Low Water Cut Off problem

Cory_H7

Hi, I have a one pipe steam system that has worked pretty well over the past ten years I owned the house. However, I recently noticed that it started to cut on and off a lot, sometimes only staying on for a few seconds, sometimes several minutes or more. The desired temperature is maintained just fine. So after exploring a bit, the LWCO has gotten my attention. The amber light was going on and off, along with the clicking. Now the amber light just stays on, even when the boiler isn't firing. The water in the sight glass seems fine, and I added a little water above the fill line. It is definitely above the level of the LWCO probe. So after reading some of the discussions here, I think maybe the probe needs to be cleaned or replaced. Or maybe the LWCO needs to be replaced. It is a SafGard 400 from 1996. I know this because I took the cover off to make sure the electrical connections were good and saw the sticker, and it looked a little rough in there (photo attached). The only other thing I changed this year is that I added some pipe insulation on an interior (in my hallway) riser, which subsequently delivered better steam to the bedroom above. Don't know if this caused the problem. The thermostat is fine and is also not causing this. Any thoughts on the LWCO? Thanks, Cory.

Gordo

I would say that Hydrolevel probe needs to be replaced ASAP (as well as the electronics, as the probe by itself is usually special order).

I would avoid the Cycleguard (or psycho-guard) series of the Hydrolevel LWCOs if at all possible.

the_donut

Gordo said:

I would say that Hydrolevel probe needs to be replaced ASAP.

Second and has nothing to do with insulation. That has been leaking a while.

Fred

I would say you need to replace that LWCO with a new one (a Safgard for sure) Don't buy a CycleGard. Clearly it has a leak around where the probe goes into the boiler. That probably interferes with a good ground that is needed for the probe to work properly.

Cory_H7

Thanks for the feedback. Is this LWCO replacement a job for someone reasonably handy? Seems pretty straightforward, but since it is only February I don't want get stuck. Thanks again.

New England SteamWorks

Gordo said:

I would avoid the Cycleguard (or psycho-guard) series of the Hydrolevel LWCOs if at all possible.

PsychoGuard, Too funny!

New England SteamWorks

Assuming you don't need to change the probe (and I think that's a good assumption), pretty straightforward. No risk involved. Go for it.

nicholas bonham-carter

The leaking can only have come from the probe, so best to change the whole thing. Make sure you have some open end wrenches to fit the probe flats as a pipe wrench will probably round the faces.—NBC

Cory_H7

Thanks everybody, what a great forum this is. Last thing to clarify- I do see that I can order just the probe replacement online, at about 1/3 the cost of replacing the whole thing. However, a reviewer said the replacement probes don't last long like the original. Assuming I can clean up the housing from the leak, is this a bad idea to replace just the probe given the age of the LWCO? I plan on selling my house in the spring, so it would be to someone else's benefit long term (who may or may not keep the current system).

KC_Jones

I will answer your question with a comment and a question then you can decide. This is a safety device that can keep your house from possibly blowing up.

Is this the place you think it's prudent to start saving money?

Not trying to be snide, but sometimes I think we all need a little blunt perspective.

I'd replace the entire unit and consider it cheap at any cost.

JUGHNE

You stated that this was from 1996. The electronics in this one have been exposed to either steam or water.
The next version will be most likely an improved design.

You probably don't have the same TV you had in 1996.

Cory_H7

All good points. I will take your advice and replace the entire unit. Thanks everybody.

Cory_H7

FYI, I replaced the LWCO over the weekend- short cycling problem solved. The new probe looks different- ceramic casing I think. I attached a photos of the old one. Not sure if it failed or if it was the circuit board. Anyway, pretty easy to swap out. Thanks for the advice!