Repair options for a Peerless EC/ECT Steam Boiler front section tapping

eoverton

This cast iron boiler has several tappings in the front section including two reinforced tappings that allow for the installation of the glass tube and a McDonnell & Miller 47/2 automatic water feeder/low water cut off. There are two brass fittings that screw into the two tappings that support the glass tube and the feeder. The bottom brass fitting broke off, leaving the threaded portion in the boiler section. In removing the broken section of the fitting, the threaded reinforcement for that tapping broke apart and broke away from the section. Now, there is nothing to screw a brass fitting into. What are my options for repairing this situation? Can a threaded reinforcement be obtained and attached/'welded' back to the face of the cast iron section sufficiently to support the weight of the attachments without leaking? If not, short of an expensive replacement section, is there a way to seal the existing hole and re-install the glass tube and the water feeder elsewhere on this boiler? This boiler has been in service for 10 years and has performed flawlessly. What are the chances of successfully separating the front section from the rest of the boiler?
Many thanks to the Wall for any suggestions that may be shared.

KC_Jones

Pictures of what you have going on would help tremendously.

eoverton

Photos of my predicament.

Can the remaining threads in the tapping be chased with a die so that the brass fitting will screw-in, without further damaging the tapping? Also, are there methods for reinforcing the tapping to help support the weight of a M & M 47/2 water feeder/LWC?

Thanks for your suggestions & advice.

nicholas bonham-carter

What is the wall thickness without the reinforcing boss?
Can you mount the LWCO elsewhere on the boiler, and just have the sightglass in its original spot?--NBC

eoverton

I estimate the wall thickness to be 1/8th inch or less. Maybe could install a probe type water feeder/lwc elsewhere but not sure.

Fred

If you can get someone that knows how to weld cast iron, I would think you could have a Thread-o-let welded over that opening.

EBEBRATT-Ed

try running a 1/2" pipe tap in to clean out the threads. If you can get a nipple and dope it up good with Teflon tape & your favorite pipe dope it may hold. the other possibility is to drill it out and tap it 3/4" pipe size.

I would not weld a pressure vessel especially cast iron. Or change the section

eoverton

After cleaning the threads, Would using high temperature epoxy to hold a threaded nipple in place, be worth a try?

BobC

If you get the right epoxy it could help. I've used some that are good to over 600 degrees but once they are on getting anything apart is not easy.

Bob

New England SteamWorks

I have had good luck with epoxy on cast iron radiators when welding attempts completely failed. Definitely worth a try and easiest first option. If it doesn't work you can just hit it with a heat gun or torch and melt it back out, then move along to plan B which would be to drill it out and tap for 3/4" I should think.