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Can you help identify my B&G boiler pump? Possible replacement? Repair parts?

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TomAuciello
TomAuciello Member Posts: 1
in THE MAIN WALL

My home in Seattle is 95 years old with the original hydronic heating system.  Built in 1931 as a gravity fed system, it was modified in the early 50’s (estimated) to add a circulation pump when a second floor living space was added.  That pump has been working for approximately 75 years and I am concerned about how much longer it will function.  

I was wondering if anyone could help me identify what model of pump it is and if it is still possible to get repair parts for it.

If it is too old to continue to maintain, would you have an idea of what kind of modern pump could replace it?

The system has been operating well, heating the house for the 45 years that I have been living here.  There are no issues with water circulation.  A couple of years ago it threw a spring on the coupler and I was able to find a “common” replacement (Bell & Gossett 118705), but still haven’t identified the pump’s actual model number. 

I really like this web site. Any help would be greatly appreciated.  Thanks much! —Tom

Attached are some Photos:

IMG_3331.jpeg IMG_3336.jpeg IMG_3339.jpeg IMG_3345.jpeg IMG_3340.jpeg Boiler Pump Replacement.jpg IMG_3334.jpeg IMG_6962.jpeg

Comments

  • SlamDunk
    SlamDunk Member Posts: 1,761

    That should be easy to replace. Personally, if I was worried, I would buy a replacement from a hydronics guy. I might keep it on a shelf, just in case , or I might replace it for improved efficiency and an oil free motor. Not so sure I would worry about it dying, but that is just me.

    9326ysshClaucia
  • neilc
    neilc Member Posts: 3,029

    can I have that gage ?

    known to beat dead horses
  • mattmia2
    mattmia2 Member Posts: 13,505

    Looks like a 100 series. If the rubber bushings the motor is mounted in rot out it will misalign the shaft and start breaking couplings. Replace them when they get soft.

    Is the system still set up as a gravity system, did anyone change any of the piping or the emitters? If it is not changed almost any circulator will work since it is designed to be gravity.

    delcrossvClaucia1
  • mattmia2
    mattmia2 Member Posts: 13,505

    what's with the "install with this arrow pointing to a wall" thing?

  • delcrossv
    delcrossv Member Posts: 2,184
    edited July 24

    Several drops of oil in the pump oil port, a couple of drops in each of the motor oil ports each year and that pump will run indefinitely.

    Note @mattmia2 's comment about the mounts.

    It's a B&G 100. Still available today.

    https://www.supplyhouse.com/Bell-Gossett-102214-1-6-HP-2-NFI-Circulator-Pump

    Trying to squeeze the best out of a Weil-McLain JB-5 running a 1912 1 pipe system.
    Intplm.
  • Jamie Hall
    Jamie Hall Member Posts: 26,189

    As @delcrossv and @mattmia2 say, with a little oil (don't overdo it) and some attention to the motor mounts, that thing will run another century or so without problems. The coupler springs are the weakest part, and paying attention to the mounts will keep hem happy.

    And the same pump is still made. Don't mess with success…

    Oh and one more thing: it's within a percentage point or two of any "modern" pump in terms of efficiency.

    Br. Jamie, osb
    Building superintendent/caretaker, 7200 sq. ft. historic house museum with dependencies in New England
  • 9326yssh
    9326yssh Member Posts: 45

    AMAZING!!

    what machine are we building now that will less for 75 years!? 🥺

  • EBEBRATT-Ed
    EBEBRATT-Ed Member Posts: 18,247

    NOTHING made now will last 10 years never mind 75. Even if it is the same "identical " pump it is likely made in China or some of the parts are.

    There is probably twice the copper in that old motor as a new motor. Take care of it. The volute and housing are probably fine. The motor can be rebuilt at a motor shop and new bearing assemblies are available, I think unless they changed th thing so a new one will not fit.

    But you will need a truck to haul the money from your bank to Bell & Gosset. They give nothing away.

    Alan (California Radiant) ForbesIntplm.
  • mattmia2
    mattmia2 Member Posts: 13,505
    https://forum.heatinghelp.com/discussion/comment/1860939#Comment_1860939

    which is why @DanHolohan said the part number for a seal for that is 007

  • Steamhead
    Steamhead Member Posts: 17,892
    edited July 25

    Not a 100- this is that pump's predecessor. My 1940 Bell & Gossett Handbook says it's the model H2, since the pipe connections are 2-inch.

    Given the size of that boiler, I'm thinking that circ might be oversized for that system. This can cause the water to short-circuit through the radiators, reducing efficiency. Here's an extreme case I found years ago:

    https://www.heatinghelp.com/systems-help-center/adjusting-the-flow-rate-for-an-old-gravity-hot-water-system/

    Do you know how many square feet of radiation is on your system?

    Also, an old round boiler like that one is inherently inefficient. A combustion test would probably reveal an extremely high stack temperature.

    All Steamed Up, Inc.
    Towson, MD, USA
    Steam, Vapor & Hot-Water Heating Specialists
    Oil & Gas Burner Service
    Consulting
    mattmia2HVACNUTPC7060
  • HVACNUT
    HVACNUT Member Posts: 6,871

    That's not a 100. Note the 4 bolt flanges, and flange to flange height difference.

    Alan (California Radiant) Forbes
  • JUGHNE
    JUGHNE Member Posts: 11,461
    edited July 25

    "Point arrow towards wall" means do not point to floor or ceiling. IMO

    Horizontal shaft position only. Some may have been confused by "Horizontal" and "Vertical" wording.

    I have a 1961 school with 2 pumps similar to this. Both original motors still working.

    mattmia2

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