Main Vents

PC

First off... Dan, THANKS for your books and devotion to steam! I can't learn the material fast enough to suit me.
I have a one pipe system (US Rad 21-45 boiler) that has already been visited by a "knucklehead" since I moved in late this summer. That story would take a page and just bore you. But, I have seen the light... or steam, or whatever.
That's what led me to your site and "The Wall". (God bless you guys for what you do here!)
I just got a $390 nat gas bill yesterday and it's not even really cold yet.
This has put the pressure on to tune this system up, pronto!
I don't have a "Pro" near me according to your listings so "Steamhead" has helped me via the wall. (Frank is GREAT, just too far away)
I have some old Hoffman #4 main vents that are shot. and I don't know anything about my pressure control (General Controls model) so I haven't approached that yet. (Tried to attach a .jpg of the control but it wouldn't go today)
What can I replace the mains with, and could your friend in Ann Arbor, MI give me a recommendation for a "Pro"? I'm a half hour north of A2.
Thanks,
PC

PC

Steaming... and Paying for it

First off... Dan, THANKS for your books and devotion to steam! I can't learn the material fast enough to suit me.
I have a one pipe system (US Rad 21-45 boiler) that has already been visited by a "knucklehead" since I moved in late this summer. That story would take a page and just bore you. But, I have seen the light... or steam, or whatever.
That's what led me to your site and "The Wall". (God bless you guys for what you do here!)
I just got a $390 nat gas bill yesterday and it's not even really cold yet.
This has put the pressure on to tune this system up, pronto!
I don't have a "Pro" near me according to your listings so "Steamhead" has been helping me via the wall.
I have some old Hoffman #4 main vents that are shot. and I don't know anything about my pressure control (General Controls model) so I haven't approached that yet.
What can I replace the mains with, and could your friend in Ann Arbor, MI give me a recommendation for a "Pro"? I'm a half hour north of A2.
Thanks,
PC

chuck_6

PC:
You should speak to Ken Kunz at Gorton regarding main vents. Their phone number in New Jersey is (908) 276-1323. Gorton has excellent varieties of main vents and radiator vents. Ken is terrific and can also tell you if there is a nearby heating supply store. I highly recommend Gorton. Also, if Steamhead replies, listen to him. He is the best.

PC

Pressure Control

These are the pics I tried to load on the earlier post.
Any info on this unit would be appreciated.
Thanks,
PC

Steamhead

Main Vents and Pressuretrol

Most Hoffman #4 and #4A vents I see out there are way too small for the mains they are used on. Measure the length and diameter of your mains- this will tell us what's needed.

That looks like a subtractive pressuretrol but I can't tell for sure- on a subtractive unit, the main scale ("range" on yours) is the high-limit point. Subtracting the differential gives you the point at which the burner restarts.

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PC

Thanks Frank!

Are you sure you don't want to make a road trip out here and give the system a "check-up"?
Thanks for the info. I talked to Gorton today and they were going to have Kenny give me some suggestions on new vents.
PC