Sudden very loud bangs and more.

HampdenRD

I'm trying to find out what the problem might be but fully intend to call a professional to handle this problem.

With that said, here is what I'm experiencing. It started about 5 days ago that the steam furnace system by Weil-Mclain was not coming on like it normally should. The system seemed to be doing everything correctly except for actually lighting up. I turned it on and off a few times so that it would try firing up again which it eventually did.

Later, in the night very loud bangs started coming from the pipes above the unit and a few other places but not the normal minor ones I sometime get from the radiators.
When I check the system the sight glass was filled completely with very rusty water. For the past few days, it's been the same thing.

Any thoughts on what the main cause of the problem might be.

Steamhead

Somehow the boiler got filled too full. Shut it down and drain some water out.

This could be caused by a bad low-water cutoff or water feeder.

Where are you located?

HampdenRD

Thanks. I've drained quite a few buckets out but the problem stays the same.
The LWCV is definitely bad. It went bad around this time last year by staying open. Fortunately, I was home to stop the water going in before there was any damage from the water that did get out from the sprinkler heads.
I only didn't replace it because I found that I monitored the system much more closely out of necessity.

I am in Baltimore City. Hampden area.

Fred

@Steamhead is in the Baltimore area. If you can get him out to look at your system, he's excellent!

HampdenRD

Thanks, Fred. Left Steamhead a message.

Abracadabra

lower the water level to 2/3 in the gauge glass and turn off the water to the boiler. test your LWCO before doing so to ensure it'll shut off the boiler on low water though.

Drewby

Sounds like the boiler needs to be cleaned. Returns might be partially clogged

MilanD

Banging was from it being overfilled. Do as above suggestions to remedy the overfilling and get it checked out for cause.

Is this gas-fired? And is there a standing pilot or electronic ignition pilot? If electronic, your 2 issues may be unrelated.

Delay in firing on an electronic ignition can be from the flame sensor being bad. Your pilot will light but flame sensor won't acknowledge. I had this very thing on our WB LGB 7 only this past Thursday. Cleaned the sensor with some fine 400 sand paper and we're back in business.

Steamhead

@Gordo was going over there yesterday evening, but I haven't heard from him as to what happened. And I'm not calling him about this on a Sunday.

j a_2

Can u post a picture