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Steam Boiler short cycles...30 seconds or less

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appletaxi
appletaxi Member Posts: 2
in Strictly Steam
30 yr old residential one pipe steam boiler system.
Turning on and off constantly.
Some times the burners do not get fully lit before turning off.
A slight gas smell from the burners not fully lighting.

Ideas??

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  • Jamie Hall
    Jamie Hall Member Posts: 23,280
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    Almost certainly a controls problem, probably in the ignitor or flame detector or gas valve. But which one? Unless you are very comfortable troubleshooting, might be a good time to get a qualified gas burner tech. in to take a look? And maybe clean the boiler and adjust everything while he or she is at it?
    Br. Jamie, osb
    Building superintendent/caretaker, 7200 sq. ft. historic house museum with dependencies in New England
  • JUGHNE
    JUGHNE Member Posts: 11,061
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    The first thing that comes to mind is the flame sensor.
    It is a metal rod that has to be in the pilot flame to keep the gas valve on. Often simple cleaning will fix your problem.

    Can you see the pilot/igniter assembly mounted on the burners?
    A picture of it and also the control module might help.
  • appletaxi
    appletaxi Member Posts: 2
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    Technician found the the Low Water Sensor was gunked up. Drained system and cleaned. Running fine now.

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