Dead controls or Dead Boiler

Timco

From your description, sounds like the transformer is bad or maybe the gas valve selonoid. A meter will confirm this, but when you get control problems and have many variables and abandoned features, a real pro would work wonders and gut out the un-needed pieces and wire it correctly with a new Taco controller. This may be a very advanced problem, and should be left to a pro.

Tim

Michael Wildt

Dead control or Dead Boiler

Hi,

Murphy struck this week-end, no heat. First time for us in our house. Boiler is gas fired (hydronic heating), model is Burnham Holliday. Mostlikely original to the house '62. Been working just fine until today. Last year it received some electrical updates, by previous owner. Some Taco control unit for the pumps. It used to have domestic water hookup as well, but that must have been replaced by regular gas fired hot water tank, years ago (current hot water tank is 1 year old).

Symptom; Thermostats works fine, they start the circulation pumps. The boiler doesn't fire as normal. Only the pilot light is on. The original control box that (I'm guessing here) controls the furnace/original temp of the hot water tank. It appears it controls the gas solenoid as well. It does hum a bit, something I haven't noticed before.

Boiler may not have been connected correct when the original hot water addition was replaced with standalone hot water tank. I'm convinced on this since the boiler kept a constant temp on the water despite not calling for heat via the thermostats (2 zones). Now it's 'cold'.

So, since this is an old one how is the possibility to find parts for this one ? Any newer control units available that can do the job or am I forced to invest in new complete boiler ?

I've left message at the plumber and the electrician hope they'll find time to call back.

Appreciate any pointers and answers.

Thanks,
Michael

Michael Wildt

Hi Tim,

I'll do some verification today. I'm a EE but I do agree that a PRO should be called. Hope the plumber I called comes back to me today, and if we're lucky we can find a new controller.

Michael

tim smith

Controls on boiler

There is not a control on that boiler that cannot be replaced with a universal replacement part. The main thing that will cause that boiler to be replaced is either corrosion/cracking of the heat exchanger which the boiler will leak if this is the case or draft collector or burners corroded. Make sure they inspect the tube type burners on that boiler for corrosion, we sometimes find they are corroded on the slots of the burners and are producing high CO in the flue gasses. Other than that it should be able to be repaired. Good luck, Tim.

Michael Wildt

Hi Tim,

The problem turned out to be the Mercury flame sensor. When replaced the boiler started up fine. Thanks for advice.

Michael