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Paging Glenn Stanton Re: Flooded Burnham Steamer

Went to a service call on a Burnham 405BI Steamer. Due to the huge amounts of rain we have had this spring, the 100 year old basement flooded for the first time ever. Water level at the boiler was about 6 inches, so the entire burner tray went under, as well as the flame rollout, which caused a short and blew the transformer at a minimum. The thing that concerns me is the fire blocking around the burner area is soaked, and the burner tray and brackets are corroded. Am I safe in assuming that the Burnham standpoint on this is to replace the boiler, or is it possible to replace the fire blocking and burner tray assembly.

The reason I ask is the block was replaced a couple of years ago, so the customeris going to flip if I tell him it has to be replaced.

If Burnham's standpoint is to replace the boiler, is there the possibility that I could get it in writing?

Thanks Glenn.

Glenn Harrison

Comments

  • Glenn

    I have been posed with this question many times in the past. The 4B series steamers were replaced with the Independence series boilers many years ago and I don't believe that the base trays are still available. The base tray was there to support the back side of the burner tubes and for combustible floor installations. If the integrity of the metal is still fine, I wouldn't be too concerned about that part.

    The insulation is bonded to the base assembly at the factory and is not available as a seperate part. I have had contractors successfully replace various pieces of the insulation with refractory board such as "Kaowool Board" and high temperature mastic in the field. Depending on whether the insulation panels are falling off or not and how far they have deteriorated, you may have to replace them all, including the burner access door panel.

    As far as the gas train goes, replace the gas valve if it got wet along with the pilot assembly. Blow out the manifold piping and pilot tubing and clean all of the burner tubes and orifices. Replace any electrical components that seem to have been damaged. In reality though, the time spent in labor to do all of this may actually exceed the time it takes to replace the entire boiler. That call is yours. Cleaning, drying and repairing is feasible, but sometimes not practical. Hope this helps.

    Glenn
  • Glenn Harrison_2
    Glenn Harrison_2 Member Posts: 845
    Thanks, Glenn.

    Knowing parts are not available makes the decision easier.

    Since this unit is propane, I'm going to quote replacing the burners, orifices, pilot, and manifold. The gas valve did not get wet, but it may be shorted due to the rollout going under and shorting the trans. minimum.

    I'm also quite sure my boss will not want to take the liability of retrofitting the fire block material, so I guess this guy is out of here.

    Thanks again. Have a great 4th of July weekend

    Glenn Harrison
  • tim smith_2
    tim smith_2 Member Posts: 184
    under water components

    There would be no reasone to replace burners unless they are corroded, brushing and blowing out will take care of them. The gas valve, if not wet will not be shorted out due to another component getting wet. It will just burn transformer. I think you will find out that 600-800 bucks will fix the problem. Kao wool board will work fine if the old board is damaged. Pilot may need replacing but alot of times cleaning works. Main thing is any gas or electrical controls that get wet or overheated get replaced. Tim
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