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1930s American Radiator Company Boiler

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dustinjoyce
dustinjoyce Posts: 1
in Oil Heating

We bought a 200 year old colonial with this big boiler still intact. Works well but looking for any advice to keep this relic running well for as long as possible! Could get a new one but this thing is awesome

IMG_3178.jpeg IMG_3177.jpeg

. Use’s about 750-800 gallons of oil a year to heat 2,000 sq ft.

Any feedback is greatly appreciated!

Comments

  • 109A_5
    109A_5 Posts: 4,470

    I'm guessing this is a wet return, if there ever is any evidence about excessive water use, make sure the wet return is not leaking.

    image.png
    National - U.S. Gas Boiler 45+ Years Old
    Steam 300 SQ. FT. - EDR 347
    One Pipe System
  • EBEBRATT-Ed
    EBEBRATT-Ed Posts: 21,012

    Wet return looks like it may have been dug up and replaced already.

    I would buy one of Dan Holohans books available on this site to learn about steam. there is a lot you can do if your handy and own a few tools.

    I would have your oil company service it yearly.

    Then learn about the safety controls, low water cut off and pressure control should be serviced every year. Checking radiator air vents and go on a search for main air vents at the ends of the steam mains. You may or may not have any.

    You should install a blow off pipe on the safety valve that is on top of the boiler. I would also check the rating of that valve (IN BTUs) it could be undersized.

    plumbworker
  • HVACNUT
    HVACNUT Posts: 7,682

    If you think THAT'S awesome, you should see the MegaSteam.

    Grallert

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