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Low water but not really

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Grallert
Grallert Member Posts: 644
edited November 2018 in Strictly Steam
Hello everyone. I'm having a weird issue here. Let's see if I can explain it. I have two Pacific Steel boilers. I run them alternately about every ten days. These boilers are twins, equipped with the same controls and safeties. The issue I am having is a false low water lock out. They both have MM 193 and below they both have MM 63M LWCO. Either boiler will run for days, Maybe three to Five days before the 63M opens. Reset it, runs for a day than 5 hours and so on you get the picture. The boilers are not low according to the 193s. Each boiler gets its water back from a separate pump and a 1000gallon receiver tank. The controls get flushed regularly as are the boilers. I'm perplexed as to why the 63s would open when clearly the 193s are seeing water. Both the 63 floats are sound or appear to be in fact one is new as is the switch. Any ideas? I'm a bit stumped. Thanks for any in put.
Miss Hall's School service mechanic, greenhouse manager,teacher and dog walker

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  • Steamhead
    Steamhead Member Posts: 16,835
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    Surging boiler water?
    All Steamed Up, Inc.
    Towson, MD, USA
    Steam, Vapor & Hot-Water Heating Specialists
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  • EBEBRATT-Ed
    EBEBRATT-Ed Member Posts: 15,524
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    What is the difference in mounting heights between the 63m and the 193s? Measure casting mark to casting mark. Also check the surging as @steamhead mentioned.
  • nicholas bonham-carter
    nicholas bonham-carter Member Posts: 8,576
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    Are any chemicals being put in on a regular basis?
    Those can build up over time, and increase the concentration. Maybe checking the Ph will point the way to the solution.—NBC
  • Grallert
    Grallert Member Posts: 644
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    Steamhead said:

    Surging boiler water?

    There does not seem to be any surging though it's hard to tell. the water in the 193 glass is stable.
    EBEBRATT-Ed said:

    What is the difference in mounting heights between the 63m and the 193s? Measure casting mark to casting mark. Also check the surging as @steamhead mentioned.

    The difference is about 20 inches, the 63 is well below the 193.
    nicholas bonham-carter said:

    Are any chemicals being put in on a regular basis?

    Those can build up over time, and increase the concentration. Maybe checking the Ph will point the way to the solution.—NBC

    Yes, this is the only change is a chem pump i installed this summer. We have for years just poured chem into the receiver tank. We will check that this morning. This is the only change or significant change made in years and years.
    Thanks you guys for the ideas. I'm going to drain #1 boiler after a chem check then refire while I baby sit it. Thanks again. I'll update you.
    M
    Miss Hall's School service mechanic, greenhouse manager,teacher and dog walker

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