Return piping/high heat costs?

Terry_10

In replacing the main vents, I've had to remove wall covering that has reveled my wet return. My concern is this, the return runs horizontal for 15' with a good 4" slope to the boiler, but where the steam main and dry return become one is 5" above the boilers water line. This should be wet correct? After I installed the new vents I timed how long it took from the time the boiler sent out steam until the main vents (Gorton #2's are great by the way) were hot. As I held my hand on the piping at the end of the main I kept sliding it forward as it would warm, to the point it traveled down to what I feel should be wet and then up the dry return side to its vent and thus closing it. Prematurely I'm afraid at that. Could this also add to high heating costs? Sorry to post such a lengthy post, but I'm somewhat at the end of rope! Just spent time with four heating (no find a professional names in North East Indiana) contractors with little help. They ether said tear it out and/or convert to hot water. Or get this one; that I know more about my system than they do and that they were really not interested. I guess that is a testament to home owners who buy and read Dan's books, but frustrating none the less. Thanks for listening and your help! Terry

clammy

below water line

If i understand what your explaining then those return lines should be below your water line .It kind of sounds like someone replaced the original boiler and did not copy the original water which may have made what where sealed supply drip open probaly causing uneven heating of the home and a higher then normal water line on the off cycle or a low water line durning operation if no automatic feed .If this is the case you may need a false water line installed to put those lines back under water and that will usually get rid of watre hammer also if ther is any peace and good luck clammy