McLain vs. Burnham

Zorian Pinsky

In my search for a contractor to replace my 70 years old steam boiler I almost zeroed-in on one contractor. However, this contractor first choice is McLain boiler (EGH95). Would this manufacturer be better or equal to Burnham?

My doubt is based on comment by another bidder who said that McClain seals between sections could leak when the boiler incidentally overheated.

My other question is about a need for feed pump for the new boiler. The pump and auto feed system are included in the proposal. However, the same contractor, few years ago, proposed just auto feed system for make up water. I asked them to explain the need for the feed water pump. The answer was that I would not have to add the water manually - the feature I do not really need, I think. The cost for the feature - $1700(including the auto feed system).

Going back to the previous proposal, however, I am not clear what would had been function of the auto feed system in the absence of the feed water pump. Just to feed condensate water by gravity? Please explain.

My current system is two pipes with gravity condensate feed.

Thank you, steamers. :-)

Steamhead

It's true

that Weil's neoprene section seals can burn out if the boiler dry-fires. Personally I prefer iron push-nipples like Burnham uses. That said, I see lots of Weils out there and they seem to hold up very well.

You actually have two different setups being proposed here. One uses just an electric valve activated by the boiler's low-water cutoff to add water to the system. This is pretty much standard, and works well.

The other is way more complicated- it routes all returning condensate thru a tank from which it is pumped back into the boiler. I seriously question the need for that. Keep the pressure low with a Vaporstat and the water won't back up in the returns at all- you can continue using gravity-return.

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gerry gill

I agree with steamhead,

you shouldn't need a feed system if your old boiler worked on gravity return..i prefer burham boilers also..but a very old and very respected steam elder here in cleveland prefers weil-mclain..i think they are both fine and either one will work well for you and on this matter i would let the contractor choose the unit he is best comfortable with.

Alan_6

Dunkirk

I install Dunkirk steam boilers. They are a good boiler for the money. They come with the sensor-low water control already installed. And the water feeder valve has to be purchased separately. The low water control, has a 24 volt outlet, for the water valve. Weil Mclain, and Burnham are good boilers. I prefer Weil McLain, They seam to be more supportive, if things go wrong.

Steamhead

Is Weil-McLain really

"more supportive, if things go wrong"?

I agree they do a good job at W-M, but maybe you've never dealt with Burnham's Glenn Stanton. IMHO he's one of the best!



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Robert O'Connor_7

Boiler selection....

I personally prefer the Weil-McLain and I have never had a seal failure. I have seen the Weil-McLain dry fire but only in a few insidents, them being the failure of the dreaded Safe Gaurd probe type Low Water Cut Off (and I belive it was lack of maintenence)and another where a rouge winterizer who added petroleum glycol to the system. Giving equal time to both companies, I too had an old timer who worked for us and his opinion was "A boilers a boiler, buy the cheapest one. Your only paying for the name" that being said I can only look back on experiences that I've had with both. Burnham always took a wait and see, send the part(s) back and if bad we'll issue a credit. Wereas Weil-Mclain gave me a PO # and said get the item were you can and finish the job. To me, I preferred, and welcomed Weil's commitment, wereas Burnham's reps were just too quick to throw me under the bus and claim it's not our fault or better yet wait 8 months for a $90 credit.
As for feed controls, you mentioned its a EGH95? Seems a bit small to require it, but I wouldn't say never. Why not install the new unit and either make room for the feed unit (just in case) you can always do it later, just make sure its not too cold before you find out. Feed units are usually needed on larger systems were you remove a boiler with 5 times the water content as the new unit and when the new unit makes steam, it goes out to the system but doesn't return quick enough for the next cycle, then shuts off on low water, or &, adds water though a conventional auto feeder. When the condensate finally comes back from the first cycle , you now have flooded the boiler (overfilled... BAAAAD!). Robert O'Connor/NJ

Kal Row

it's probably a toss up between..

burnham's glen stanton and slant-fin's noel murdough or maybe we are not on firsname bases with the WM crew because the suff is so trouble free, just kidding

but urban legend has it, that even in the smaler sizes - WM's internal heat-ex layout and 2 pipe supply, proporly done of course, will give drier steam.

then again - my brother has a slant-fin 240kbtu with a single pipe output - that's doing just fine - so dont fret the equipment - fret about the quality of the installer!!!

Kal Row

it's probably a toss up between..

burnham's glen stanton and slant-fin's noel murdough or maybe we are not on firsname bases with the WM crew because the stuff is so trouble free, just kidding

but urban legend has it, that even in the smaler sizes - WM's internal heat-ex layout and 2 pipe supply, proporly done of course, will give drier steam.

then again - my brother has a slant-fin 240kbtu with a single pipe output - that's doing just fine - so dont fret the equipment - fret about the quality of the installer!!!

Kal Row

it's probably a toss up between..

burnham's glen stanton and slant-fin's noel murdough or maybe we are not on firsname bases with the WM crew because the stuff is so trouble free, just kidding

but urban legend has it, that even in the smaler sizes - WM's internal heat-ex layout and 2 pipe supply, proporly done of course, will give drier steam.

then again - my brother has a slant-fin 240kbtu with a single pipe output - that's doing just fine - so dont fret the equipment - fret about the quality of the installer!!!

Zorian Pinsky

Final decision

Robert,

I talked to the installer. Yes, the new boiler water volume would be much less than in the old one. So, installation of the water pump in combination with a condensate accumulator appears to be necessary.

Finally, I have selected this contractor to do the job. I negotiated some price reduction and added one year (total two) to labor and the feed pump warranties. Hopefully, this company will do a good and professional job...

Thank you all for the participation and suggestions.

gerry gill

why dont you use

a tank mounted next to the boiler with an equalizer on it to hold extra water...advantage,no moving parts.

Dave_38

Boilers

As far as I am concerned there is no question, Weil Mclain wins hands down. I have never had a problem with their seals, and never had a problem with the company with any warranty. In this area I can show you operating WM boilers in excess of 35 yrs old. Four years ago we were talked into selling some Burnham boilers. Sold six, have that many unhappy customers. NEVER AGAIN will we sell another Burnham boiler.

Boilerpro_3

Ah, however

I don't believe they were using gasketed sections 35 years ago...only push nipples like on my old E series I find around here.

Boilerpro

Boston Boiler

I don't have anything bad to say about Mclain but my choice was a Burnham for my home.

BB

Jeff Krawic

choice

Aw heck, might as well put in my 1 cent worth, they are ALL good boilers and which ever one you choose, make SURE they put a low water cutoff and,...... voila,.... no more concerns about dry firing! JMHO
Jeff Krawic

Nron_9

what is an equilizer never herd of this for steam systems , though there is not alot of stem here just 95% hot water based systems , even a lot of steam has been coverted to hot water here