White Smoke from Previously Flooded Oil Boiler

mlk99

My 1989 Peerless boiler - model #JOTTW-150SU was flooded accidentally during the summer when I was having a hot water tank replaced (the boiler was turned off). I recently made the attempt to turn the boiler back on and it is throwing off white smoke that smells of oil. I quickly turned the boiler off again. I called a technician, but can't get anyone over here until November 7th. Does anyone have any suggestions? The temps are in the 20's-30's at night here and I'm scared to death to turn the boiler on.

Jamie Hall

How much

How much of the boiler was "flooded"?  Do you mean it was overfilled?  Or was the boiler flooded -- like the firebox area and the burner etc.?  If the latter, you have major problems -- you should not turn it on without making sure all the electrics are OK, that the burner was in no way damaged, etc. -- and then making sure that any insulation or other material inside the unit wasn't damaged.  In my  humble opinion, this is no job for a homeowner, or even a good handyman -- or an accomplished building superintendent, for that matter, unless he or she is also a good boiler/burner tech.

mlk98

Water Level

I really don't know if the boiler was flooded enough to affect the firebox and burner. I siphoned off approximately 5 to 6 buckets to get the water level down to the appropriate level in the glass vial. 

ed wallace

flooded boiler

from what you posted I take it that the boiler was overfilled with water and no water in fire box in that case you have 2 differant issues why cant the oil tech get there before nov7th where are you located

ed wallace

flooded boiler

from what you posted I take it that the boiler was overfilled with water and no water in fire box in that case you have 2 differant issues why cant the oil tech get there before nov7th where are you located

moneypitfeeder

where?

Where are you seeing white smoke at? If a boiler is in good condition, it can be overfilled (Rhomar recommends after you have a clean system, to add their maintenance chemical solution and fill the boiler to the top to keep the guts of the boiler from rusting) Sounds like you have a much larger problem on hand. Try to see if you can get emergency assistance.