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Big Mouth Issues

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Wcurtis
Wcurtis Member Posts: 131
edited January 4 in Strictly Steam

Purchased Big Mouth 2 heating seasons ago and starting leaking, replaced with high temperature O rings which performed flawlessly until this heating season.

Noticed slight sightglass water loss and after much investigative work found Big Mouth whisping steam periodically with a mirror, although it remained closed.

Contacted Barnes and Jones who stated in a properly operated and clean system expect 1-3 seasons, they which sent me a new compression disk (free with no questions asked), 1/2 inch wrench to remove old 13mm to install new) photo shows old/new disk for comparison (bottom is new) new disk is stiffer and appears would seat better due to aligment with O ring.

Reinstalled assembly and after one cycle still seeps a small amount…maybe needs more time

IMG_3755.jpeg

For the record, 3 seasons ago I purchased 1 Gorton 2 with the Big Mouth because I wanted super fast venting…still no issues with Gorton.

Knowing now and spending over $300 on main vents and after 2-3 seasons should expect a faliure, Big Mouth will remain a backup for Gorton which appear to be a superior product for longevity

Comments

  • 109A_5
    109A_5 Member Posts: 3,538

    So why do you think it is presently seeping ? I have not looked at mine lately.

    I would think all vents would seep a bit in an oscillating fashion, since you have to replenish the steam in the vent to keep them closed.

    Maybe the Gorton #2 with the larger chamber volume makes better use of the vacuum of collapsing steam to draw in more steam.

    National - U.S. Gas Boiler 45+ Years Old
    Steam 300 SQ. FT. - EDR 347
    One Pipe System
  • Wcurtis
    Wcurtis Member Posts: 131

    You may be correct in your assessment, can only compare one vent behavior to another, I have asked the BJ representative if this is considered normal.

    The seepage may have been going on before I just didn’t pay as much attention, I stopped blowing down the LWCO weekly to Bi-weekly now and how I caught it.

  • Mad Dog_2
    Mad Dog_2 Member Posts: 8,436

    That is the draw back on Big Mouths: If your pressure and dimensions aren't perfect, they can GUSH condensate. Great on crossover traps and very large radiators, but Not for every situation, especially as Main Vents. Mad Dog

    Consulting by Mad Dog & Matt Jr.
    clammy

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