Pressuretrol set too high? - Venting sufficient?

JJJJJ

I have an American Standard G-606 steam boiler. I recently noticed that the pressuretrol was set as follows: RANGE 9 LBS - DIFFERENTIAL 6 LBS. The pressuretrol states “range scale indicates cut-in point.” Is this a subtractive pressuretrol? The pressure seems very high, and far as I know, has not been adjusted in many years, if ever.

In response to an earlier post, I was advised that I had a Dunham Home Heating System, with a version of vapor limited to 8 ounces of pressure.

Here is some background information about the heating system: The house is approximately 75 year old with an American Standard Gas Boiler (Series 2B-J3; Boiler G-606), installed in 1967. The house has a two pipe steam heating system.

It has three steam mains with the following lengths/diameters: Main #1 = 70 feet/3 inches - Main #2 = 45 feet/3 inches - Main #3 = 41 feet/2 inches. A Dunham 1E trap is installed near the end of each main.

It has four types of radiators: plain pattern cast iron (U.S. Radiator Corp.), concealed radiators (McQuay Radiator Corp. probably), two Base Ray's, and one wall radiator (unknown manufacturer). Each radiator has a Thermostatic Radiator Trap (C.A Dunham Co. No. 1A) and a Dunham Packless Radiator Valve.

The dry returns connect the wet return through two Dunham Air Eliminators (Dunham Type No. 220).

I assume it is a vapor system, since there is no vacuum pump apparent, and a gravity system, because condensate doesn't appear to return by any mechanical means.

Another question. Is the venting of the two Dunham Air Eliminators sufficient for this system?

Steamhead (in transit)

It was probably never adjusted

when the boiler was installed. You want to crank that thing DOWN! This is an additive pressuretrol- and at the moment it's set to cut out at 15 pounds and in at 9.

Set the Range and Differential as low as they will go. If I remember correctly the Detroit pressuretrol A-S used would bottom out at 1 pound or so on each scale. If this is correct the lowest settings would be out at 2 pounds and in at 1.

After resetting the Pressuretrol, start the system, wait for the boiler to start making steam and time how long it takes the steam to reach the end of each main. The steam should make the trip in about a minute. I'll bet the longest one will need more venting.

Do I recall you were looking at replacing this boiler? If so, get a Vaporstat with the new one. Honeywell will stop making the traditional mercury Vaporstat next March, and I don't know what the replacement will be, so you might want to buy one now. Get the one that cannot be set higher than 1 pound.

JJJJJ

American Standard G-606 Pressuretrol/Section Leak Solution?

Thank you very much for the information, Steamhead. I'm attaching three pictures, two of the pressuretrol, one of the boiler.

I made some earlier posts regarding this American Standard G-606 boiler. It has a leak in the far right section.

I had someone in here a couple of days ago to look at the boiler. He said that the leak is very small, a hairline fracture. He said he has used a silicone based liquid (Hercules?) to repair leaks on a relative's boiler, and the repair is still working after 10 years. He mentioned using maybe 4 gallons. He said it won't clog up the safety controls, valves, pipes, etc. I'm inclined to attempt this solution. He said he could replace the section, or install a new boiler if the leak wasn't repaired.

JJJJJ

American Standard G-606 Pressuretrol/Section Leak Solution?

Thank you very much for the infomation, Steamhead. Here's a couple pictures of the pressuretrol and a boiler picture for amusement.

I made some earlier posts regarding this American Standard G-606 boiler. It has a leak in the far right hand section.

I had someone in here a couple of days ago to look at the boiler. He said that the leak is very small, a hairline fracture. He said he has used a silicone based liquid (Hercules?) to repair leaks on a relative's boiler, and the repair is still working after 10 years. He mentioned using maybe 4 gallons. He said it won't clog up the safety controls, valves, pipes, etc. I'm inclined to attempt this solution. He said he could replace the section, or install a new boiler if the leak wasn't repaired.

Steamhead (in transit)

You could try the chemical

but don't be disappointed if it doesn't hold, even after cranking the pressure down. I don't think sections for that boiler are still being made, so you're looking at a complete replacement.