Steam Boiler Repair

Dienes

Thanks for the responses. I'll have to ask about the model. I think the BTU output is rated at 112k, but I don't remember the steam rating was.

The heating guy that looked at it thinks it is about 20 years old.

It definately appears to have run dry. Neighbor says he a burning smell was present at each radiator, and upon investigation the boiler itself (the panels) was extremely hot, and the tank was empty.

After cooling, it was filled again and began trickling water from what appears to be an inspection plate bolt.

Dienes

Steam Boiler Repair

The auto-fill, low water shutoff switch failed on a neighbor's Weil Mclain boiler. The boiler ran almost dry and developed a leak. The leak appears to be at or near an inspection plate bolt.

Both heating subs are quoting around 5k for replacement. I suggested to my neighbor that he ask if the crack can be repaired, and both responded that it isn't a good idea.

Here is my question: Assumming that the damage is deemed repairable by a welder, is there any reason not to have it repaired by a welder? Obviously, the water controls must be fixed as well.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

John@Reliable

What model boiler?

John@Reliable

ta finnegan

It depends.

It really depends on the overall shape of the boiler, stress cracks in certain areas could be a hint of what is to come.

Also, what is the reason for the crack? Can we be certain that there are not others? Dry firing for sure or possible thermal shock?

Someone with some engineering knowlegde in strength of materials ought to look at it to determine this.

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steve_6

how old is the boiler??

[Deleted User]

as a former welder

the problem with welds is they tend to expand and contract at a different rate than the base metal...that said.. it can be done but would require drilling holes at the end of the crack, not the visible crack, but the real crack as determined thru magnetic particle testing, then the crack would have to be ground thru the metal in order to get a 100% through penetration weld, the filler metal would have to be as compatable with the content of the base metal as possible, another magnetic test would be required afterwards to determine that the welding itself didn't crack the boiler furthur. preheat and post heat treatment may be required. In short, you may be better off pouring oatmeal in the darn thing. hope this helps- gerry gill qualified submarine hull welder u.s. navy '82-84

John@Reliable

They might be covered under home

homers insure. will cover all but the part that caused problem (LWCO) 95% of the insure. comp I have dealt with have covered the replacement boiler less lwco.John@Reliable

Jim Walls

cast iron

is this boiler cast iron ?

Tom_10

wouldn't even attempt

Gerry the welder has pretty much summed it up. I have NEVER seen a weld work on a residential steam boiler. With the effort your going to put into even an attempt to weld, I would put that effort towards a new unit. A 20 year w/m steam unit(most likely unattended to)has done its time. 5 large sounds a little high to replace but if its done right it'll be worth it. Good luck!