Hi,

when we last left things off i remember you were asking about an aquastat. I took a photo of what i think that is. I havn't had a lot of time to mess with stuff and the system has been giving me enough heat, it's just been noisy (pipes banging and such at night). I keep the heat pretty low anyway but I want to get this resolved.

None the less, here is at least part of what you were asking for. I will try and get time to get the rest of the info for ya.

thx again!

 

I will try and stop in at HD or similar tomorrow or the next day to get these items. When you say the boiler drain you are not referring to the release valve, you are talking about the "spigot" right? I assume that is the case but I like to double check before proceeding.

thx again!

 

Yes, one of the drain spigots... you can pretty much use any one... I would choose the one that is least corroded and stands the best chance of closing again without leaking.

You can also pick up one of these for about $10 or so, remove the useless 0-300 PSI gauge and replace it with the 0-30 or 0-50...



Aquastat set on 180... temp gauge reading over 200... which one is accurate I wonder?

 

If I were to bet money, I'd guess that probably the aquastat is accurate and the gauge is not. Then again we will know for sure after I perform the test to validate. Hoping to get the results from that back in a couple days.

Thx for the photo of what I'm looking for, that helps a lot!

Cheerz

 

Hey T, your PRESSURE gauge verification won't tell you anything about the TEMPERATURE gauge accuracy...

 

I guess that makes sense. lol. I was just thinking that if the pressure does not match up properly then that could potentially mean the entire gauge is inaccurate since it's all one assembly. I suppose if i wanted to verify temp gauge accuracy I could simply take a sampling if the water from the drain and check it with a thermometer, no?

I'm out of work tomorrow around 5 so I think that'll be my best chance to go look for the brass fitting and gauge. Otherwise on monday I have the afternoon available too.

 

I dunno... I would think that it would cool pretty quickly... especially if it were put into a cool container...

One thing to consider... HEAT SOAK ... WHEN do you see the temp at 200 ? Is it AFTER a heat call, after the pump has shut down? It is almost universal that if the boiler shuts down at high limit, and the heat call ends, the heat in the cast iron will continue to heat the water. Since there is no circulation, the temp will go up. What's more important is that the burner SHUTS OFF at or near the setting of the a'stat, and that it's REPEATABLE every time. If it is repeatable, and you determine that the a'stat is simply not accurate, then just set the a'stat lower and don't worry about it.

There are 'contact' type strap-on thermometers available... you could even just try insulating a section of the pipe about 2-3 feet, and sticking a meat thermometer under the insulation... yeah, hokey, but it might give you an idea of accuracy... just do this when the wife isn't home...

Lastly, the point that the a'stat is inserted into the boiler might and could be at a different temp than where the thermometer is sensing. You might also check that the sensing bulb is fully inserted into the well and that it's a good fit.

 

Thanks for the continued support.

So i ran to the home depotz today and picked up a 3/4" hose bib to half inch connector, then a half inch to 1/4" to connector. The hard part is finding the 30 PSI gauge. I checked at home depot (figured i wouldnt find one), checked a plumbing supply place and heating supply place. I am going to look for a pool supply place and check a couple other plumbing places.

Thanks for the info on the thermostat and a'stat. I will take a look at that as well.

thanks again! :-D

 

Here is one source: Pressure Gauge, 3 1/2 In, 0 to 30 Psi - Pressure and Vacuum Gauges - Pressure and Vacuum Measuring - Test Instruments : Grainger Industrial Supply You can google for others.

 

What about the 0-50 ? that should give ya enough resolution to at least verify the accuracy of the existing...

 

Hey,

I actually scored a 0-50 gauge at menards a couple days ago and it also does temp. maybe that'll help, lol.

I am going to hopefully get it hooked up tomorrow and we will see whats happening!

Thx!