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Chamber condition

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dh1989
dh1989 Member Posts: 22
I have a 20 yr old Utica Starfire 3 which I'm unsure of service history. I opened it up to take a look but I'm not sure how to judge the chamber lining condition. Does this look like it needs a reline in the near future or is it good to go for a while?

Video: http://youtu.be/cIAab0-MHws

Thanks.

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  • Bob Bona_4
    Bob Bona_4 Member Posts: 2,083
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    Looks typical, looks like the bottom needs a vac. But a gentle vac, bc the rug could come up in chunks too. Target wall looks ok, front plate refractory seems solid looking. Swing door refractory as well. The end cone protector is a little tattered. When it's fired, the overall condition can be better observed. I loved the Starfire 3's. Predictable, clean running, perfect pressure drop thru HX.
  • Robert O'Brien
    Robert O'Brien Member Posts: 3,541
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    If I sold oil, I'd really love Starfires! High stack temps! :)
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  • Bob Bona_4
    Bob Bona_4 Member Posts: 2,083
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    Oh come on Bob, your CO2's shouldn't have been set to 6 percent! :)
    Robert O'Brien
  • Steamhead
    Steamhead Member Posts: 16,876
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    The 3-section Starfire has higher stack temps than the larger ones. They run nicely with Carlin EZ-Gas burners too!
    All Steamed Up, Inc.
    Towson, MD, USA
    Steam, Vapor & Hot-Water Heating Specialists
    Oil & Gas Burner Service
    Consulting
    Robert O'BrienBob Bona_4dennis53
  • Steamhead
    Steamhead Member Posts: 16,876
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    What relays did you use?
    All Steamed Up, Inc.
    Towson, MD, USA
    Steam, Vapor & Hot-Water Heating Specialists
    Oil & Gas Burner Service
    Consulting
  • Steamhead
    Steamhead Member Posts: 16,876
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    OK- so do those zone purge relays continue to feed power to the circs after the zone thermostat drops out the usual zone relay, stopping the burner and (if the purge relay weren't there) the circ?

    If so, I've been looking for something like that.
    All Steamed Up, Inc.
    Towson, MD, USA
    Steam, Vapor & Hot-Water Heating Specialists
    Oil & Gas Burner Service
    Consulting
  • Robert O'Brien
    Robert O'Brien Member Posts: 3,541
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    Steamhead said:

    OK- so do those zone purge relays continue to feed power to the circs after the zone thermostat drops out the usual zone relay, stopping the burner and (if the purge relay weren't there) the circ?

    If so, I've been looking for something like that.

    You're not the only one,yet no manufacturer sees the opportunity?
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  • Robert O'Brien
    Robert O'Brien Member Posts: 3,541
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    EK definitely saw the opportunity and has capitalized on it IMHO.

    Non proprietary. How hard would it be to put an adjustable circ or ZV off delay on every control?
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  • Robert O'Brien
    Robert O'Brien Member Posts: 3,541
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    Not very difficult at all.

    In fact, if I were to start this system from scratch, I could eliminate all the Taco 501's and just use a transformer and the Elko off time relays. The package would be less costly and about 1/2 the current size.

    You might consider it for your oil conversions.

    Have to use off the shelf stuff, can't create something that no one can service or understand.

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    Bob Bona_4Zman
  • Robert O'Brien
    Robert O'Brien Member Posts: 3,541
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    Ahh...........it's not exactly rocket science.

    I'm sure you could service it with ease.

    Now, the oil companies................

    Not sure how this one will fare in that regard. Will probably have to help them if they get in trouble with it as the control strategy is completely different.

    I could tell stories..........
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