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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: 23,416
    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: 17,387
    @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: 5,301
    If you’re adding that much water that’s why the boiler failed. 
    Find the leak and fix it!
    mattmia2
  • ethicalpaul
    ethicalpaul Member Posts: 6,678
    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.

    NJ Steam Homeowner.
    Free NJ and remote steam advice: https://heatinghelp.com/find-a-contractor/detail/new-jersey-steam-help/
    See my sight glass boiler videos: https://bit.ly/3sZW1el

  • SummitMechanic
    SummitMechanic Member Posts: 25
    edited August 2023
    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: 83
    edited August 2023
    @SummitMechanic: does anyone make a copper fin tube boiler now? and is a steel boiler better?
  • Jersey2
    Jersey2 Member Posts: 171
    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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