oily smell

GW

we did a new steam boiler a while back, planned on coming back when the weather was cooler to do some good skimming. The people started the boiler before we could get back and noticed some strong odors in the radiator vents (one pipe). I went a skimmed, there seemed to be more oil than normal. Now they say it's better but still noticeable. Is there something i can add to make it smell better? I've never experienced this concern. Thanks

Dave0176

More skimming possibly wand washing the boiler, it will fade eventually. Washing WILL get though.

GW

I'm sorry i hav't done a wash, fill up the mains and drain it?

BobC

The fastest way is to use a wand to wash off the oils

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q1tw9rz-pUk

The steam mains get steam cleaned every tome the boiler comes up to steam so the majority of oil smell is probably from the boiler itself. You could dump a half dozen steamaster tablets into the boiler and let it go crazy for 20-30 minutes, that will cause heavy foaming and should clean anything in the boiler risers and header.
Make sure you flush out the boiler good after this and fill it yp to the normal water line, you can then add one or two steamaster tablets to treat the boiler water for normal running.

Bob

GW

thanks Bob, i'll try some tablets 1st.

BobC

To be clear you have to bring the boiler up to steam for 20-30 minutes, there will be groaning and thumping during this time but ignore it. Then shut the boiler down and drain it all out, refill it up to the boiler takeoffs after it cools and drain it again to flush it out. I would repeat the flushing twice before filling it up for normal operation, then you can commence to skim.

Bob