Water Leak In My Weil McLain Model E-5 Boiler

Unknown

The pilot light on my home boiler went out yesterday.  After I re-lit it, I noticed my hand was slightly wet.  On closer look, there was a drop of water hanging from the heat exchanger (?) above the burners.  I think this is a very slow leak as there wasn't a puddle below.



Can this be fixed?  Is there some sort of sealant that can be added like we used to do with the radiators on cars in the 1970's?



A few things:

 > I am just a homeowner, not a heating contractor.  I'm not sure if I'm using the right terms "boiler" and "heat exchanger".  This is the "furnace" in my radiator heated home.  The thing I'm calling the "heat exchanger" is the huge hunk of steel that gets warmed up by the gas flames.

 > I have a gravity system (no pump).

 > The tag on the boiler says Weil McLain Model E-5 Series 2.  Based on how it looks at the owner's manual, I'd guess it is about 50 years old.



Your thoughts are greatly appreciated!

Steamhead

Moment of silence

it's time to replace it. At 50 years old it doesn't owe you anything.



There are liquid boiler-sealer products out there but they are only temporary repair items, for putting off the inevitable replacement job.



Try the Find a Contractor page of this site.

nicholas bonham-carter

old boiler dripping

watch it closely for any more water coming out. check the temperature of the aquastat, and whether it is working. if the water temperature is too low, then there could be a drip of water from condensation.

if there is a leak from one of the sections, then it may be replaceable. how old is the boiler?--nbc