Question for Vapor Heads

Mike T., Swampeast MO

Are the old mechanical feedback mechanisms on those systems still able to function? Typically removed or so corroded as to be useless?

Most? all? of them seemed to have such. Is there any sort of standardization (like maybe they all turned something about 90°)?

[Deleted User]

Almost all of the

return traps we see are still usable. Many are hanging there in various states of neglect. Illinois, Trane, & Dunham were the dead mens' choice in our area.

We genuflect to them, reconnect their piping very delicately, clean the check valves carefully, and don't mention condensate pumps in their presence. We hold our breaths when we have to open one up. However, we have NOT had to euthanize one for many years. They are close to bullet proof.

Mike T., Swampeast MO

Am referring to the old mechanical link back to the boiler draft.

Steamhead

Draft regulators

is what you mean. These operated the boiler's draft doors thru chains. Typically these are removed when the old boilers are replaced. I have yet to see one still working- but you never know what's in the next basement.

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Heatrick

Draft Regulators

Back when I was a helper about 16 years ago, I was on a job with two of the old timers we were putting in a previously tested (used) hand fired coal steamer, at the end of the job they fiddeled around with this draft damper for hours getting it to work. They finally got it working. That old hand fired is still going. Man those sections weigh a ton! Thats the only one I ever saw in operation. I have seen the rements of many of them hanging above boilers. Those old timers have long since retired, but they haven't joined the dead men yet.