Burnham V7 steam boiler longevity

WilliamGwiazdowski

Currently have a Burnham PV73ST which was installed in October 1998 steaming up my Webster type R 2 pipe system in this 1934 colonial, have had very good service out of her for both heat and hot water with the only troubles really being a faulty LWCO some time ago as well as a mystery water leak which I solved last year which was just the drain valve by the burner which I simply capped off with a garden hose cap. Just did the annual maintenance on the burner a week ago, just waiting on my plumber friend to free up to give me a hand with brushing the heat exchanger, replacing the fire chamber liner, replacing the pigtail as well as doing a combustion analysis and efficiency test. After heating season I am going to be abandoning the hot water coil in favor of a 58 gallon electric heat pump water heater as I would like to be able to have hot water storage and also not burn oil in the summer time. I'm curious how much longer I can get out of this old gal. Plan on staying here long-term and in April it's been 30 years since Mom and Dad purchased this place. I've been doing some reading about replacement boilers however and I've been looking at New Yorker, US Boiler, Velocity / Crown, and Peerless as I know the inevitable will happen one day. And I know this is not a DIY job I will obviously have a professional do it when the time comes, just researching some options.

EBEBRATT-Ed

I am the wrong guy to ask about Burnham. They fail more than any other boiler in my location (MA). they say it's the water or something in their old design. Glad you have had good luck with yours.

That being said you run it until they leak. It looks in good shape and will be 30 years old in a couple of years so who knows?

The efficiency of a new one may be slightly higher but not worth changing for that reason. You might get 10 more years out of it.

While I don't like Burnham for an oil fired boiler most on here will recommend the Burnham Mega Steam as the best oil-fired boiler.

Hurts me to say that.

WilliamGwiazdowski

Thanks Ed, it's definitely in good shape. Aside from the leaking drain valve and LWCO, haven't had any issues with it at all. And I think with the old style transformer and primary control, the burner will last a very long time still. I did put a new motor on it about 4 years ago. I think with it providing my hot water and staying hot round the clock that may have prolonged its longevity. I think the plan will be to run it until it leaks or starts sending steam up the chimney.

AdmiralYoda

It wouldn't make much sense to replace it until you have to…. but that being said Murphy's law shows up in the dead of winter most times not in the summer when it is most convenient. If finances are available to you it may not be a bad idea to think about replacing it. It has lasted beyond its average life expectancy.

Personally because it looks to be in good shape I would keep running it. Make sure you don't need makeup water often. Once or twice a season should be appropriate. More than that may indicate steam leaks somewhere. Makeup water accelerates corrosion.

Perhaps add some Rectorseal 8-way to treat the boiler water. About 0.75 ounce per gallon of water capacity works for me. Having a water pH of 10-ish significantly reduces corrosion which will help with longevity.

Add a low pressure gauge and verify that it is operating at as low a pressure as possible to give the boiler its easiest life. Consider a vaporstat if your boiler is properly sized and never really builds pressure.

My Peerless is turning 45 this year. Completely neglected until I bought the house 15 years ago. Fingers crossed it is still running strong!

EBEBRATT-Ed

@WilliamGwiazdowski @AdmiralYoda made a excellent suggestion. The MU water is the key sign of a pending failure as well as water on the floor. Steam up the chimney may not show early on.

I would keep track of the water usage and a water meter is not a bad idea. Also do a radiator calculation to check the boiler sizing if you haven't done so already.

Now, don't talk about it anymore. Pat the boiler and say nice things about it when you walk by.

ethicalpaul

And I think with the old style transformer and primary control, the burner will last a very long time still.

This isn't the concern. The concern is when the boiler gets a hole rotted through the top of a section

WilliamGwiazdowski

Well aware of that, I've done a calculation and I believe it is perfectly sized, I'll have to find my pad that I calculated everything on. Definitely don't notice any leaks from it at all, tankless coil gasket does seep a little bit I believe but it's not enough to concern me with replacing it. I don't have an auto feeder on it, when I'm down in the basement doing laundry, I will stop over and have a quick look at the water level and adjust as necessary to keep it in the middle of the glass

ChrisJ

https://forum.heatinghelp.com/discussion/comment/1881057#Comment_1881057

I'm not sure about the V7 series, but I seem to recall the V8 series called for water 3/4 up the glass as normal? Looks like 22 5/8" up from the floor for a V8 series is the normal water level. I don't have one to measure though.

WilliamGwiazdowski

I'll have to see if I can find a manual, however I just keep the water in the middle of the glass

WilliamGwiazdowski

It is indeed 22-5/8" per the manual.