new boiler odor

norb

i just had a brand new Weil Mclain steam boiler ( gas ) installed---it is now running two days so far,
radiators are heating nicely, however, every room that has a radiator ( and vent of course ) is producing an odor.
Is this normal ? is it factory lubricants that need to burn off? if so, how long will it take until this goes away ?

STEAM DOCTOR

Very normal. Give it a few days. Make sure installer skimmed the boiler and didnt add unnecessary chemicals. Chemicals can also cause oders

KC_Jones

Normal from pipe dope, tape, manufacturing oils. It will go away after a while. Skimming the boiler will help tremendously as that is how the smelly oils are removed. Mine has zero odor after about 1 1/2 months of running and 12 hours of skimming.

norb

how do you skim the boiler? I am a fairly handy guy, can I do this myself?

KC_Jones

If you post some pictures of your boiler we can help you find the proper skim port (if the installer put one in) and walk you through the process. It is fairly simple, but time consuming. Definitely DIY friendly. I assume you know the installer did not perform this step? Have you watched the water level in the sight glass while the boiler is running? If the water is bouncing more than about 3/4" it most likely needs skimmed.