In need of some expert advice

S. Domingues

I posted a topic about a boiler that would not shut off, even after putting a new thermostat. The boiler is a type D Weil-Mclain Gas boiler, one zone. I am thinking since when i put the thermostat well below room temperature and the burners do not shut off I am going to replace the high limit and circulator control, would this be the right idea?? My only other idea is that it could be something wrong with the main gas valve, which hooks up to the thermostat. Thanks for all your help, I really appreciate it.

Steven Domingues

Earthfire

boiler control

A boiler that does not shut down is not a learn as you go situation. Its a SAFETY issue. Please turn off the power switch to the unit and after you turn off the electric power turn off the gas supply to the boiler also. Get a qualified gas tech to service it. It could be something fairly simple as a electric control or as dangerous as a stuck gas valve.

Mad Dog

sage advice by Earthfire.................................

heed his advice and go to FIND A PROFESSIONAL at this site....this is a life safety issue. Mad Dog

To Learn More About This Professional, Click Here to Visit Their Ad in "Find A Professional"

jim lockard

steve

Listen to Earthfire, turn off the boiler electric and fuel. A runaway boiler is not a do it your self project.Best Wishes J.Lockard

Weezbo

like i said ....

disconnect the thermostat from the wall first. go check the boiler. if the problem still persists...The boiler continues to run....turn it off shut off the gas. call someone to beat it on over there for spiritual advise with some tools in thier hands.

Josh M.

The high limit is actually a normally closed switch meaning that it fails open. The way to tell if it is bad is to place your volt meter on it and trip it. If you still have a reading it is bad. Of course make sure that you are on the right pole (Typically the bottom pole). I think more than likely this isn't the problem. If the main gas valve is the problem you can eliminate your doubts by checking for voltage on the MV port on your flame safeguard control. If you have voltage (24V or 120V) If so the flame safeguard is giving the gas valve the go ahead.

jim lockard

Stop

Hopefully by now steve has gotten professional help for his boiler. You guys are acting like steve is an experienced service tech (he is not) and a run away boiler is not a play toy. Best Wishes J.Lockard

Ray Landry

But I thought ANYONE who could read a set of instructions could do our job??? (Sarcasm)

Josh M.

You know I really feel that anyone should be able to get advise here. The advise I am giving is basic advise you can get in any book. Everyone has to start somewhere. If I didn't get the chance to learn by doing I wouldn't be where I am today, and If I can help someone else I will. Remember the old saying "You can't keep it if you don't give it away".

Jeff Krawic_2

scared.......

Josh you are right! Anyone here can get advise. Perhaps the advise was not understood though. Several people advised this fellow to get a qualified tech for this one. I agree too! This is not a "tinker" issue when dealing with a runaway boiler! The advise is sound and well intended. I doubt this person has a meter and if so it appears it is unknown as to ability to use one. This thread makes me scared! Lets hope he takes the advise here for his OWN sake and his families if there is one. (says a quick prayer for this one,.....) Oh and I just went back and re-read his post and see he says the thermostat is wired to the gas valve???? Something seems unusual in my thought....... (says a second prayer) As usual everyone be careful out there.

S. Domingues

OK you guys all have a point, but hey give me a chance haha....I am 20 years old, so that may surprise you, but I have done a number of operations on boilers, but limited to changing zone valves, ciculator pumps, air tank, switch, the gas pilot valve. But all of those times I consulted with someone else, usually the plumber at the hardware store, (I go to this great hardware store here in New Jersey, and if I also know of a great plumbiing supply store that usually gives a heads up). Secondly, I do own a meter, and know how to use one, I have spent 3 semester studying electricity, and am prety comfortable with it as engineering student. i.e. I know you have to set the voltmeter to set the dial of the multi tester to a different range depending the type of systeem (transformer).
But I am sure you will be happy to know that I, well my father really, did call a prefessional considering the number of possibilities. It wasnt really a runaway boiler though, cause when I set the high limit control lower, the boiler did shut off.....so I didnt feel as though it was that dangerous. Thanks a lot for everything though, I trully appreciate, I mean that....

Thanks,
Steve

Earthfire

so

where you tinkering with the control ? is that why it was set high?

Weezbo

Home owner with a new wrench intervention

how did i miss it? ))

S. Domingues

EUREKA! disconnected the thermostat, boiler still running, turned out the two wires near the boiler were in contact, two minute job! HAHAH
Thanks for all your help, I really really appreciate it. It shows a lot about your character, and your passion for your trade. Keep up the good work.

Steven Domingues

Ray Landry

Funny thing is, is that I'm 20 as well, and I do this stuff every day! It's definetly frustrating when customers don't trust you because of your age though....

Just curious, I thought you said that you called a pro? did he find the wires crossed or did you?

S. Domingues

hahah of course the pro had to find it, but he was a family friend, it was two minutes......i just bowed my head in shame....