American Standard Oakmont Boiler

helpingothershelpthemselves_2

Maybe these photos of an American Standard Oakmont boiler we recently removed will be of interest to you .

Replaced with a Peerless WBV .

Ruwester

Maintenance 123

Hello,

I'm new to NEW England. Oil heat is a mystery and we have purchased a house with a single pipe steam system. Our first winter went well, I just turned turned down the thermostat and we were pretty happy (some rooms seemed a little cooler... but hey the house is 105 years old.) We have 4 X 375 gallon tanks in the basement for a total of 1200 gallons +/- of oil and we tend to use it all over the course of the winter. I didn't purchase a contract for oil because I feel like an oil speculator... but a bunch of it and coast through the winter... buy in the spring when the price goes down. the problem now is, I can't anyone to come out and give my system a check up because we aren't on a contract!

I'm worried for this year, now that I've lived here for a year, I know that the system is almost black magic. The boiler is an American Standard Oakmont model (circa who knows when) and the thing scares me. I opened the drain valve for the boiler to see what the water would look like at it was a very dark brown. Should I replace the water in the boiler on an annual basis? It seems like there should be an additive developed to help reduce some corrosion build up without venting out the radiators? Does something like this exist? Also, Some of the radiators have cacked on paint, I'd like to bring these in to a professional and have them cleaned (paint removed and refreshed properly) so as to get the best efficiency. Can someone give me some ideas? Boston Metro West area

One last thing, can I remove the soot from the burn chamber myself? I understand this increases the efficiency, but I'm not sure how far to go in this activity? I want to do much of this myself as I really enjoy the upkeep and getting a solid understanding of the system, but there are no user manuals posted for this old boiler and the range of activities related to steam systems is very great.

Can someone help answer these Q's for me? and suggest someone who can refinish a few antique radiators?

ed wallace

maintenance

call me I am in Watertown MA.

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Guy_6

Maintanence

It is admirable to want an understanding of your heating system. but I don't think that anyone here would condone you performing your own maintenence. It's not that anyone is elitist- Its just precautionary.
Take whatever you do for a living and view it from the outside-Probably LOOKS fairly simple....but you know the difference.
You should be able to find a qualified contractor, or even an oil supplier who will provide service without an oil contract.
Learn your system from them.
Again, I applaud you for wanting to learn- Knowledge is power.

Brent_4

American Oakmont Oil Boiler

I have a boiler similiar to the Oakmont photos shown on this site. I am in need of a used or new water heater for the boiler. Is it possible to get parts or am I stuck with a total furnace replacement?

helpingothershelpthemselves_2

Oakmont

Parts for this boiler ( especially the tankless coil ) will be nearly impossible to obtain , due to the age of the boiler .
Besides the possibility of not being able to remove the coil without damaging the boiler !

Consider a seperate fired water heater or an indirect water heater for your application .