Question for the steam guys

Unknown

I'm the Weil McLain boiler guy and no they are not paying me to say it... Reason is they been around and parts availablity are my top concern... The rubber gaskets have NEVER been a problem with me, poor installation and lacks of maintence is what kills good boiler as well the others.. Boiler knock down and reassemble the section is what make the job easier...

S Ebels

If you were going to install

If you were going to install a new steam boiler in your own home, cost not being of paramount importance, which one would it be and why. Call it around 175-200mbtu, Gas.

gerry gill

burnham..hands down

they are just a better made boiler in my opinion..the base is better than others..the iron we don't have problems with..the sheetmetal fits good..there just seems to be more care taken in production.

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Steamhead (in transit)

We're getting away from atmospheric gas boilers

so we'd install an oil-designed model with a gas power burner. This will give slightly better AFUE and the option to switch to oil later without having to buy another boiler.

Not all manufacturers support using their oil-designed boilers this way. Burnham doesn't. Two that do are Peerless and Columbia (according to their local reps). So we'd use a Peerless ECT or Columbia CSFH with a Carlin or Heatwise gas burner.

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J.C.A._3

I'm going with Frank.....

I'd use a Peerless personally. I like the size of the steam chest and the many piping options they are open to....it's in writing and in their specs.

I wouldn't hesitate to install anything by Burnham as long as the local rep is a standup guy.(unfortunately my ONLY problem with their product in my humble opinion...in my area)Chris

S Ebels

I like the idea

I like the idea of a power burner model that will do gas or oil also for the fact that it gives the ability to switch fuels if you want. Power burners give you more control over the flame and draft is less of a problem plus you can pick up 2-4% in combustion efficiency vs atmospheric.

David Sutton_6

I agree with Steamhead

And the piping is just as important!what good is any boiler if the steam can't do its job!!!Steam dose the real work!

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Unknown

Steve the way to go is as

Steamhead and others have posted. Go with an oil design with a gas power burner. I have been able to bring the Carlin G3A and G3b as high as 86% combustion efficiency.

I do however convert anything oil over to gas as I find that if you know what you are doing the fears of manufacturers are put to rest. I have never had a problem converting anything so far.

I will not leave a job at less than 75% combustion efficiency. Most oil design boilers today it is easy to get over 80% with very low CO and good draft. It also allows me to use a barometric which really makes ofr a better system. The final thing is bringing mechancial air into the boiler room. The last thing with steam is as I am sure you know follow all the rules, header and riser sizes per instructions and dimension "A" and "B". I replace all wet returns on every job and no copper on anything.I also do not like automatic water feeds and like to wire all my safety controls on 120 volts.

Mad Dog_2

Burnham #1...............................................

Peerless if I couldn't get a Burnham fast enough. Mad Dog

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Alan_11

steam choices

H.B. Smith or Weil Mclain Gold for me.The Burnham from 20 years ago were great boilers.Replaced 2 last month less than 10 years old.

Patrick Linhardt, \"Linhardt's Field Guide

replacing the wet return

Hi Tim,

I like the way you think, especially replacing the wet return on every job. This is often overlooked or neglected, but has a huge effect on the system. Those pipes will get clogged up with "gunk" through the years and/or develop leaks. The condesate returns too slowly or with more pressure drop than an "A" dimension can overcome(water hammer in the supply main, poor circulation, or flooding).

Leaks of course mean excessive fresh water make-up which destroys cast iron boilers. But I'm preaching to the choir.

Best regards, Pat

Guy_6

Way down here

I sure was glad to see the Smith name appear, albeit late in the post. The Series 8 boiler is a heavy, wet based oil fired boiler, that is also available with a Carlin EZ Gas burner, for a gas, wet base with a tankless coil option. The oil boiler will soon be released in a direct vent version as well. At 86% efficiency and a proven track record, it's worth looking into. As I have said before, the only downside is the weight (good for the durability though!).

ed wallace

boiler choice

I just got thru installing a wiel-mclain eg 55 boiler customer saw this posting bout boiler choices i had to explain the w-mc eg 55 is a good boiler with no leak problems please be careeful when bashing a manufacturer

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gerry gill

Alan, were you able to

determine why they failed? thats awefully fast..were there any water meters on the feed pipes?

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David Sutton_6

Steamhead....

Just signed a boiler job...4 section SGO steamer with a Carlin EZgas burnner..custermer loves the concept....David

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Steamhead (in transit)

That customer

is going to be sitting pretty if gas gets significantly higher than oil, and you'll undoubtedly get the job of changing it over.

Unless some boiler maker gets off their butt and brings out a 90%+ steamer that is.....

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J.C.A._3

Timmie,

I'm with you on the boilers and wiring ! I too prefer to do any safety wiring with 120V. For me, it's a personal decision and based on my oil backround. I'm wondering why the "Gas Guru" wants to use the same voltage and controls as I do? Any comments? Safety first ! Chris

Unknown

Chris I prefer all limits and safeties be wired

on 120 volts for the simple reason that if there is a short on the low voltage side which causes the system to run away it will eventually reach limit or pressure and be shut off safely. This includes low water cut offs, pressuretrols, limits on FWA, and boiler limits if possible in fact I have been know to wire in a extra limit on FHW on the 120 side because the boiler came prewired with the limit on 24, and still leave the limit on 24 on the system. My thinking two is always better than one.

nj_2

Power burner very noisy

I made the mistake of installing a dual fuel burner in a brand new peerless oil burner. When the system ran on gas, it was incredibly noisy and when it turned on, it made a huge vibrating noise. The utility, PSE&G, came several times to help remedy the problem including putting in a brand new gas line from the street. Ultimately, I had to give up and installed a regular oil burner in the boiler.

I know this is a horrer story but I believe that noise is an issue with power burners

Steamhead (in transit)

The ones I've heard

are no louder than a regular flame-retention oil burner. What kind of burner did you have?

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Al Letellier_9

steeamer choice

Ditto on steamhead's recommendation. Weil McLain SGO with Riello gas burner...cna't beat it. Quiet and efficient. Do it a lot with great results

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Al Letellier_9

steeamer choice

Ditto on steamhead's recommendation. Weil McLain SGO with Riello gas burner...cna't beat it. Quiet and efficient. Do it a lot with great results

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