Yet another rotted-out atmospheric gas steamer

Steamhead

1970-vintage American-Standard this time. And we know why it failed- most of the radiator packing nuts and air vents were leaking. That was the first thing we fixed.



This is a one-pipe system with a single main about 55 feet long that wraps around the basement- someone added a Hoffman #75 to it (there is a union where they installed the vent tee), we replaced that with a Gorton #2.



There were two sections that had rotted out. Still, it wasn't the worst we've ever seen.

Steamhead

The new Smith G-8 and Carlin EZ-Gas

purring along. We added a tee to the steam main above the boiler- there's no radiator in the kitchen, and they will probably want to add one.



The second photo shows Gordo's copper piping artistry.



We were supposed to start this job Monday of last week, but Hurricane Sandy messed up that plan. So we worked thru the weekend to get it done- overnight low temps will be in the mid-30s over the next few days, and now this family won't have to think about electric space heaters.

Gordo

Details details

On our Smith installs, we remove and re-install the pressuretrol assembly much higher above the waterline than the factory to keep sludge out of the pigtail. 



On the equalizer return, we use an extra-heavy nipple and cast iron tee to resist or tolerate corrosion.



The boiler drains that are supplied with most boilers nowadays are not worth the name.  They are little better than brass plugs with a small hole.  They are replaced with ball-valve type hose-bib valves at a minimum.



On the sight-glass (not shown), we install a proper blow-down valve in place of the joke valve as supplied.  We advise the customer to use it to keep the sight-glass itself clean and check to make sure the sight-glass is telling the truth.

ChrisJ

Details

I love how you guys post all of the details as a team.  You also show how proud you of are your work rather than just throwing something together half baked and leaving.

crash2009

Another one!

That big round part at the top of the section, is that what you call the steam chest?

Gordo

Thank You, Sir

for the kudos!

Gordo

Steam Chest

Yes, that would pass as a half-way decent steam chest for it's day. 



 It would stand to reason that what we would NOW call substandard "near boiler piping" on that old boiler probably worked because of that relatively large steam chest.



We never saw the old boiler in operation.



 It is clear the previous owners ran it beyond it's failure point.  It simply didn't hold water by the time we first saw it.

Hap_Hazzard

That's just crazy!

Who would do all that stuff?



:-)