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ANCIENT CRANE VIKING BOILER

jsndltn
jsndltn Member Posts: 2
Hello was looking for help understanding my old boiler, wanted to learn to do maintenance myself on it.

Comments

  • Steamhead
    Steamhead Member Posts: 17,385
    That boiler doesn't appear in any of our references. What I can tell you is that it was originally coal-fired and later converted to gas.

    Many times these conversions are not very efficient, unless the installer used appropriate baffles. I would bet that a digital combustion test would show this. If that were mine I'd look at replacing it.

    Since the lower door says "Crane Limited" I'll guess that you're in or near Canada, right? Unfortunately, our Find a Contractor page only covers the USA.
    All Steamed Up, Inc.
    Towson, MD, USA
    Steam, Vapor & Hot-Water Heating Specialists
    Oil & Gas Burner Service
    Consulting
    kcopp
  • lchmb
    lchmb Member Posts: 2,997
    why am I thinking thats a lot of asbestos...
    Long Beach Ed
  • Henry
    Henry Member Posts: 998
    It is a Model 18, 9 sections for Water. Once I am in the office, I can get you the heating area. Don't touch the asbestos! You need a pro asbestos remover. It will cost more than a new boiler install. I had a similar boiler in my duplex over 35 years ago. Of course the baffles were gone. There are two semi circles in the upper chamber and a folding cast iron one over the fire pot. You can find then at Shafter in Montreal. I replaced a similar gas burner with a Economite with electronic ignition. My combustion tests revealed 84% combustion efficiency. I used only an indoor/outdoor reset and no thermostat. My gas bill was nearly half of my neighbours. There are still many of this model and Viking Junior in Montreal. They will out live us.
    kcoppMark EathertonTurbo DaveLong Beach Ed
  • Henry
    Henry Member Posts: 998
    From Roger's Boiler data bookA 18-9-W has a heating capacity of 1,090 sq feet for hot water at 150 BTU/ft (163,500 BTU)and 675 sq feet steam (162,000 BTU). The chimney is 9 inches.
  • John Mills_5
    John Mills_5 Member Posts: 952
    I can't believe people keep using relics like that. Isn't it costing you a bundle in heating bills?
  • Fred
    Fred Member Posts: 8,542

    I can't believe people keep using relics like that. Isn't it costing you a bundle in heating bills?

    I would bet the loss of efficiency (compared to a new boiler) is not an issue when you factor in most new atmospheric boilers seem to have to be replaced every 10 to 12 years due to rot. It would be an interesting analysis.
  • nelsonsrick
    nelsonsrick Member Posts: 1
    I have one of these in our old house. I thought about replacing it many times, but the cost per month not too bad and it still works great. to get rid of asbestos and the unit would cost lots, let alone replacing rusted out new boilers every 10yrs
  • Bigj59
    Bigj59 Member Posts: 2
    still lots of them old gals here in Winnipeg MB