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Leaking Taco 110

speedbird
speedbird Member Posts: 21
edited December 2022 in THE MAIN WALL
Hi, I have a Taco 110 circulator pump feeding two toe kick heaters in the kitchen. Not the best setup, but the pump is fed by the steam boiler. I'd been lazy and hadn't flushed the loop in a while, it was filled with sludge. Needless to say, I just noticed the pump is leaking, at the seal? Maybe from a pressure build up, from cleaning the line? It's a brand new pump, only 2 years old, and I don't even run it most of the time, given I generally get enough convection circulation. Anyway, can I just replace the seal, given it's a brand new pump?

I think this is the replacement seal? https://www.supplyhouse.com/Taco-110-275RP-Taco-Sealer




Comments

  • EBEBRATT-Ed
    EBEBRATT-Ed Member Posts: 15,958
    You can replace the bearing assembly. (the section between the motor and the pump. If this is pumping boiler water it should be a bronze pump. Iron body pumps won't last pumping steam boiler water.

    You can probably replace the seal if you can find one.

    A quick "fix" is to check the tension on the spring coupler, loosen the coupling on the motor end and slide the coupler towards the motor putting more tension on the spring coupler.

    This puts more pressure on the seal. But be advised the quick fix probably won't last too long
  • Big Ed_4
    Big Ed_4 Member Posts: 2,877
    Brings back memories , Seems in good shape , Red Baron , Snoopy My guess early 80's ?

    There was an error rendering this rich post.

    EdTheHeaterMan
  • EdTheHeaterMan
    EdTheHeaterMan Member Posts: 8,281
    This is the easy way to replace the pump seal.https://www.supplyhouse.com/Taco-110-361RP-Bracket-Assembly-for-Taco-110-Circulator-Pump

    This way is cheeper but more involved. https://www.supplyhouse.com/Taco-110-275RP-Taco-Sealer. If you look on YouTube, there are no video instructions on doing this, mostly because the low cost of the factory replacement complete bearing assembly. After spending about half for the seal only, then taking the time to replace it, then putting it all back together, then finding that the new seal leaks in a few days or a few weeks, then you get angry and hit the pump with a sledge hammer. The you need both the new bearing assembly and a motor.

    After all that, most people find it easier to just get the complete bearing assembly and be done with it.

    Edward Young Retired

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

  • pedmec
    pedmec Member Posts: 1,009
    I would change the circulator to wet rotor and put a wye strainer before the circulator. you don't need a taco 110 circulator for two toe kick heaters. Its too big and requires pretty clean water to prevent the debris from killing the seals. And steam boilers are not clean. Constant corrosion happening in a steam boiler. You will keep rebuilding this year after year.
    speedbirdDerheatmeister
  • SteveSan
    SteveSan Member Posts: 241
    @speedbird It appears to be leaking from the 'weep" hole. You will need to apply more tension to the spring coupler. If you have any questions, please give Taco Technical Services a call during normal business hours Mon-Fri 8am-5pm EST 401-942-8000.
    speedbird
  • pecmsg
    pecmsg Member Posts: 5,037
    That’s a lot of circular for 2 small toe kicks!
    agreed change it to a 007 with a fine strainer up stream. 
    Derheatmeister
  • EBEBRATT-Ed
    EBEBRATT-Ed Member Posts: 15,958
    It needs to be bronze if pumping boiler water or it wont last
    mattmia2SuperTech
  • hot_rod
    hot_rod Member Posts: 22,669
    Go with an electronic circ if you do decide to change. Save some operating $$ to offset the cost.
    Bob "hot rod" Rohr
    trainer for Caleffi NA
    Living the hydronic dream
  • speedbird
    speedbird Member Posts: 21
    Thanks everyone, very helpful. Sounds like summary is don't invest any more time/money into this pump, downsize the pump to 007, get a bronze version, and add a wye strainer.

    I only see the cast iron 007? https://www.supplyhouse.com/Taco-007-F5-007-Cast-Iron-Circulator-1-25-HP-1983000-p. Can someone send link to the Bronze version?

    Luckily the kitchen stays warm enough with convection flow, so I don't have to run the pump that often, unless it's a very cold day. Another downside I'd imagine of the oversized pump is it sucks that much more "sludge" out of the boiler. I'd imagine a smaller one would not do that as much.
  • SteveSan
    SteveSan Member Posts: 241
    Taco only makes a stainless steel version, part# would be 007-SF5
    speedbird
  • speedbird
    speedbird Member Posts: 21
    edited December 2022
    Had some time to work on this and stumbled across Holohan's guidance on this setup, he says three-piece pump, no strainer. Will stick with the 110 and spend $112 on a new bracket assembly, and do a better job keeping that line clear of sludge (assuming that had some impact, in addition to the acidity of the water). If it comes back, I'll spring for the stainless 110.

    I did try tightening the the coupler (as tight as I could make it) but that didn't stop the leak unfort.

    https://heatinghelp.com/systems-help-center/how-to-run-a-hot-water-zone-off-a-steam-boiler/

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