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Slant/Fin boiler replacement recommendations

kr51
kr51 Member Posts: 3
in Radiant Heating
Hello - My aging Slant/Fin needs to be replaced. If they were still in biz, I would just drop in their latest Sentry. The boiler heats a 6-zone radiant floor heating installation. Model S-90 EDP, installed around 1999-2000.

Any practical experience with installing a replacement brand/model?

Thanks.

Comments

  • hot_rod
    hot_rod Member Posts: 19,954
    Is the boiler leaking? Tell us more about the system. A cast boiler with a mixing system for radiant?

    A mod con would be another good option if it is a low temperature system, around 130 or lower supply?
    Bob "hot rod" Rohr
    trainer for Caleffi NA
    Living the hydronic dream
    kr51mattmia2
  • Steamhead
    Steamhead Member Posts: 16,280
    @kr51 , also has anyone done a heat-loss calculation on your house? That is the proper way to size a new hot-water boiler.
    All Steamed Up, Inc.
    Towson, MD, USA
    Steam, Vapor & Hot-Water Heating Specialists
    Oil & Gas Burner Service
    Consulting
    kr51ethicalpaul
  • kr51
    kr51 Member Posts: 3
    It was leaking substantially as well as, over past several years, system would depressurize. I suspect an internal leak and due to the age of the unit and overall condition, have decided to replace it. This process would have been a lot simpler last year, of course.

    Temps where I'm at rarely get below 40 deg.
    hot_rod said:

    Is the boiler leaking? Tell us more about the system. A cast boiler with a mixing system for radiant?

    A mod con would be another good option if it is a low temperature system, around 130 or lower supply?

  • kr51
    kr51 Member Posts: 3
    I've never had that calc done. I live in a moderate temp zone. I would consider not even putting the system back in working order, but I don't have forced air or other heating system. Plus, the system does work and it seems straightforward to replace the boiler with the same/similiar unit.

    I went on eBay and noticed Sentry s-120 boilers for sale. I need to review install manuals but seems like could be a good replacement option.
    Steamhead said:

    @kr51 , also has anyone done a heat-loss calculation on your house? That is the proper way to size a new hot-water boiler.

  • pecmsg
    pecmsg Member Posts: 4,201
    If you’re adding that much water that’s why the boiler failed. 
    Find the leak and fix it!
    mattmia2
  • ethicalpaul
    ethicalpaul Member Posts: 4,822
    Plus, the system does work and it seems straightforward to replace the boiler with the same/similiar unit.


    A heat loss calculation is straightforward as well and could inform you that your replacement could be smaller and therefore less expensive to purchase and will run more efficiently.
    1 pipe Peerless 63-03L in Cedar Grove, NJ, coal > oil > NG
  • SummitMechanic
    SummitMechanic Member Posts: 25
    edited August 29
    To answer your question, a Super Hot Saturn series boiler is a good replacement for a copper fin tube boiler, and they still meet federal regulations on efficiency. 135 is the lowest they go as far as BTU's, but that should not be a problem.
    Experienced Boiler Mechanic In Summit County, Colorado.
  • john123
    john123 Member Posts: 50
    edited August 29
    @SummitMechanic: does anyone make a copper fin tube boiler now? and is a steel boiler better?
  • Jersey2
    Jersey2 Member Posts: 164
    How about a Burnham X-2?
    I'm not a plumber or hvac man and my thoughts in comments are purely for conversation.

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