Correct Water Level

Mark_125

Fellow steam-heads,

I've no idea what the water level should be on my old. I've added a 0-3PSI guage - would a safe assumption to fill the boiler until the new guage comes up to 0PSI? It is currently registering at less than 0.

Thanks,

Mark

Steamhead

The water level

should be at 1/3-1/2 way up the sight glass when the boiler is cold. On most boilers it should never go below 1/4" above the nut at the bottom of the glass.



If the gauge reads below zero, there may be a slight vacuum in the boiler.

Joe V_2

Why?

Why half way or less?  I confess, I have been filling my boiler more than half-about 2/3's in the sight glass.

I can't remember why I decided that this is the fill level. I might have chosen this level based on the slow rise and fall of the level when heating (about +/- 1/4 of an inch).   But more likely,  I chose this level because more than half is better than less than half full.  It is an IN-5.

ChrisJ

NWL

My Burnham V8 had its water line 3/4 of the way up the glass.  I found this by looking at the instructions and measuring with a tape measure.  A Burnham IN5 may follow the same rules



The Weil-Mclain I am installing claims 1/2 way up the site glass. 

Rod

WaterLine IN5

The factory specified waterline is 28 5/8 inches above the floor level. Attached is a diagram from page 17 of the IN5 I&O manual.  On other boilers -The factory designed waterlines are generally  found in the steam piping sections of the individual boiler's I&O manual.

- Rod

Joe V_2

Yup!

I looked it up when I got home and measured the NWL given by burnham and it was slightly higher than half way so I drained some water. I guess I'll get steam faster now. Glad I caught this thread.

Mark_125

Old steamer

OK, so I had a look at the boiler plate, its an American Standard G28, Model 7BNJ6.

Anyone have any clue on where I might find the correct water level?

Thanks,

Mark

Joe V_2

I think i might have had that exact model!!!

I think you should trade it in for a younger model! you will save a boat load of cash.



Each section must weigh five hundred pounds because even when I broke it down with a sledge hammer it was still really heavy.



I ran that boiler at two thirds in sight glass too. Maybe that is where I got it- from the previous owner

crash2009

Beacon Boiler Reference Book

I found it listed in the Beacon Boiler Book.  Page 12.  I don't know what numbers (if any) would tell you the correct height of the water line.  http://www.heatinghelp.com/files/articles/940/182.pdf  This should tell you the age though.



Oh, I just noticed Steamhead all ready told you what is the correct level is 1/3 to 1/2

Mark_125

Thanks Steamhead.....

I guess I had it filled a little high. The previous owner had drawn a ring on the sight glass about 2/3s up.

-Mark