Utica keeps shutting down

Sal_3

I have a gas fired utica steamer. Lately its been shutting down. It will run for 20 mins. I noticed right before it shuts down i watch the burners 8 Total. The first 3 start fizzling out slowly then boom they all die including the pilot light. I have to restart it and 10 mins later happens again. The pressure is not reached and there is no damper switch.

peter desens

Utica Boiler

Is this boiler in your home?

Do you have the model number and serial number off the boiler?

Sal_3

i dont right now im at work. its from 1983 and its a PEG series . Yes its at home, 150000 btu

John H.

Leak

above the water line in about 10 min. it will begin to steam fill the flu travel leaving no space for the flu gas and start to smother due to lack of air. overfill the boiler just into the riser and see if water leaks onto the floor.
Or the boiler may be very dirty and doing the same thing do you see and soot?

Sal_3

its clean but i will test for the leak tonight, You might be right because i never reach pressure anymore plus the boiler is old and it is taking alot of feed water lately

Robert O'Connor_12

Peter

Is this a millivolt boiler by chance?

Robert O'Connor/NJ

Dale

If no leaks

Indeed test for a leak at the water line, not good since about $5K to replace. But, you may be very lucky and the thermocouple may be getting overheated which would also explain the symptom. A pro could examine the pilot flame on the thermocouple to see that it was on the tip only and watch the tcouple millivolt output as the boiler heats up after you relight it. Cleaning the flue passages can fix the problem as more cool air passes them from the bottom and cools the tcpl.

Sal_3

It is indeed a leak, filled it up and it came out of the jacket.
last week i paid a plumber 170 to look at it and he came up with nothing.
I just said the problem here and u guys solved it. thnx again guys. i will replace my boiler soon. any suggestions on which boiler. I do not want a utica again.

Mark Hunt

Peter


Try the "Find a Professional" section on this site. It may direct you to one of the pros that frequent this site. A boiler will only perform to the level of competence the installer has. Get someone that understands steam systems and trust that the boiler they offer will give yoy years of reliable service.

That said, your boiler is currently burning unsafely and I am sure it is producing elevated levels of Carbon Monoxide. I would suggest that you find someone in your area that can test the system to be sure that it is not spilling CO into your home. This can only be done with digital testing equipment.

We want you warm, but we want you safe more.

Mark H

To Learn More About This Professional, Click Here to Visit Their Ad in "Find A Professional"

Sal_3

I will have PSEG check my co level tonight.
I was going to replace the boiler next year anyway so this isnt that shocking to me. Im on the search now for a new boiler.