mud nipples

[Deleted User]

We just burned out and replaced 6 leaking and badly corroded mud nipples on an H.B.Smith/Mills 450 steam boiler installed in 1965.
We used the permatex and lampwick MadDog recommended and, so far, so good. (We used the permatex and lampwick at on the threads where the top of the nipple goes into the boiler casting). This seems to be where I find all the leaks
begin. I will keep everyone advised as to how the repair is holding up during the winter. Thanks everyone...

[Deleted User]

mud nipples

Does anyone have an answer to how to replace a mud nipple and guarantee it will never leak again? We burn them out with an oxy-acetylene torch, chase the threads with a tap, apply a teflon sealant and most times, they hold. Sometimes,
after about 2 seasons, they leak again. (Depending on the inspector, the boiler will pass or fail inspection). We thought about using Permatex or Expando on top of lampwick.
Will this work? Also, what is an easy way to remove a "repair" nipple as they are made of cast iron and threaded into the cast iron section of the boiler and there is not a lot of room to work in? Does anyone have a link to what H.B.Smith recommends? A lot of these boilers should have been replaced years ago, but, schools do not put a lot of money in their budgets for mechanical repairs.Am I the only only one that is fed up with repairing mud nipples?

bigugh_4

Challenge!

IF, and that is a big IF, the boiler boss where the nipple is mounted is smooth clean and not cracked, You could re-thread the new nipple with a non-taper die, (electricians have them) and make it long enough for a lock nut. Lock nuts have one side recessed for packing similar to the packing nut on a valve. Then useing hemp. or asbestos packing, pack it and tighten it against the clean smooth boss! The straight thread may allow for easier removal, the extra packing nut will stop the leaking of a non-tapered thread. This is a guess, low pressure boiler, 30# water, 15# steam only. If higher pressure boiler you may have to get insurance approval before proceeding.

Mad Dog

Brillant repair Bigugh

I will try that someday..I've found that lampwick and permatex will seal up just about any thread type leak. Mad Dog

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jerryb

smith-mills boiler's

Mike have done too many mud nipple repairs too count at one time you could buy split nuts for mud nipples that had a concave face machined in it.Used with a split washer and valve packing will chech tomarrow to see if they can still be had .JB

Al Letellier

mud nipple repairs

The last Smith Mills boiler I installed was in 1988. We used graphite based never-seize on all the threads and gaskets. Never had a leak and 3 years ago we replaced a section. I can't tell you how easily those nipples came out!!!

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