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Utica problem

Jimbo_4
Jimbo_4 Member Posts: 4
in THE MAIN WALL
My 20 yr old utica steamer has problems. it shuts down after 20mins. I notice before it happens half the burners are off and them poof it all goes out including the pilot. I relight the pilot and 10 mins later again. any ideas?

Comments

  • John S.
    John S. Member Posts: 260
    I would get a pro in there to check it out...

    could be your chimney is not creating enough draft and is partially blocked (dangerous situation) or this boiler (and/or burners) hasn't had a good professional cleaning in a long time and the flame is rolling out.

    Please get a pro in there ASAP. It is nothing to take lightly.

    To Learn More About This Professional, Click Here to Visit Their Ad in "Find A Professional"
  • Jimbo_4
    Jimbo_4 Member Posts: 4


    Im sorry i should have mentioned that i had the chimney inspected and it was totally clear. the lining looked new
  • Charles G.
    Charles G. Member Posts: 113
    Utica boiler

    When the tech comes out (he is coming out,right?)have him check to see if the gas valve is passing gas after the call for heat ends. Half the burners are lit? Back away from the boiler...
  • Jimbo_4
    Jimbo_4 Member Posts: 4


    I had it checked. i need a new boiler. There is a leak above the water line which caused a smothering effect in the flue/chimney. he filled it up and water came out. he temporally downfired it and it is fine. he is coming this weekend to replace.
  • DanHolohan
    DanHolohan Member, Moderator, Administrator Posts: 16,616
    Only fresh water

    can cause that, Jimbo. Have him look for piping leaks or you'll be replacing your replacement boiler before long. Also, ask him about the Hydrolevel automatic feeder that comes with a water-meter feature. You'll be able to see how much water enters the system each week, which is an easy way to know when leaks happen.
    Retired and loving it.
  • Jimbo_4
    Jimbo_4 Member Posts: 4


    It was adding water daily i heard the feeder going off daily. He said he will check for leaks. I just moved in, i think the owner before me added a water feeder for a temporary fix. It is over 20 yrs old anyway.

    Is the downfiring safe? im a little nervous till the weekend comes.
  • DanHolohan
    DanHolohan Member, Moderator, Administrator Posts: 16,616
    I can't say from here,

    but if you have concerns about safety you should get help immediately, or shut it down. Do you have a good CO detector in the house?
    Retired and loving it.
  • Charles G.
    Charles G. Member Posts: 113
    Downfiring

    Yeah, it's "safe" but a waste of time and money. You won't make as much (if any) steam which is okay because with a leak you won't make any pressure. Plus you're dumping a load of water vapor into the chimney. Most of the harm/damage is done. Run it or not. Don't expect much and you won't be disappointed.
    And like Dan said if you have to ask if it's safe, it's probably not. Motel rooms are cheaper than hospital rooms.
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