american radiator ideal arco round

Bill McMillan

I have an American Radiator Ideal Arco Round boiler. I've had lots of contractors (Delaware,OH) in to check it every fall. About half want to replace it but won't tell me why. The last one in to check it told me the asbestos seal was starting to leak. I have no idea what he's talking about. I'd like to know if he's just making that up and do I need to replace it if it works fine?

Thank you for your time
Bill McMillan

lchmb

safety

I for one am a big fan of proper removal and disposal of asbestos. If your boiler is in fact wrapped with this and it is starting to break down, I for one would be removing it. Of course we cannot see the system from here and know it's problem's. You may find saving's worth the time and effort to install a new system. I think what you need to do is get with a company in your area who you trust and have them explain the pro's and con's. Just make sure whoever you use disposes of that asbestos properly!!!
Good luck...:)

Steamhead

Round boilers

are notoriously inefficient. One of my Dead Men's Books says they cannot be expected to be more than 40% efficient on oil or gas. New boilers reach at least 80% efficiency, by a more-accurate measurement. So a new boiler stands a good chance to cut your fuel consumption in half.

I'd replace that old Arco in a heartbeat. Is this a steam or hot-water system?

Bill McMillan

thank you for the advice. i think it's a gravity steam system with a pump. any more advice would be very helpful
thanks,
bill

Steamhead

If it has a pump

it might be hot-water. Is the pump attached to a cast-iron box about 18-inches square that sits on the floor, or is it just mounted in one of the pipes near the boiler?

Bill McMillan

Steamhead,

both cold return pipes go through the pump. the asbestos is sealed. the concrete-asbestos seam looks okay....mabye a little brown in spots but no leaks. are you a contractor?

regards,
bill

Steamhead

It's probably hot-water

Another way you can tell is if there's a thermometer on the boiler in addition to a pressure gauge, also the lack of a glass tube that shows the water level.

Yes, I'm part of a contracting company- if you're in the Baltimore area, e-mail me.

Bill McMillan

guage

Steamhead,

I live in Delaware, OH...know anyone trustworthy in central OH? The guage is temp & altitude. It's updated as far as possible with pressure valves and new overflow tank. Have any advice on the seam?
Regards,
Bill

Steamhead

Paging Buckeye Wetheads!

This gentleman needs his hot-water boiler looked at and probably replaced- Anyone willing to step up?

Bill, I'm really not sure about the "asbestos seam"- it could be several things, possibly a rope-like seal between cast-iron pieces. I'd have to see it to be sure.