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Warranty... to rebuild or not

Have a customer who has a hole in his oil steam boiler it's less then 10 years old so he can get a new block or just new boiler with a credit toward the new one. Has anyone ever been this situation and taken an old boiler apart to put all the old working parts jacket etc. on to a new block and how long did it take. Originally he was interested in changing to gas back in the summer but now that he realizes he has only until Nov 7 to get warranty he's not interested. Any suggestions or advice would be greatly appreciated.

Comments

  • ChrisJ
    ChrisJ Member Posts: 16,317
    What boiler is it?
    Burnham V8?

    Single pipe 392sqft system with an EG-40 rated for 325sqft and it's silent and balanced at all times.

  • danitheplumber
    danitheplumber Member Posts: 85
    Yup how'd u know
  • BobC
    BobC Member Posts: 5,502
    If they will give you a good credit towards Megasteam I'd think about doing that. The V8's have their problems I don't think I'd go that route.

    Bob
    Smith G8-3 with EZ Gas @ 90,000 BTU, Single pipe steam
    Vaporstat with a 12oz cut-out and 4oz cut-in
    3PSI gauge
  • danitheplumber
    danitheplumber Member Posts: 85
    Ya they only give mega block now
  • Fred
    Fred Member Posts: 8,542
    edited October 2016
    Keep in mind the Megasteam is not certified for use with gas so if they go that route, it's likely they will continue to use oil for a long time. Great boiler though.
  • ChrisJ
    ChrisJ Member Posts: 16,317
    If you can get the warranty from them that's amazing considering the stories I've read on here.

    I would not replace the block, chances are it's going to fail again. Go with a Megasteam or an Independence boiler if they definitely want gas.

    Personally I'd go with gas no question.

    Some guys here have put gas guns in Megasteams, but Burnham won't back it. @Steamhead could give far better details on the risks involved.

    Single pipe 392sqft system with an EG-40 rated for 325sqft and it's silent and balanced at all times.

  • danitheplumber
    danitheplumber Member Posts: 85
    Well the warranty is up Nov 7 so if he does decide to put gas gun would it matter?
    kcopp
  • Fred
    Fred Member Posts: 8,542
    The only unknown is why Burnham refuses to certify it for gas. It may also be a liability for any installer who puts a gas gun on it, should something go wrong, down the line.
  • Steamhead
    Steamhead Member Posts: 17,387
    edited October 2016
    I think the reason is political rather than technical.

    But if Tim McElwain can convert boilers whose manufacturers are out of business and not have an issue, we can convert MegaSteams.
    All Steamed Up, Inc.
    Towson, MD, USA
    Steam, Vapor & Hot-Water Heating Specialists
    Oil & Gas Burner Service
    Consulting
  • danitheplumber
    danitheplumber Member Posts: 85
    So its safe to say it's not done
  • Bob Bona_4
    Bob Bona_4 Member Posts: 2,083
    I wouldn't. The liability lies on the contractor from that point.
  • ChrisJ
    ChrisJ Member Posts: 16,317
    edited November 2016
    It is done, that is safe to say.
    It's just not safe to say it's safe to do.

    :/

    I swear that made sense before I typed it.

    Single pipe 392sqft system with an EG-40 rated for 325sqft and it's silent and balanced at all times.

    Bob Bona_4
  • Fred
    Fred Member Posts: 8,542
    ChrisJ said:

    It is done, that is safe to say.
    It's just not safe to say it's safe to do.

    :/

    I swear that made sense before I typed it.

    It still makes sense.
    ChrisJBob Bona_4