Seeking advice on existing boiler, part 2

http://cdn.brownstoner.com/5101e71158462-.jpg

I couldn’t figure out how to add a picture of the boiler to my original post. So, I welcome all comments about anyone who can come to take a look at the boiler we inherited and service it, make any recommendations for upgrades, etc. thanks!

ditmasmom

in Boiler Repair 12 years and 3 months ago

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ditmasmom | 12 years and 3 months ago

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Wow, thanks so much! Incredibly informative. I have been wondering if the boiler is suitable for the house (3 story, plus attic and cellar Victorian in ditmas park). Since there is no separate water heater I was wondering if that wasn’t terribly efficient since the boiler needs to work all year long?

argylerd | 12 years and 3 months ago

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MASTERPLVMBER – As always a very informative reply.  You’re the best!

Master Plvmber | 12 years and 3 months ago

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I can’t tell what the piping is doing (I guess a pic from the side would help with that), but it looks like a Weil-McLain SGO boiler converted from oil fuel to natural gas.
http://www.weil-mclain.com/en/weil-mclain/pd-sgo-oil-boiler/
It’s an expensive boiler and Weil-McLain is one of the few manufacturers that approve of the practice of converting from oil to gas in the same unit. Somewhere on the boiler should be a sticker with a number beginning with CP(######). That’s the serial number and if you find it, you should call Weil McLain and ask them to tell you how old the boiler is. 
You’ve also got a good automatic water feeder. It’s the Hydrolevel VXT-120 with a digital display showing gallons of water used. Check the number on its display and note how it changes. A boiler that size should take on no more than 1 gallon about every two weeks. Any more than that and you’ve got a problem with water loss that you’ve got to address. You’ve got a probe-typre low water cut off that doesn’t need to be blown down every week or two, so the only maintenance you can really do yourself is to drain a half gallon or so from the hose spigot on the left side into a bucket until the water runs smoothly. It’ll never run clear so don’t look for it to.

Anything else you want to know?