Burnham V-7 furnace leaking water
#1
11-24-08, 02:18 PM
Burnham V-7 furnace leaking water
I have a 1997 Burnham V-7 Model number PV73WBT furnace that is leaking water from the right front corner. When i take the inspection cover off, i noticed water coming from a crack in what appears to be the heat exchanger. It also appears that the heat exchanger is 3 pieces of cast iron plates, with the crack in the plate closest to the burner.
So my questions, how can the leak be repaired? Can just that 1 plate be replaced? Does the whole unit need to be changed out. In order for the crack to have formed was there a defect in the casting of that plate?
Thanks in advance for your help.
Steve
So my questions, how can the leak be repaired? Can just that 1 plate be replaced? Does the whole unit need to be changed out. In order for the crack to have formed was there a defect in the casting of that plate?
Thanks in advance for your help.
Steve
#2
11-24-08, 03:26 PM
Hmm. I would replace the boiler. Really surprising after just 11 years.
Check the Burnham warranty. And, no matter what, see if they'll give you some help.
Cast iron is less ductile, and more susceptible to cracking, than steel. But nowadays, most residential-size boilers are sectional cast-iron units.
Doug
Check the Burnham warranty. And, no matter what, see if they'll give you some help.
Cast iron is less ductile, and more susceptible to cracking, than steel. But nowadays, most residential-size boilers are sectional cast-iron units.
Doug
#3
11-24-08, 05:39 PM
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Burnham V7
If you are the original owner, Burnham will probably supply you with a whole new boiler block at no or little cost.
To find a Burnham contractor in your area go to Burnham's web site & enter your zip code in the search box at the upper right corner.
http://www.burnham.com/
To find a Burnham contractor in your area go to Burnham's web site & enter your zip code in the search box at the upper right corner.
http://www.burnham.com/
#4
11-24-08, 06:01 PM
Contact your contractor and have them contact the rep in your local area. I believe if you are the original owner of the boiler they have a good program available for replacement of that product.
#7
11-25-08, 02:56 PM
Thanks Grady, I see on another forum there is a real problem with this block. I guess i am luck to get 11 years of service. Under the warrenty i only pay 5% for the new block and then pay labor for the install. I see where it was $500 to install the block, is that still a good estimate? What would the block cost if i were to buy it out right?
I am in agreement, if your taking the unit aprt to change the 1 plate, then it's worth it to change the whole block.
What kinda of job is it to replace the block? Am i better off getting a contractor to replace the block VS doing it myself?
How successful is changing out the block VS buying a new furnace?
A lot of questions but trying to make the best informed decision.
Thanks for all the help.
Steve
I am in agreement, if your taking the unit aprt to change the 1 plate, then it's worth it to change the whole block.
What kinda of job is it to replace the block? Am i better off getting a contractor to replace the block VS doing it myself?
How successful is changing out the block VS buying a new furnace?
A lot of questions but trying to make the best informed decision.
Thanks for all the help.
Steve
Last edited by Fastlane; 11-25-08 at 03:20 PM.
#8
11-25-08, 03:16 PM
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Boiler Block
I have no idea what a boiler block would cost to buy outright but if you had to, you'd probably be better off buying the whole boiler. $500 to replace the boiler block doesn't sound unreasonable to me.
#9
11-25-08, 07:34 PM
Burnham will not send one section on a residential boiler. They have program to upgrade to a new V8h or MPO boiler providing you are the original owner. The MPO is not available with a hot water coil but is a true 3 pass 87% efficient boiler. This is a good competitor for boilers from abroad but built in the good old USA.
The V8H is energy star boiler that replaced the V7 that you had.
The V8H is energy star boiler that replaced the V7 that you had.
#11
07-20-09, 09:37 AM
Burnham block leak
My 12 year old V73 has developed a pinhole leak in the cast iron block. Under the warranty, the replacement block is $700 plus tax (my cost). Labor and incidental parts required to do the job (as it can only be done by a licensed contractor under the Burnham warranty) runs another $800-$1500 depending on various bids. So, at the cheapest, the "warranty" repair will run me $1500 total. And that does not "reset" the warranty - so if it springs another leak in 10 years, I am out of luck.
Or, I can have a new V83 installed for approx $4000 parts and labor, and Burnham will give me a rebate of $675 against the old furnace, so my total cost for the new furnace is $3325 - and that comes with a fresh, new warranty. It's almost worth going with the new furnace.
Or, I can have a new V83 installed for approx $4000 parts and labor, and Burnham will give me a rebate of $675 against the old furnace, so my total cost for the new furnace is $3325 - and that comes with a fresh, new warranty. It's almost worth going with the new furnace.
#14
07-21-09, 07:28 PM
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Mpo
Thanks RBeck. In reading bsbailey's other post, I've discovered there is a domestic coil involved. Unless he/she is willing to spend the extra for an indirect the coil eliminates the MPO.
In my opinion, the MPO with an indirect would be the way to go but with the current economic situation...
In my opinion, the MPO with an indirect would be the way to go but with the current economic situation...
#15
07-24-09, 07:26 AM
V7 leak issue
I was considering the Burnham MPO until the coil issue came up. The MPO is comparable in cost to the V8, but the additional cost of a tank adds more than $1000 to the price. Same issue came up when I looked at Buderus. I prefer sticking with the domestic coil. Have there been any issues with the Burnham V8 series that you are aware of? I have also considered Weil-Mclain Gold - which would be the better choice?
#16
07-24-09, 10:14 AM
I would never do a coil today. It is the most expensive way of making hot water. Save money during the installation and pay everyday the life of the boiler.
See link
http://www.comfort-calc.net/Domestic...r%20_Coil.html
See link
http://www.comfort-calc.net/Domestic...r%20_Coil.html
#17
07-24-09, 01:58 PM
A grand on an indirect is money well spent. Payback is on increased efficiency and reduced maintenance. If you can swing the up front cost, go for it. Also check for federal and state tax credits, and local utility rebate programs (sometimes even the electric company will pay for HVAC...). Several utilities in the northeast are offering $300 rebates on indirects....
DSIRE: database of incentives
DSIRE: database of incentives
