Intermittent No Heat (Steam/gas)

Dave Miller_2

over the last couple of (single digit temp) days where the t'stat is calling for heat and nothing happens. The first time I just touched the outside cover on the damper control box and it operated, allowing our Utica PEG steamer to fire. The next time, 2 days and multiple firings later, I just lightly "wiggled" the wiring harness where it connects to the control box, and she operated.

We have a Field Controls Model GVD-5 that was part of of a less than professional install of the PEG 112 in our one pipe steam system, 2 yrs ago. The clowns who put it in are not welcome back and I have not found a reliable steam expert in Central NY so I am coming back to The Wall for help........

I took the cover off of the control box and all looks OK. I re-seated the 4 wire connector, after checking for corrosion in both ends, so we will see if that makes a difference.

So, any suggestions? Any experience with this particular control? I did try the manual switch and it did nothing, but there was no heat call when I did so. Should I expect the damper to open when I operate the switch?

Thank you, in advance, for the usual fine assistance..........

Dave

Steamhead (in transit)

Field stack dampers

have really taken a nose-dive in their quality. Try to find a Honeywell or Johnson model if you can. Effikal used to be pretty good too, but then Field bought them out.

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

The Steam Whisperer (Formerly Boilerpro)

Yes.....

I had very little problem with vent dampers over the first 10 years in business, but in the last two years, two recalls and a number of failures. I am seeing this same pattern in products of another big supplier to american boiler manufacturers....short lived aquarelays and gas valves, Pressure controls with huge tolerances, and defective brand new gas valves. Its looking like I am going to have to begin charging a premium to cover excessive warranty work on basic american made cast iron sectional boilers. Mod cons for hot water heat are looking better and better.

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

The Boiler Dr.

Damper QUALITY !?!?

Interesting thread
I just experienced three damper failures in the last week. ALL were less than 2 years old! As mentioned Field quality has dropped. Is Field made in Mexico now?
It always amazes me how The Wall topics are always relevant to current field experiences!
Steamhead how goes the battle?

Charlie from wmass

I just had one on a 2 year old Smith that was turning in circles for a full minute before stopping and firing the boiler. I am not convinced this weak link is worth the savings. I am thinking that power burners and wet base is the way to go for me in the future. What is the expeirience you guys are having with power burner gas steam systems? Aside from conversions they are rare around me.

The Steam Whisperer (Formerly Boilerpro)

I hope to post after the big show in Chicago

A new gas power burner residential size steamer installation with 11.4 to 1 modulation available, depending on the top end needed. We are looking at about 6 to 1 mod on this 200,000 btu/hr peak input installation. We are working on what controls are available at reasonable cost to modulate the burner around 8 ounces pressure.

Boilerpro

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

Dave Miller_2

Damper Quality???

So Boiler Guy, were your 3 failures all Field units?

I am going to call Field in the morning because my unit is even more flaky now, like when I wiggle the harness where it connects to the unit, the damper makes a complete circle. I was only able to get the boiler to fire this last time by setting the switch to manual and holding the connector to get it to open. I'm going to run it that way 'till I get a resolution.

Maybe they will authorize a new one. Maybe I don't want a new one...............?

Thanks,

Dave

Steamhead (in transit)

Charlie, we have a bunch of them

with a couple more proposed. They work great! Gordo and I could never go back to atmospheric boilers now.....

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