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Capitol Winchester Boiler

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werall1mind
werall1mind Member Posts: 3
in THE MAIN WALL
Just curious about history of this Capitol Winchester Boiler.  I've attached pics.  

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  • Big Ed_4
    Big Ed_4 Member Posts: 2,785
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    Pancake boiler , It first burnt coal . The clinker door was used to break up and clean the rack . The bottom ash cleanout door was removed to instal the gas burner .. Your system is a gravity hot water system . The most complex piping heating system . That strap on aquastat set it to 150-160 . Old burner , too simple for todays safety standards.

    There was an error rendering this rich post.

    werall1mind
  • EdTheHeaterMan
    EdTheHeaterMan Member Posts: 7,859
    edited November 2022
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    In its history, it was probably painted a different color.

    seriously, It can be as old as 1890s. I believe it is manufactured as late as 1930s
    Further research:
    According to the Beacon Boiler reference guide, U.S. Radiator company manufactured the Capitol Winchester boiler from 1912 to 1928. It has a 500 sq ft steam rating.

    The Gas burner is very old. Pre WWII vintage. The gas pilot valve is most likely manual. No safety shut off. Back then if the pilot was extinguished the pilot gas would continue to flow into the fire box. The lighting instructions would state that you needed to shut off the pilot gas and open the fire door to ventilate the gas for 10 minutes before trying to re-light the pilot.

    The pilot had a thermocouple connected to a pilot safety switch (Manufactured by PENN controls), sometimes called a BASO switch, that would not allow the main gas valve to open if there was no pilot flame.


    Since coal fired boilers did not have limit switches, the common way to add a limit switch for automatic firing, was to strap it on the the supply riser pipe. The L409A limit control you have is from the 1950 or later. The original looked like this

    Edward Young Retired

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

    werall1mind
  • werall1mind
    werall1mind Member Posts: 3
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    Thx for info.   Works well but definitely uses a lot of gas.  Bill can be high even when I set it to 65 degrees. House also has 2 heat pumps and a wood pellet stove. So I don't light Boiler until it gets stupid cold.
  • Alan (California Radiant) Forbes
    Alan (California Radiant) Forbes Member Posts: 4,012
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    There are only a few of them out West here. This one's steam.


    8.33 lbs./gal. x 60 min./hr. x 20°ΔT = 10,000 BTU's/hour

    Two btu per sq ft for degree difference for a slab
    STEVEusaPAGGross
  • werall1mind
    werall1mind Member Posts: 3
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    Very interesting!  This Capitol  Winchester is located in Kansas. 
  • Big Ed_4
    Big Ed_4 Member Posts: 2,785
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    Nice system if nobody messed with it .. Large mass system ..Slow but sure system . Only on the coldest days of winter would it build up to limit ..

    There was an error rendering this rich post.

  • Steamhead
    Steamhead Member Posts: 16,849
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    Unfortunately, these "snowman" boilers were not efficient at all on oil or gas. One of my Dead Men's Books says they run about 40%. I'd replace it if it were mine.
    All Steamed Up, Inc.
    Towson, MD, USA
    Steam, Vapor & Hot-Water Heating Specialists
    Oil & Gas Burner Service
    Consulting
  • Alan (California Radiant) Forbes
    Alan (California Radiant) Forbes Member Posts: 4,012
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    Unfortunately, these "snowman" boilers were not efficient at all on oil or gas. One of my Dead Men's Books says they run about 40%. I'd replace it if it were mine.
    And put it in your museum? How is that museum coming along these days?
    8.33 lbs./gal. x 60 min./hr. x 20°ΔT = 10,000 BTU's/hour

    Two btu per sq ft for degree difference for a slab

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