Weil-McLain SGO-8 with Carlin 201Gas

Steamhead

We wrapped this one up today. The old boiler was a W-M EGH-95 that was leaking at a section gasket. Of course it was oversized, and had been attached to an existing 4-inch colliding header with copper pipe.



The third pic shows the end section where the leak was. You can see the pitting around the lower (smaller) gasket. The cast-iron itself appeared to be in good shape.



We found the header was off-pitch, which allowed water to accumulate in the end opposite the equalizer. So we strapped that end up and that solved the problem.

Steamhead

This basement only has one narrow stairway

so we had to split and reassemble the boiler block. For this reason we used an SGO, since its gasketed construction makes re-assembly easy. Of course we scrupulously observed the torque specifications when tightening the rods.



The floor was in poor condition under the old boiler, so we poured a slab for the new one. The chimney had been relined, so we had to re-do the water heater chimney connector as it would not align with the new tee. It was also too close to some wood.



We've been servicing this system for some years, and always wanted to redo the near-boiler piping. Now that we had our chance, we built a 3-inch drop header and ran it into the upstream end of the existing 4-inch header, plugging the extra header tapping. This helps make the steam even drier.



We had already upgraded the main vents on this system, so it already distributed the steam quickly. We added a Hydrolevel VXT to monitor the water intake, and a secondary LWCO using a remote probe. The secondary LWCO unit itself is on the boiler facing the wall.



This would have been an "interesting" project in January ;-)

icesailor

Proof:

You have again proven that with a little thought and work, you can connect anything with the proper size screw pipe nipples.

How much restriction did that 2" copper add to the system going into the 3" steel pipe?

Steamhead

It was actually 3-inch copper

which was probably the only thing that made it possible for the system to work. When we cut it out, there was water laying there too. 



Obviously we were not the low bidder on this job. Our competitors were going to do a "cut and slide" job, re-installing the same boiler to the same pipes without correcting the obvious issues. So much for reading the I&O manuals............

icesailor

Connections:

I was only looking at the eccentric reducing coupling on the supply. I noticed the 2" copper reduction on the return and didn't pay much attention to the 3" copper supply. Just that it was connected on the supply with copper.

I need to pay more attention.

That screw pipe fitting is so nice, it's hard to pick out things because it is all so correct. The old piping looks like a boil on a baby's butt.

gerry gill

Great looking job, Frank-

That boiler with its front and rear risers instead of side by side seems to lend itself well to doing that piping configuration..was that why you selected it? ..i bet the place heats much better, for less money now! ..you and Gordo sure do a nice job.

Steamhead

Some other boilers

the Smith 8 series for example, also use that riser configuration. We chose the SGO primarily because it's easier to take apart and put back together.



Thanks Icy & Gerry!

billtwocase

perfection as usual

As always Frank, top notch work.  This is why I use Weils. Basement access is at times an issue here, and breaking the Gold down works great. You know, the no bulkhead access, white walls, and hard wood floors. No room for error. 

Gordo

Putting in the "Extras"

On this job, we added a secondary LWCO of the probe type.  We added it at an unused 1/2" tapping that is located just above the lowest permissible water line.  We called the factory and that's what they told us, but that's not their "official" word.  Because of space issues, we used a remote type 1/2"  Hydrolevel probe.



We mounted the pigtail pointing up off of a 1/2" brass tee and nipple to allow for cleaning and inspection.  We believe this will work to reduce the likelihood of the pigtail clogging.  



We regard Weil-McLain's usual pigtail/water seal placements or designs on almost all their boilers as radically unsound as they are almost designed to clog.



As always, the sight glass gets a proper blow-down valve.  Unseen are the brass slip-washer rings replacing the brass-coated steel slip washers  in the sight glass.



All bolts etc on the burner door are coated with anti-seize.



The skim tapping has a nipple and a cap rather than just a plug for ease of service.



At the return, the 1-1/2" copper adapter threads into a cast-iron tee for corrosion resistance, and the 2" nipple going into the boiler is extra heavy to allow for  corrosion in the years to come.



Kudos to the excellent delivery crew of Ferguson for getting that boiler down in that basement with no damage or injury!

Mia

2 hot water tanks

With my current oil flamed WM SGO-7 boiler, the water is pre-heated before it goes into the hot water tank.  I guess with a gas burner that doesn't work, correct?  Now I wonder if I'll have enough hot water in the winter.  Because of a low cellar ceiling, I have a 50 gallon low boy for 4 adults & 2 dogs.  It's a 3 family...

Steamhead

The fuel doesn't matter

it will work with either oil or gas. 

Mia

Thanks!

Good to hear!