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20 year old Knight KBN080

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Boring
Boring Posts: 51
in Radiant Heating

Thinking it's time for a new boiler…any recommendations for a great replacement? I've taken care of this one for it's entire life….Is replacing it something that a competent home owner can successfully accomplish?

Boring

Comments

  • pecmsg
    pecmsg Posts: 7,612

    No need to replace due to age. Any issues, short cycling, leaks, etc?

    Can a homeowner do yes.

  • hot_rod
    hot_rod Posts: 28,517

    why? I think parts are still available. The only killer would be a leaking heat exchanger

    Bob "hot rod" Rohr
    trainer for Caleffi NA
    Living the hydronic dream
  • Boring
    Boring Posts: 51

    Well, Last year when I cleaned the boiler the insides were looking pretty crusty as was the burner and the gasket on the burn chamber and the display has been flickering for a couple years now. Called a service company to service this year and they indicated that old girl is probably due to be replaced and they are so busy they couldn't do it, they gave me a couple recommendations and they are booked out several weeks to….so I decided to rip into it yesterday…replaced the backflow valve and pressure reducing valves cause the boiler had no water pressure….working great now, but haven't cleaned the burner or taken that apart yet…concerning that maybe it won't seal back up….worried crazy old man I guess…. considering a KHB085 as a replacement…thoughts, and Thank you!!

  • EdTheHeaterMan
    EdTheHeaterMan Posts: 12,851

    Basically the same input and operating design, modulating and condensing. Check the I/O manual to see if the existing venting is adequate and if it is not, is it easy to install the required vent piping?

    Edward Young Retired

    After you make that expensive repair and you still have the same problem, What will you check next?

  • hot_rod
    hot_rod Posts: 28,517

    well I suppose it is a matter of when , not if it will fail. I doubt price is going down.

    I like the Knights, I have installed quite a few since they came out. I have a 50k in my shop.

    Bob "hot rod" Rohr
    trainer for Caleffi NA
    Living the hydronic dream
  • Boring
    Boring Posts: 51
    edited 3:00PM

    thank you for your thoughts and guidance…venting is ok, co-vent out a side wall, appears the boiler that caught my eye has a little different configuration but should work, everything else is just pipe fittings/sweating and air elimination…. Maybe I'll clean her up one more time and keep my fingers crossed that nothing goes haywire, or see if I see any concern spots before I pull the trigger….. guess I'm "waffling" now….

    Peace to all…Boring

  • EBEBRATT-Ed
    EBEBRATT-Ed Posts: 21,169

    @Boring

    If you can keep this one running buy the new boiler now and have it ready. Reolace it in the spring when you can take your time and do it right.

    Study the piping, wiring and venting in the new manual and take the time to get everything right

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