Old Crane boiler

CraneBoiler

Hi, have a 61 year old, gas, crane boiler that started making noise after a new expansion tank was put on... years ago.
It sits above my living room, in the attic, and more recently has become increasingly noisier, with now some banging now in the walls. I have reached out to multiple companies, receiving multiple responses. This is an old boiler. I have been told that the cast iron "tanks' of years gone by are like no other. That they can last a 100 years. It is hard to reconcile paying thousands of dollars for a new boiler that may last 10-15 years? I have an estimate from one firm that quoted the replacement of all of the ancillary pieces and parts, essentially rebuilding the boiler. If the boiler should then tank... all of the new parts would fit on the US Boiler x-2 boiler system. The part replacement scenario is appealing as it is literally 1/3 the price of a complete replacement. Unfortunately, the gentleman decreased the pressure on the boiler and suggested i watch the pressure to see if it drops? This action made me uncomfortable and makes me question his sincerity? Should I go new or rebuild? Any thoughts? Thank you.

EBEBRATT-Ed

Something doesn't sound right. If the boiler is not leaking and has good combustion it is generally ok to run it regardless of age.

I question the "pressure reduction" and why this was done. Would need more information to make an assessment.

Can you post pictures of the boiler the temperature/pressure/altitude gauge and the expansion tank.

Is the boiler located in the basement? Why is the expansion tank in the attic. How many floors are you heating.

mattmia2

Is the expansion tank an open tank?

Steamhead

I'd bet the system is low on water, or if it has a circulator, the circulator isn't working.

CraneBoiler

Thank you for your responses. The boiler is in the attic, above my living room. So, every time the boiler heats up, the noise transfers into the living room. a constant reminder that I have water sitting above us. The expansion tank is a closed tank attached to the boiler. No basement.
It does have a circulator that is left on all year. It is hot to the touch. Again, multiple opinions on the circulator.... It needs to be replaced it doesn't need to be replaced, it can be heard running.
Everything I have read about new residential boilers is that they last 10-15 years. how can this be? What goes wrong? do the tanks rot out and leak? It would be helpful to know going forward.
It is said that the new boilers are more efficient and will save money.... but the money saved.... will it be enough to pay for the new boiler in ten years?

mattmia2

Is the cap open on the auto air vent? Does it leak water if you open the cap on it?

Intplm.

The noise over your head will be a hard thing to cure. It's above and not below as would be in a basement installation that would, of course, lessen the noise. You may just need to move the boiler but that is.....?

If the circulator is hot that is probably heat transfer. If the thing is working I wouldn't replace it.

Are you hearing a noise that sounds like a piggy bank being shaken when the heat turns on? If so. The boiler needs to be purged of air.

Your "tridicator" or gauge shows the correct pressure, 12psi. If it is reading correctly? (It is old) Original? Then you are good there.

I'm guessing you have some air in your system that might be adding to your noise.
The air scoop that has a leak stain on it from the Hi-hat air vent installed above it, might be contributing to water make-up that can add to your noise.

If you hear a sound that sounds like a piggy bank shaking with change in it? Then the boiler needs purging?

Hope this helps.