Welcome! Here are the website rules, as well as some tips for using this forum.
Need to contact us? Visit https://heatinghelp.com/contact-us/.
Click here to Find a Contractor in your area.

[Steam boiler issue] Rust on burner, small smoke. Time for replacement?

Tellywu
Tellywu Member Posts: 1
edited February 2021 in Gas Heating
Hello,
My gas steam heater is acting up lately. 
Every time I checked, the pilot light went off.
So I lit it up and it starts up right away.
But once a while it will went off on its own.
One thing I notice is that the fire is kind of yellowish so I decided to take it apart to take a look. 
Turns out some of the burners has rust at the end and also the inside has rust as well. See pics attached. 
Is this fixable or may as well just replace the whole thing? How much are we talking about? 

Comments

  • STEAM DOCTOR
    STEAM DOCTOR Member Posts: 2,211
    Hi. We are not allowed to discuss prices in this forum. The boiler is almost certainly toast and needs replacement. There seems to be a hole at top of heat exchanger. 
  • STEAM DOCTOR
    STEAM DOCTOR Member Posts: 2,211
    Not sure about the hole actually. I am not great with pictures. Fill the boiler past the top of the boiler. If water comes leaking out, you know that you need a new boiler. In the event that water leaks out, you will need to remove and dry out the burners before operating. 
  • EdTheHeaterMan
    EdTheHeaterMan Member Posts: 9,401
    I believe that is a picture from the bottom point up. If so, the part on the left where the piece looks like it has burnt away is most likely a replaceable piece of fire-resistant insulation similar to ceramic fiber insulation or Kaowool insulation.

    The rust coloring on the cast iron is more of a concern. Is that from flue gas condensation or is that from a boiler leak higher up in the heat exchanger on one of the cast iron sections? To test that out, follow @STEAM DOCTOR's test by filling the boiler (Warm) above the top of the boiler to see if water drips out at the bottom. If there is no water leak once the water gets into the riser (you can tell by a temperature change in the pipe) then the boiler is repairable. if there is a water leak then the boiler is toast.

    The size of the crack or hole will determine if the boiler is good for the rest of the winter or if you need to replace it NOW. If the leak is small enough then add some boiler sealant to get the pilot to stop going out. Then in a month or two, you can the replacement boiler. Replacing a boiler in a rush will only cause issues unless you have a competent Steam Professional. Use the Find a Contractor link above



    Edward Young Retired

    After you make that expensive repair and you still have the same problem, What will you check next?

  • EBEBRATT-Ed
    EBEBRATT-Ed Member Posts: 16,492
    edited February 2021
    You pictures show some rust stains. Could be from condensation on a cold start or the boiler could be on it's way out. Also some rust on the burners is a telltail sign

    I would watch it until spring then over fill it to test for leaks
  • Steamhead
    Steamhead Member Posts: 17,387
    I think it's probably failing. Many times if there is a small hole, it will get you through the season, but you'll want to replace it over the summer.

    Where are you located?
    All Steamed Up, Inc.
    Towson, MD, USA
    Steam, Vapor & Hot-Water Heating Specialists
    Oil & Gas Burner Service
    Consulting
  • vincentac1
    vincentac1 Member Posts: 0
    EBEBRATT-Ed said:

    You pictures show some rust stains. Could be from condensation on a cold start or the boiler could be on it's way out. Also some rust on the burners is a telltail sign

    I would watch it until spring then over fill it to test for leaks

    to me it looks like the part where the blocks connect ( general area ) on the left looks wet from water dripping down the section. what do you think?

Categories