Overzealous Water Feeder

nz

Sometimes when I do my weekly flush of the LWCO, my automatic water feeder will not stop feeding.



Usually, it runs for 10 seconds or so and shuts off (which leaves the water to about the right level). But ever 3-4 times or so, it will keep running and let the water run to way over the top of the sight glass, and then shut off. I will then empty the water out of the mud leg so the feeder doesn't turn on again. This has been annoying but never bothered me enough to post about it.



Last night, my one of my pilot lights when out due to a bad thermocouple. I replaced it, and decided to flush the LWCO at that point. This time, the water feeder would not stop....it kept feeding even after it hit the top of the sight glass. I had to disconnect the electrical feeds going to the water feeder. I reconnected them and it kept feeding. So I kept playing with it, and in my frustration, I decided to smack the left side of the LWCO where the wires connect...and the automatic water feeder stopped feeding.



I then flushed the mud leg down so the water got to a normal level, and fired the boiler. as was well and good afterwards.



Any idea why this is happening? Is there something I need to clean in the LWCO to prevent this from happening again? I have attached a picture of my LWCO and water feeder.

Hap_Hazzard

It sounds like you need to replace the float switch

The cut-in contacts on the switch on your LWCO are not opening after a low water condition. this could be due to the float not returning all the way or the contacts might be sticking. it's fairly easy to check the contacts. You can take the switch right off without needing to drain anything.

gerry gill

When was the

last time the low water cutoff was taken apart and cleaned internally? supposed to be done annually.

RJ_4

strainer

Look at the right hand picture where the 2 pipes go in and out thats the strainer assy, take the 4 bolts loose at bottom and pull out strainer basket. Its probably plugged if never cleaned (recommend cleaning or replacing every 6 months). clean or replace.  try this first

Gasper

Better option.....

The feeder you have has no time delay, no volume adjustment, and is very noisy.  Your water level can end up "stacking" (flooding your system) on you also.  It also draws more juice then a new 24 volt feeder will.  And has more mechanical parts then are found on a later greater model.  There are much better options then the one you have.  Including one a built in water meter.  Give me a call and I'll fill you in.    

Gasper

Better option.....

The feeder you have has no time delay, no volume adjustment, and is very noisy.  Your water level can end up "stacking" (flooding your system) on you also.  It also draws more juice then a new 24 volt feeder will.  And has more mechanical parts then are found on a later greater model.  There are much better options then the one you have.  Including one a built in water meter.  Give me a call and I'll fill you in.    

nz

LWCO Annual Maintenance

Probably never, based on the previous owners level of maintenance. I've owned the house for 18 months, haven't done it yet...now I know to do it



How long should I expect this to take? A couple hours?

nz

Feeder

I'll give you a call this week...thanks for the input



Nick