System on it last legs?

Alex_2

I have an older one-pipe steam system that I'm not quite ready to replace:

ARCO Ideal series 3M Size S-2205 with asbestos "snowman"
[originally coal fuel since 1896, but oil since 1938?]
Sloan Interburner oil burner with new ignitor this year.
Sundstrand fuel unit A2VA-7416
LWCO: McDonnel No.67
Honeywell PA404 Pressuretrol
Oil tank that is "far from code" according to my steam guy.
+ Ever-hot tankless water heater on a hot water zone

Current issues:

1. While flushing the LWCO lately, I noticed that it's getting slower. I haven't taken the time to test it (drain to low water) for the past couple weeks because it's been kind of chilly here in MA. I used to get a pour of water, and it's slowed to five or so fast trickles. I just ran it until it was (mostly) clear and topped up, but I'm not sure it's really flushed.

2. When the ignitor died last month, the guy who gave up dinner to fix it was nice enough to assess the burner. It seems the ring is pulling away a little, and the ignitor spark contacts are on their closest setting and very corroded. (I guess this old-school equipment only lasts for ONE lifetime...)

3. Many of my air valves stuck this year. Last year they were fine, and I cleaned a few at the beginning of the season. But I'm worried that this is a symptom of something else, in addition to aggravating the mineral content of the boiler water due to some steam loss. (I topped up the sight glass from 1/3 to the normal 2/3 about once each month since it got so COLD. This includes my about-1-gallon flushes each week.)

I want to keep this thing going at least until spring, and possibly for a few more seasons. Maybe I feel some kinship with the old system. (My grampa is one of Dan's "Dead Men" who maintained a whole convent's steam plant for decades. Wish he were here now.) Or maybe I just haven't decided what to replace it with.

Any comments?

Alex Nauda
Melrose, MA