Looking for old furnace conversion parts

marpou

Hi, I have an old octopus coal converted to natural gas furnace. It is a Peninsular Stove #22d , Chicago Detroit. The converter (gravity) is a Handley Brown #m-3fd10-1 #s-37853. The Gas Valve 'Diaphragm Valve' is a Minneapolis Honeywell #m 149 is all I can make out, 20 v 60 something, and 4 1/2 wat? I have power throughout the circuit (thermostat, transformer, & to gas valve. Pilot is lit. There is an actual auto/manual switch on the back of the Valve, and when switched to manual, the furnace fires up, but is not controlled by thermostat. So, I have concluded that I must replace that part, but it is also connected directly to the burner, so I'm guessing that unless I find the exact part (dreaming) or a comparable one I must re-pipe. Are there any old Diaphragm Valves probably about circa 1940s or a comparable part around? Where would I find it?

Steamhead

Time for a completely new furnasty

you might cut your fuel consumption in half.

marpou

Not Feasible at this time.

Yeah, would love to rip out all that old asbestos laden duct work, pay someone big bucks to break old furnace into pieces, and spend thousands doing that and putting in new furnace and duct. Not. In a year or so, when financial position becomes more posistive, yes. But I need something to get me through the next year or two. Does anyone know of a place to look for the part, or can sugguest and inexpensive alternative?

Steamhead

Only thing I can suggest

is a new conversion burner such as the Midco EC or Carlin EZ-Gas. These are power burners which look and fire like oil burners, and will need the construction of a proper firebox if you don't already have one. Not sure what type of burner your Handley is, it might be an atmospheric type that didn't use a firebox. Post some pics if you can.



What I'd do in your situation is to first consider converting to a hydronic (hot-water or steam) system, which will give you much better comfort and efficiency than scorched-air is capable of. If you can't do that right away, I'd remove enough asbestos to permit the installation of a new furnace to the existing ductwork. This will outperform your old octopus, and you can use the fuel savings to pay for the rest of the project.

JStar

Gas valve

Definitely post a few pictures of the controls. You may be able to update just the gas valve and safeties.

marpou

Thank You!!!

Thanks