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Odd situation

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JackVinner
JackVinner Member Posts: 10
in Strictly Steam

over the last two years at the first real cold weather days I will get a call of no heat.

Looking at the boiler the sight glass has water to an appropriate level but the boiler doesn’t fire up. There is power to the furnace and it was running producing steam earlier in the day.

The solution each year has been to drain the boiler and allow the auto feed vale to refill the boiler and than it just magically starts and works for the rest of the heating season.

Anyone have any theories on what is causing this?

Thanks in advance.

Comments

  • EBEBRATT-Ed
    EBEBRATT-Ed Member Posts: 19,279

    What type of low water cutoff do you have? Float type or electronic probe? I will guess float type MM #67. Probably needs cleaning and service. The float may be sticking over the summer.

  • JackVinner
    JackVinner Member Posts: 10
    IMG_1130.jpeg
  • EBEBRATT-Ed
    EBEBRATT-Ed Member Posts: 19,279

    The black feeder/low water cutoff is a McDonnell Miller #51.

    Both the feeder and the lo water cut off switch are operated bu a float (like in a toilet tank). Those controls need to be cleaned and flushed every so often. Probably needs servicing.

    JackVinnerIntplm.
  • dabrakeman
    dabrakeman Member Posts: 838

    Probably a good idea to leave a bright tag on the handle with detailed blow down instructions. I remember moving into my house 23 years ago with no steam experience and wouldn't have had a clue about blow down necessities if it weren't for that tag…

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