A Bastian Morley Boiler

SgtMaj

Today I started work on an old BASMOR BOILER which has been installed in this house since built (age unknown). Most everything is original, the boiler still holds 12 psi so no problem there. The burner on the other hand needs some attention. The burner tips as shown in the photo are kaput! 99 of those little guys. The bearing assembly on the pump is locked up, and boiler relief and fill valve need to be replaced. As far as I can tell there has been no maintenance inside the firebox since installed. I found burner tips that I believe will suit the bill and the rest is just bolt on updates. First one I have run across so I thought I would share.

SgtMaj

This how it was firing when I first showed up!

EBEBRATT-Ed

I am sure it will work better with the tip cleaning or new tips. Should do a combustion test. Never herd of Bastian Morley. looks like late 30s-1940s.

Ironman

What what are you gonna do for replacement tips?

SgtMaj

Ironman said:

What what are you gonna do for replacement tips?

I found these, ordered one to inspect it. already crunched the numbers should work.

bburd

I'm amazed that replacement tips were available for such an old atmospheric burner. A lucky find!

SgtMaj

bburd said:

I'm amazed that replacement tips were available for such an old atmospheric burner. A lucky find!

This particular burner tip is used in a CO2 generator for greenhouses. Go figure. I found others similar in style that are used in commercial kitchen ovens and steamers. I told the homeowner not to hold his breathe, If I find replacement tips it’s gonna be costly, though way cheaper than a new boiler.

SgtMaj

I forgot to mention that it’s a single pipe hot water system. Single 1-1/2” run down the center of the house from the back to the front, then bull heads into a Tee to each side of the house and then two returns back to the boiler. And yes closely spaced iron Tees feed the radiators. The system is full of Crane valves and other bits. Not a bit of rusty water in the boiler, which I thought was amazing.

EBEBRATT-Ed

@SgtMaj

It is amazing that the amount of rust in a hot water system is directly related to how much make up water has been added over the years. I have cut into old systems and the inside of the pipe is like new.

You probably drained some 1938 water.

DanHolohan

Where is this?

SgtMaj

DanHolohan said:

Where is this?

Dan, the boiler is located in Kansas City. If you have info, books deep in the bowels of HeatingHelp.com I’d appreciate a look.

dko

https://forum.heatinghelp.com/discussion/185938/very-old-boiler-burner-question
mentions anderson forester
https://andersonforrester.com/product-categories/burner-jet/

I see basmor boiler 25w7 and 25w8 on the cross reference chart
https://andersonforrester.com/cross-reference-chart/

so definitely the right track.

Found a crane book from heatinghelp that has the basmor 25 series - page 31 of the pdf
https://heatinghelp.com/assets/documents/crane.pdf

Wonder if there is a copy of this handbook somewhere

SgtMaj

dko said:

https://forum.heatinghelp.com/discussion/185938/very-old-boiler-burner-question
mentions anderson forester
https://andersonforrester.com/product-categories/burner-jet/

I see basmor boiler 25w7 and 25w8 on the cross reference chart
https://andersonforrester.com/cross-reference-chart/

so definitely the right track.

Found a crane book from heatinghelp that has the basmor 25 series - page 31 of the pdf
https://heatinghelp.com/assets/documents/crane.pdf

Wonder if there is a copy of this handbook somewhere

Well I’ll be, thanks for the link, Anderson and Forrester for the win! Just called them and ordered 90 BJ215 burners. Said he had 200 in stock. And located in Kansas about 4 hours from me. Said he is shipping them out UPS today! Could have them as early as Sunday. It’s a Christmas miracle!

Just goes to show what a great resource HeatingHelp.com is.

Thanks @dko and Merry Christmas!

Mad Dog_2

That's my first thought too?  Where?  Topeka? 
Never, ever heard that brand name    Mad Dog 🐕 

SgtMaj

@Mad Dog_2 Anderson & Forrester is located in Clearwater, KS South West of Wichita, KS. They have all kinds of gas orifices, burner jets and gas jet sizing guides and tools. It’s a great resource.

Mad Dog_2

Sgt Major..yes..I've bought orifices from them.  Are you active duty these days,  Mad Dog 8

SgtMaj

@Mad Dog_2 12 years retired.

Mad Dog_2

Thank you SGM!  Mad Dog 🐕 

SgtMaj

Burner Jets arrived this evening, all 90 of them. If one is going to order from Anderson & Forrester, you must provide them the orifice hole size. If you don’t specify the orifice hole size you will get a blank and have to drill the orifice yourself. The orifice size on the jets that will be replaced on this project was a #70 hole, .028”. Install next week. Should keep this boiler in operation for several more years and save the customer big money by not having to replace the boiler.

Mad Dog_2

Keep us updated...looks like a Fun job...Anderson Forrester is First Rate Outfit..Mad Dog 🐕 

Mad Dog_2

Precision burner work is awesome...so much talent & experience comes in to play..Mad Dog 🐕 

SgtMaj

For those interested, the Bastian Morley boiler fired right up today after a slew of new parts.

Steamhead

Looks good- how were the combustion test results?

SgtMaj

@Steamhead, I’m sure it’s horrible. Haven’t done it yet, going back in a few days to replace pilot assembly and combustion test. Pilot assembly works, but it’s wonky, just want to clean it up a bit.