Remove factory plug from tapping in Burnham boiler

chris_69

Do you think it's possible to remove the factory plug from the aquastat tapping in a Burnham Independence boiler that's been in steam service for 12 years?



There's not enough room to get a 36 inch wrench on it, and I'm afraid of cracking a boiler section.   Nuclear weapons aren't allowed by code in my area, so that's not an option.



Give it up?

tim smith

Re; plug removal

How big of plug, if small, socket. If over 1.5" or so we drill out center and make a cut to near threads, NOT INTO THREADS, then we can usually just take cold chisel and push inward toward cut. Must be real careful or you will kill your boiler section.  We do all the time so we are use to it, takes patience. If your not a pipe fitter, might want to have one do this.

Paul Fredricks_3

.

You could try heating the casting with a torch. Might help.

chris_69

It's about 2"

The plug is about 2" - I haven't pulled the jacket and insulation away to look yet.

MikeyB

Plug

Heat it up like Paul said, and put a candle on it, the candle wax  will pull into the threads and lubricate the plug, even when the boilers are new their plugs are a real pain to take out

bob_46

plug

drill holes around the circumference of the plug just inside the threads. use a sharp bit, no oil. bust the center out with a hammer and chisel and then collapse what's left by directing the chisel toward the center. works every time.