Steam boiler control problem

Mike Sherman

I have a 59 year old steam boiler system. The actuating control on top of boiler controls the attitude of a mercury switch that activates the burner. The mercury switch is mechanically activated by two springs that rely mainly on pressure coming through a pigtail from the boiler. I believe the pigtail has become clogged, because the springs, even when set to their full adjustment are not moving the mercury switch to a "make" position. In cold weather (8 degrees F) I have temporarily propped the assembly to position the switch to "make" while waiting for a tehnician to maintain indoor temperature. Should I worry about the safety of this makeshift? Is removing and cleaning the pigtail a possible simple solution? I'm also seriously thinking this is time to dump the old system but need to stay warm right now too

Steamhead

It's either the pigtail or the control

I'm not sure how safe it is to run the boiler that way. Does the gauge work? If so, how much pressure builds up after the boiler has run a while? You might be able to clean the pigtail with a stiff wire like a coat hanger. How long will it be before the tech arrives?

The repair in this case would be cost-effective. But depending on what boiler you have, a new one might lower your fuel consumption significantly. I sure hope you're not considering dumping the entire steam system- you'll never be as comfortable with scorched-air or (gasp) a heat pump!

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t. tekushan

safety and steam

Don't quote me on this (ok, I'm posting for all to see but don't quote me anyway), I guess the best implication for safety is whether the cut in is frequently activated during normal operation. I had a similar situation in the building I sorta manage. Since the boiler is slightly undersized for the load it never began to approach 2 lbs. Not much trouble there.

Here's what I would do. Prop the switch and operate the boiler manually for heat, that is, let the house warm to something above normal, and then use the power switch and SHUT OFF the boiler until the house is cool. I know it sounds a lot like baby sitting the boiler, but it is safe and you have heat. In the grand scheme of things, i.e. tsunamis, earthquakes, general pestilence etc. its not that big a deal.

BTW, if you dump the whole system, I would suggest that I might have to add another Voodoo doll to the collection of misguided souls who have removed the best heating system ever devised (imho). Actually, living with whatever you replace it with will be punishment enough.

ed wallace

problem

never ever disable or jump uot a safety on any heating appliance you could cause an explosion and loss of life

Mike Sherman

system still working

The system is still working and the pressure is <2 PSI even with almost constant operation in cold weather.

The "tech" arrived and immediately offered to sell me a new hot water system, which he ballparked at only $12-14,000. He said I "deserved" to have the best, which I thought was kind of him to say to someone he'd never met before in his life. He thought my objection to ripping out existing pipes and walls constituted short term thinking.

However, he said the system appears safe and cleaning the pigtail would probably solve the problem in the short run but he wouldn't do it himself because he's only doing sales now. Said he'd send his brother to do the actual work. Fortunately there are lots of other heating contractors in this area. I think I'll give one of them the opportunity to work on my baby.

t. tekushan

boiler safety

Ed,

You are absolutely right. I apologize; I should have made it quite clear that you must never walk away from a boiler running as such, hence the "baby sitting" remark. It must be closely monitored at all times as the heating engineers had to do in the coal days.

Furthermore, the device used to tilt the cutoff should be removed when you do walk away from the boiler as it removes the possibility of someone unknowingly firing the when you go out and get a flat tire or some such thing that delays you.

True. A boiler out of control can be lethal. If you aren't a professional, shut it down and use some other safe means of keeping the pipes from freezing.

Thanks for pointing that out.

T.