April Fool's Steamer

bill_97

you work in homes with the elderly who have alot of trouble getting down the basement steps . Or you just don't know if they're really flushing the float out . I'd rather use a probe and VXT and keep the system as hands off as possible for these folks . But the majority of steamers we replace do not get an auto feeder .

bill_97

And the fool is me

for not reading the instructions ........

We replaced this dry fired Weil Mclain . The new homeowners did not know steam and never flushed the float . I'm suprised the system lasted this long .

bill_97

Peerless ECT 3

Ahh , the instructions . They are meant to be read , right ? Well ........ I would have never thought you could NOT use a 101 feeder with any brand or type of LWCO .

I got the call an hour ago . The system filled up , but the homeowner caught it before it flooded . Turns out the Safeguard probe LWCO cannot be used with a solenoid type feeder . We normally do not use the 101 , but this one was almost new and the homeowner requested it be reused .

So now I guess we'll be shopping for another probe type that can be used with a 101 . Anyone have suggestions ?

The job was done by Paul and myself . If we had some more time I woulda piped the 2 system mains into the boiler main separately . But this ain't too bad as it was . At least they didn't bullhead the tee .

John@Reliable_14

Ron.............

I think the PS800 from McDonnell-Miller will work. I always try to talk customers out of using any "autofeed". Just like here why did boiler dry fire with a "autofill", I always explain that steam boilers are hands-on. John

Steamhead (in transit)

Well, it dry-fired

because the float couldn't drop and turn the feeder on. This is why we never use float LWCOs on residential jobs anymore. For the most part they only get blown down when we're there.

Nice job, Ron. BTW, is that Hydrolevel LWCO a "Cycle-Guard" type? If so, I wonder if changing it to a non-Cycle-Guard type would affect the boiler's warranty?

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bill_97

The telltale

was I couldn't turn the LWCO handle at all . It was frozen in place for who knows how long . We use probe type for that same reason too .

It was the Safe-Guard , not the Cycle-Guard . What do you think about the Cycle-Guard ?

Thanks alot Frank .

Steamhead (in transit)

If it's the Safe-Guard

you should be OK using the PS800 as they do pretty much the same thing. But the 101A solenoid draws a lot more current than a Uni-Match or VXT, so I'm not sure an electronic LWCO would last long with a 101A wired to it. An isolation relay might be a good solution.

The early Cycle-Guard units cycled off way too often, but the later ones aren't bad.

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John@Reliable_14

Frank,I know why............................

it dry fired. My point was the "auto-feed". I find that when an auto-feed is on a steam system people forget all about the boiler. I always explain the importance of checking over the boiler weekly when in use, this includes water level, blow down, adding to much(often) water, etc. that's all, John

heatguy

nice job Ron but a couple of questions,if the system is as it should be you shouldnt have to add water more then 1 a month so why the feeder. did you pressure test that underground return and last but not least what no cast iron where you shop

bill_97

The feeder

was almost new and the homeowner specifically put it in writing that we would reuse it . But man does that thing slam open and closed .

No need to pressure test the buried return . When we took it apart there was water still in there . And you know if you pressure test and a leak develops a few weeks later ...... the homeowner might put the blame on you . We did suggest they replace the piping before that leak happens .

I never use cast iron fittings . I don't like the look , they're harder to get a wrench on and I really don't like mixing cast and malleable on the same header . Other than being easily breakable , I don't see any reason to use cast .

Thanks alot Heatguy for the questions and compliment .