American Radiator Company, Ideal No. 7 boiler

jburns

My parents have a 1946 American Radiator Company, Ideal No. 7 boiler in their home. Recently, the basement flooded, and ruined the firebox to this unit, and we cannot find a replacement. Does anyone know where we could get a fire box for this unit, or if we cannot, are there any suggestions?

EdTheHeaterMan

Lynn Products sold at many supply houses
https://www.supplyhouse.com/Lynn-Manufacturing-1011-Universal-Combustion-Chamber-Kit-Lynn-Time-Saver-11-2300F-Ceramic-Fiber

OR THIS ONE
https://www.supplyhouse.com/sh/control/product/~product_id=1001


Both will work but I believe that the Time Saver is the one you want. Depending on the size (Sq Ft. Steam or Sq Ft. hot water or gallons per hour of oil) you may need a larger or smaller size.



You will also need a older experienced oil heat service man (even if it is a gas burner in there) because this boiler is over 80 years old and the oil conversions were completed over 50 years ago. I'm 66 Years Young and I was able to show my how to do this. But it is not taught in trade school anymore.

EdTheHeaterMan

Here is the picture of the inside of the Ideal No. 7 boiler where the combustion chamber is not high enough to cover the cast iron "Mud Legs" that must be protected from the intense heat from the flames. See where the top of the chamber is? Also, look at the bottom of the cast iron boiler The space in between is the base of the boiler. The base is a metal box that also needs to be insulated from the flame. This photo shows the incorrect installation because the bottom of the cast iron boiler and the boiler base is not insulated properly.

Steamhead

EdTheHeaterMan said:

Lynn Products sold at many supply houses
https://www.supplyhouse.com/Lynn-Manufacturing-1011-Universal-Combustion-Chamber-Kit-Lynn-Time-Saver-11-2300F-Ceramic-Fiber

OR THIS ONE
https://www.supplyhouse.com/sh/control/product/~product_id=1001


Both will work but I believe that the Time Saver is the one you want. Depending on the size (Sq Ft. Steam or Sq Ft. hot water or gallons per hour of oil) you may need a larger or smaller size.



You will also need a older experienced oil heat service man (even if it is a gas burner in there) because this boiler is over 80 years old and the oil conversions were completed over 50 years ago. I'm 66 Years Young and I was able to show my how to do this. But it is not taught in trade school anymore.

@EdTheHeaterMan is correct- the TimeSaver is the proper chamber for an oil burner in this boiler, since it is a "dry-base" type (base does not have water flowing through it).

Is this boiler oil or gas fired?

Where is it located?

EBEBRATT-Ed

@jburns

Replacing that chamber is a time consuming dirty job. Not like changing a typical part.

Can you post a few pictures. And post your location

retiredguy

Here is what we did in an old, commercial boiler installation where the factory could not or did not supply the chamber we needed. What you do will be determined by the size of the original firebox and the amount of space between it and the boiler's base. If, you have the space, I would install 1" to 2" thick rigid insulating board that is usually rated at 1200 F and cover that with a 1" thick blanket of ceramic fiber insulation similar to Lynn Kaowool rated at 2400F. Make sure that the rigid insulation is fully covered since a direct flame will destroy that insulation. Or, use either the insulating board or kaowool blanket against the sides of the base and build a chamber with hard firebrick. Do not use a soft firebrick since they will not last. Last idea, if you can not find what you need, see if there is a commercial/industrial boiler installation or service company near you and ask if they can help supply what you will need. The amount of material you will need was usually just throw away stuff after we were done or we would sell for a few $$. I hope this helps.

jburns

Thank you very much. This is helpful. The unit is a 1946 American Radiator steam boil, Ideal 7, Number 739. It is amazing it has worked all these years. It uses oil and steam radiators. What is damaged because of a flood is the re-factory in the the unit. We live at 98247 Everson Washington. Great location, in a log house, but now starting to get some flooding. Thank you so much for your help.

Steamhead

When it comes time to replace that boiler, I'd suggest setting the new one up on concrete blocks so it won't flood out so easily.

jburns

It looks like even if I try to replace the firebox on my 1946 Ideal American Radiator steam boiler I may not be able to find, in BellinghamWashington, a person that has the experience to do the work. I want to keep the steam system with radiators. It uses oil as a fuel. What could I reasonably replace it with. Thank you for your help.

Steamhead

Assuming you have less than 629 square feet of radiation, I'd get a Burnham MegaSteam. It's a 3-pass boiler that you can even get a piping kit for.

EBEBRATT-Ed

@jburns

I suspect no one there wants to get dirty on a 75 year old boiler they would rather sell you a new boiler.

jburns

That is a great suggestion. I assume there are a number of contractors in my area to install this type of system. Any suggestions on how to keep the cost down.

EBEBRATT-Ed

@jburns

The Mega Steam boiler @Steamhead mentioned is supposed to be the best oil fired boiler for steam. It's probably mor $$$.

Whatever boiler you put in it will probably be $$$. You old boiler is probably covered in asbestos which unfortunately be costly to remove.

But the best thing is to find a good contractor, and that can be the most difficult part of the whole thing.

We get horror stories here every week about lousy installs. If you search around on this forum you will see the posts

If you want to read a good current one read " Live men msquerading as dead men"

The contractor messed up and the homeowner is fixing it himself

You might try "find a contractor on this site" or post your location, someone may know someone good

HVACNUT

@jburns, get it in writing that the boiler will be piped precisely according to the manufacturer's instructions, or a properly designed drop header if not in the manual. And no copper. 
Check for restricted wet returns, if any.
Check all vents if single pipe. 
A return trip or two to skim.
Make sure a combustion test is done, and get a printout or results sent to your email.

retiredguy

If that were my boiler, I would keep the Ideal #7. They were built to last. Where I worked before I retired, , they sold and installed H B Smith 650's, 450's, 350's and later, 28's. I have seen some of the new crap they are installing now and I just cry. I am from the "old school". I am glad I am retired. My 2 cents.

pecmsg

When you said the fire box was under water was the burner and controls also?

jburns

Water got into the back of the burner and it sucked into the firebox. The electrical circuits look OK.