Skim port... Do I dare?

marcusjh

I don't think this has been opened since it was originally installed in the 70's- should I even bother? It needs to be skimmed badly, and I'd like to be able to add some steamaster tabs- but if I can't- or shouldn't open this- then how do I get them in?
I'll have to log back in to upload the photo- for some reason, it's not letting me add any...

marcusjh

Sorry about that - for whatever reason, my iphone wouldn't let me attach a file.

gerry gill

you can, we use an impact wrench to take them out. about 300 foot pounds usually will do it.

marcusjh

Thanks. Regular pipe dope to put it back? Or something specific?

JUGHNE

I would invest in an 8 point impact socket for that venture. You can size it with an open end wrench.....maybe 7/8" for a 1" plug.
A 6 or 12 point might seem to fit tightly, but you get one chance to not break off the square corners of the plug. If that happens then it is chisel & drill time. Personally, (I am always paranoid with this things), I always soak something like that with PB Blaster spray or something similar.....several times over several days, then pick out old pipe dope with dental pick, between spraying........IMO

FWIW, I service a boiler with that exact plug situation, but now it only has 3 corners on the plug.

marcusjh

Thanks! This is why I'm wondering if I should just use the top of where the gauge glass goes to skim from - problem is - how would I get the steamaster tablets in? I saw a previous post where someone dissolved them in water and then poured into a custom built nipple on a skim port, but if this thing goes on me, I'm SOL - or can I just funnel it in from the nearest radiator connector?

JUGHNE

The plug will most likely come out with the penetration oil applied several times. Impact wrenches work more efficiency than brute force applied, which is what happen to the boiler I described above. The worst scenario for you with the impact is that the plug head breaks off. The hole would still be sealed by the plug itself.

marcusjh

OOo... Will that thing fit up into the gauge pipe with a tablet in it's teeth?

nicholas bonham-carter

Can you rephrase that question again?--NBC

Abracadabra

marcusjh said:

OOo... Will that thing fit up into the gauge pipe with a tablet in it's teeth?

No

BobC

In a pinch remove the PRV and pour a dissolved tablet into that port with a funnel. If the PRV is on the side of the boiler use some tubing on the funnel to direct it where you want it.

Bob

mookie3333

Hatterasguy said:

Everybody should own one of these:




A lifesaver in many situations, including this one.

What the hell is this called?? Owned one years ago, haven't seen it for sale in recent years.

Fred

mookie3333 said:

Hatterasguy said:

Everybody should own one of these:




A lifesaver in many situations, including this one.

What the hell is this called?? Owned one years ago, haven't seen it for sale in recent years.

I just saw them at Home Depot this past weekend.

marcusjh

Found the claw - but had to do a little digging about what a PRV was (forgive me, I'm a newbie). There is an emergency blow valve on the top of the boiler, but I've been told to never touch it by the service guys... is that what you're referring to?