Second Opinion on Boiler Replacement ?

Matt_10

First off, i am a HO and definitely not an expert, though i have read a few of Dan's books so i know enough to be dangerous. I have a HydroTherm Furnace that is about 18 years old and i'm having problems with the boiler leaking (See picture). The leaks are very slow (i would call it weeping) but are enough to lose enough water over the course of a day or two to shut off the boiler. I have had a service tech look at it and told there was nothing i could do because the leaks were at the casting seams (?) , i could either live with it or replace the entire furnace.

I've had some problems with tech's not understanding steam systems in the past so i guess i'm just looking for confirmation that the diagnosis is accurate. I've been thinking about trying JB Weld on the leaks, it seems to seal about anything, and i've had friends use it to fix radiators and the like in the past. I figure the worst case is it doesn't work and i have to replace the furnace anyway. Any thoughts?

techheat_2

I believe that boiler uses O rings rather than push nipples,it appears that is what is leaking.Even if it wasn't leaking you would be better served with a new unit

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Boiler Guy

I agree

that is probably a gasketed boiler. Depending on the age, parts may be available, but, the only proper way to repair it would be to strip the complete unit down, replace ALL the gaskets and reassemble it. You take a chance of cracking the sections during the process as well. Very labour intensive. I do not know where you are located but most enforcing authorities will require a hydrstatic pressure test of a repaired pressure vessel as well. When you do all the math and aggravation, replacement does not seem to be a bad option. Just my opinion.

Al Gregory

That boiler was ripe for replacing the day it was installed. Dry Base boilers usually dont work well with steam