. Less mess, easy change out.
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Sure thing Sally, please donât call me Mary 
I have been looking at torch nossles.
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Hahaha, gotta love autocorrect. Sorry Mart. I should really wear my glasses when posting with my phone.
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Ok, how high up from the bottom of the 5 gal pail should I be cutting the hole in the side for the burn tube? Should it be 3 inches from the bottom of the pipe to the bottom of the bucket?