Homeowner with Steam 2

Dave Ewald

In response to Mad Dog - no relation to that Bob (I sent him an E-mail). I'll order the E book about when to replace a boiler. Since this one is still working, its hard to part with her. I only spend about $600 a year for oil, so increased efficiency won't pay for a new boiler and piping, since I expect to move out in 2008 or 2009. I have CO detectors (zero readings) in the basement and first floor. The carbon stain on the boiler was from misalignment of the burner electrodes while the house was vacant (the house filled with smoke and tripped smoke and CO alarms) and won't happen again since I would never let that guy service the burner again.

The heating is reasonably comfortable. Safety and house resale value could possibly convince me to change boilers.

Now that I understand one-pipe steam heating, I enjoy it.

My chimney is unlined single wyth brick, with an approx. 4" by 16" flue. I looked into lining it but, despite differing opinions of some contractors, decided that any lining would leave insufficient flue cross section for exhausting the oil burner, not to mention the gas water heater. I had a mason rebuild the top from underneath the roof line, because of crumbling and falling bricks.

Here's a question: Does anyone make a direct vent gas fired steam boiler? I looked around the internet a while ago but all the direct vent boilers seemed to be hot water only.

Dave Ewald

My Boiler Pictures

I have attached some pictures of my old Burnham Jubilee. I insulated the risers a while back, and expect to insulate the 1.5" by 22' main this weekend. Maybe I'll do the short, crooked main too. The piping looks a lot like the "job in Pennsylvania" on page 50 of the "Lost Art". I've lived with this boiler for about 10 years (away for three of those, while the house was vacant). I don't know who did the near boiler piping, but since there's Teflon tape on the threads I suppose something was done fairly resently before I bought the place.

To get a gas hookup reinstalled $1,000 cheaper for my stove and water heater I promised the gas company I'd convert to gas heat by March, 2004. I expected not to (Burnham said I couldn't convert the Jubilee to gas, and I was also told by the gas company years ago that I couldn't vent a new gas boiler into the old chimney), but I'd keep the option open and either convert or cough up the $1,000 if they demanded it.

I have also attached a picture of the end of the main (coming in from the right) which show the takeoffs. The other two guys in the house say they hear water hammer, but I only hear some hissing and whistling from the vents, gurgling, and an occaisional quiet clunk.

Putting in a main vent where none has gone before seems a bit difficult. Do I try to cut out a piece of the main, thread the ends, and add a tee and a union, or do I bore a hole in the main and thread the hole for a nipple?

I also attached a picture of the odd little radiator in the bathroom. It's supported by the gate valve at the right and a hockey puck under the left end. It's 24" high by 26" wide. I'm guessing about 12 sq. ft. EDR, because I have no reference.

Mad Dog

that boiler is ready for the grave...and you are ready to call

in a pro. That's alot of work to undertake. Mad Dog

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Dana

As Mad Dog say's, don't try this on your own. The boiler you have isn't even pipied properly. Call a PRO and forget about it.

Mad Dog

Hey Dave are you related to a Bob Ewald???? My old

man worked with a Bob Ewald at the Racetrack. This Bob Ewald was from Oklahoma. He would be around 60 now. Mad Dog

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Steamhead

Burnham does

the Independence PV series. But you can attach a power venter to almost any boiler, oil or gas. This is a job for a pro.

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