Need a contractor near me for ancient steam boiler

jimfinn2016

Anyone know a contractor skilled in old steam boilers - that will actually show or return a phone call - and services central NJ area - Raritan, Flemington NJ? SOunds like my system will die over Xmas :-(

EzzyT

@jimfinn2016 I service the NJ area, you can reach me at:
Office-201-499-0223
Cell- 201-887-8856

nicholas bonham-carter

While you are waiting for the steam doctor, can you describe the symptoms you are experiencing?—NBC

EBEBRATT-Ed

@jimfinn2016 ,

@EzzyT is among the best. Call him

Ironman

EzzyT is your man.

jimfinn2016

NBC:
system intermittently short cycles - only thing I've ruled out is thermostat - tested with a new backup i have and same systems

old steam boiler

Fred

What has changed since this problem started?

jimfinn2016

nothing had been running fine - replaced transformer about a year ago been top notch til week or so ago. tested the thermostat as I mentioned that seemed fine

Hap_Hazzard

Is this short-cycling occurring when the system is recovering from a setback or is it randomly intermittent?

jimfinn2016

seems to short cycle more when the system is dormant for awhile, noticed it a few months ago where the thermostat would kick on - would short cycle once, then come back on after a few minutes, then it would be fine. when its running more frequently in cold weather seems like it keeps up fine? could it be it needs a good cleaning? oil filter? or perhaps the flue reset switch? replaced that like two years ago - honeywell box.

nicholas bonham-carter

You could do a test by shorting out the thermostat contacts at the boiler and see if the same shortcycling occurs.
If it does, then use a jumper on the Pressuretrol to see if that could be the problem.
—NBC

JUGHNE

What thermostat do you have?
Pictures would help out....tstat and boiler piping, controls etc.
Did you call anyone for service?

jimfinn2016

thermostat is basic honeywell programmable - have another one in the box that I swapped in -still same issue - will try your suggestions NBC - and thank you all for your help and suggestions to this point

JUGHNE

What cycles per hour did you set it at....makes a big difference.

jimfinn2016

JUG - here are photos of my system. Trying to find someone to come out to answer your question NBC.

jimfinn2016

JUGHNE

There was a phone number posted above on Christmas Eve....with several recommendations from others here to call for service.

jimfinn2016

Thanks JUG - saw the multiple recommendations here for the same service contractor - still trying to connect. you have anyone else you recommend? always tough finding someone with an opening this time of year

jimfinn2016

Jug:
where do you set cycles per hour - would that have any impact on a system that wasnt running and immediately upon restart it was short cycling from the get go?

JUGHNE

The install instructions for the tstat may mention cycles or simply a choice for the type of system you have......steam, hot water would be your choice.

Does that gauge ever go down to zero?

You can do the things that NBC recommended.
Your pressure control be be 120 volts, so shut power off while you jumper that.

Looks like you have a smoke stack relay for your burner, does that have to be reset. You do not want to reset it more than once.....you can flood the burner chamber with oil if it tries to fire and doesn't light.

SteamingatMohawk

I have a gas fired steam boiler, so what I have to suggest may not be 100.00% comparable for your situation.
1. Do you have a Low Water Cutout that does a periodic check? I have a Hydrolevel CG400 1090 LWCO that cycles every 10 minutes for 90 seconds.
2. If you use a setback, the entire system will cool down substantially during the setback causing the boiler to run a lot longer the first time it changes to the non-setback temperature. Because there is so much "cold iron" there will also be more condensate flowing back to the boiler until the entire system gets up to temperature. This has caused problems in one pipe systems like noise and lower than normal water level. I don't set back my boiler.
3. If you do set back and do have a LWCO like mine, it is very likely that it will cycle multiple times while the building gets up to temperature.
4. Your pressure gauge reads 5 psig, that's high from everything I've read on Heating Help.

I hope this information is helpful.

Steamhead

Can't tell for sure, but the boiler looks like an old Arcoliner. The burner might be an old-style non-flame-retention model- can't see the name on it either. The stack relay was rendered obsolete probably around 1960 or so- it takes so long to lock out if the burner doesn't light, that you can get a puffback when you reset it. You really should look at upgrading.

I'll add a vote for @EzzyT since he responded first. He does first-class work.

jimfinn2016

Jug / Mohawk / Steamhead:
appreciate your guidance both - and yes Ive been saying i wish i could get one more year out of this old Arcoliner since 1994 :-)

I think you may be on to something with the "cold iron" - it does seem to shortcycle when its off for long periods - like we have had some weird warm days where it doesnt kick on much - but when its cold on and it runs a lot - all good :-)

hmmmm - and yes looking in to getting Ezzy out - he reached out right after I contacted him and working to schedule me in :-)