Oil Boiler Water Marks on Side of Unit Behind Paneling, Cast Iron

dmalk118

Had my yearly tuneup and when the tec removed the side paneling on the boiler he noticed small, fine, water marks on the cast iron. The tec last year also mentioned these to me. They didn't look any different to me from year to year. Last year's guy didn't seem to think much of it in terms of an emergency. Does anyone have any opinions on this situation? Is this something to be concerned about? Or are they trying to scare me into buying a new unit?

Cast Iron oil boiler is about 22 years old, Burnham. Attaching zoomed in pic the water marking is better 3 and 4 on a 5 boiler.

techforlife

You did not have to say it is a Burnham, lots of them develop a crack in the cast iron in that exact same place. I have seen scores of them. You must replace boiler. Leak will come and go depending on boiler temp. changes. I have found that the leak from that spot increases when burner is actually firing. Have done many warranty replacements. It will only get worse.

dmalk118

Ok thanks. how long do I have? Am I good to hold out until spring?

techforlife

If I could predict the future, I'd be rich! I would guess that if it has lasted this long that you would be o.k. into the spring. By no means should you risk trying to get through next winter with it. I have seen too many disasters in my career.

dmalk118

thank you. Any recc’s on a replacement?

techforlife

You could contact Burnham with model and serial number and consider a warranty replacement.

dmalk118

is that possible at such an old unit?

Big Ed_4

If it gets worse , add a boiler sealer to buy you some time…

Steamhead

@dmalk118 , what model Burnham? Steam or hot-water?

dmalk118

hot water

Intplm.

You should call Burnam and see what they have to say. 1-888-791-3790 Have the boiler model number and serial number handy as well as the pictures you have taken of the leak.

In the mean time, if needed, do what @Big Ed_4 says above to give yourself some time by adding a boiler seal type liquid to the boiler.

Steamhead

https://forum.heatinghelp.com/discussion/comment/1845880#Comment_1845880

What is the model number?

dmalk118

@Steamhead model # - 5WFH

Steamhead

https://forum.heatinghelp.com/discussion/comment/1845941#Comment_1845941

We've run into this before- it's actually a V7. See:

https://forum.heatinghelp.com/discussion/166164/oil-heat-desire-to-convert-to-natural-gas

What is the firing rate on yours, and the Net BTUH rating?

EdTheHeaterMan

https://forum.heatinghelp.com/discussion/comment/1845830#Comment_1845830

File for the warranty ASAP. don't wait. The sooner they know the more warranty credit you will get. The warranty is pro rated the older the boiler is.

You don't need to do the work now, you need to get the claim in now.

HVACNUT

https://forum.heatinghelp.com/discussion/comment/1845855#Comment_1845855

Most manufactures give a 30 year prorated warranty on the block for water. You need the serial number. I've seen too many Burnham CI blocks fail, so if it were mine, I'd go with a different boiler. Is that an V8 model?

And it's not a terrible leak yet, so hold off on the boiler seal.

dmalk118

@Steamhead firing rate 1.65
BTU - 191

Steamhead

https://forum.heatinghelp.com/discussion/comment/1846163#Comment_1846163

It's a V-75.

dmalk118

@HVACNUT it’s a v-7

dmalk118

@Steamhead thanks the info. I’m going to call Burnham tomorrow see what they say. Any thoughts on what I can replace it with?

HVACNUT

https://forum.heatinghelp.com/discussion/comment/1846179#Comment_1846179

A V7, 5 section? Do you really need that? 1.65 GPH?

Steamhead

https://forum.heatinghelp.com/discussion/comment/1846189#Comment_1846189

Good question. You need to do a heat loss calculation on your house. Many boilers are oversized.

dmalk118

@HVACNUT @Steamhead i have no idea if it’s needed, was put in before me. Yes, will have a heat loss done.