Smith Cast Iron Boiler Leaking - Expert Wanted

RichB

Hello All,

Looking for an expert with Smith Cast Iron Boilers, more specifically a Series 8 water with a manufacture date of '04, and in service date of winter '05/'06. Looking for someone to help me with the warrantee process, and its replacement. When facing the boiler it is leaking on the right side, above the fire box, between sections 2&3. I'm also toying with giving up on Smith and going to a Buderus or Viessman. I'm in the engineering / construction industry and as part of my responsibilities manage replacement of commercial/industrial HVAC systems, so I'm not your uneducated homeowner. Boiler is located in Putnam County, NY. (845) 216-5913

Thanks,
Rich

GW

Rich, normally this is worked through the supply chain. Sometimes getting warranties processed is a pain, as you may already know. If you have had annual service your success rate increases quite dramatically. I don't have specific experience though with a leakin Smith series 8.

RichB

Thanks Gary. It has been serviced annually, but by me. So I don't have invoices. I don't want Moe, Larry, or Curley touching my equipment!

Kakashi

What kind of L.W.C.O. do you you have?

I only ask that since its been code in my area since 2000.

Steamhead

That boiler uses gaskets between the sections instead of push nipples. Maybe one of these has failed?

RichB

LWCO is a MM GuardDog RB-122

RichB

Yes, per discussions with Smith, can be gasket or crack in casting. I asked Smith what type of failure is more prevalent, they said they see more cracks than bad gaskets

Paul48

By the time you pay the labor to replace a section, you might as well replace the boiler. That goes for any boiler.

RichB

From what Smith is telling me, they won't even do that, they only send the entire cube assembled

Abracadabra

RichB said:

Yes, per discussions with Smith, can be gasket or crack in casting. I asked Smith what type of failure is more prevalent, they said they see more cracks than bad gaskets

Uhm... I've replaced my fair share of Smith boilers, and in my humble opinion, I've seen more gasket failures than cracks. Once the gasket fails, the gasket seat and mating surfaces usually corrode to the point of no return. Trying to simply replace the leaking gaskets won't work at that point. Also, attempting to separate 15-20 year old sections can invite more leaks on sections that weren't leaking before. Like Paul48 said, might just be time to bite the bullet and throw in a new one. I wouldn't be happy with a 10 year life span on a boiler though.

Paul48

So, you're essentially replacing the boiler. It's actually better that way.

SWEI

RichB said:

From what Smith is telling me, they won't even do that, they only send the entire cube assembled

Are they going to send an original Series 8 block or one of the "new" 8HE models?

RichB

Smith's warrantee is based on 10 years, then they prorate it after that. I'm right at the 10th year. If I can get a new boiler through Smith under warrantee, I'll do that, but if I can't, I'm toying with going with another brand. And no, I'm not happy with a 10 year life at all.

Paul48

So much for a lifetime warranty.

billtwocase

Possibly a cold start boiler? If they will get you a new block, go for it. You will have to pay labor, and any other parts/fittings used. You will only get the remainder of the original warranty after that, and I would have the section bolts checked periodically for tightness. You can't beat push nippled boilers

RichB

SWEI - Not sure what block it will be, long way from that!

Bill2 - Yes, its a cold start setup. Any idea on the torque spec of the section bolts?

kcopp

Steam or Hot water?

RichB

Hot water

SWEI

RichB said:

SWEI - Not sure what block it will be, long way from that!

They're totally different designs. I believe the 8HE is actually a repackaged Peerless.

kcopp

The Smith 8 now is TOTALY different from the unit they had then. Now its a Red peerless wbv.
I had great luck w/ the Series 8's I installed. It was great as a steamer. My supplyhouse dropped the line....much to my chagrin. They had great representation here in NH.
I still think a 3 Pass boiler on oil is the best way to go.

RichB

kcopp - so who's 3 pass do you like?

billtwocase

NH, I would say the blue boiler would be his 3 pass choice?

AlCorelliNY

I'm in Westchester. Where in Putnam are you?

RichB

Mahopac / Carmel border, off Drewville Road

AlCorelliNY

Give me a call Monday.
914-804-2234

billtwocase

I think the Smith sections may still be made at Peerless in Penn?

kcopp

RichB said:

kcopp - so who's 3 pass do you like?

I do have a Buderus 115 in my own home... however the Biasi b10 , the Pure pro Trio, and Pensotti are fine boilers too.