Heating Help

Re: replacement heat motor

@ May 6, 2012 11:46 AM in ZONE VALVE INFO

I would think that either Taco or B&G heat motor might match up. You might want to look at them and see. Send picture of your existing showing next to ruler for length, diameter etc and I could look.  Alternately, sounds like the guy above has some replacements to last you a while. Good luck, Tim

Re: conversion burners etc

@ May 6, 2012 11:14 AM in Is it true?

We have done hundreds over the last 40 yrs +  It is always pretty easy on commercial and old residential as the fireboxes were big enough, sometimes to big of course. The smaller firebox boilers of more recent vintage are not always convertible and of course you have to see if mfr has tested there boiler with a gas gun which I know you guys already know.  I have done a few of the G series Buderus boilers of late but not many any more as condensing boilers are usually on the plate.

Re: HBX controls

@ May 3, 2012 9:19 AM in HBX controls, anyone using them?

Thanks to you all for responding, it always makes me feel better when others have also jumped on board with controls I may be using for 1st time. Thanks again, Tim

HBX controls, anyone using them?

@ April 29, 2012 10:28 AM in HBX controls, anyone using them?

Working on a project that engineer spec'd these. Along with air to water heat pumps, boiler, buffer tanks air handlers etc etc.  Any experiences would be appreciated.  Thanks in advance, Tim

testing radiators

@ April 29, 2012 10:17 AM in Rad leak test

I am with Mark and Steamhead, water test, we test at least at 30 psi before and after. We usually set in dry area and go over joints and sections with fine tooth comb looking for seepers. This has always worked for us.  I have had problems in last year with leakers after powder coat. I talked to powder coater and he was bakiing off a little warmer and little longer and was killing the gaskets it seemed. I told him to stop, ruined some beautiful rococco rads. 

Re: radiator rebuild

@ April 24, 2012 9:20 AM in Unusual Radiator Repair By All Steamed Up, Inc.

Pretty cool Gordo, I have not seen any with internal rods. We take bushes and plugs out all the time but we still are wanting to do the american rococco rads. Getting the internal r/l nips out is the challenge. I still am contemplating. Tim

Re: dhw for mid 4 figures?????

@ April 18, 2012 9:06 AM in Domestic Water System Design Contest- Win $100!!!

Thats what conventional commercial tanks go for in your application.  Look at Eternal on demand,  Not a bad option but cant say long term reliability but same with all the other high eff water heaters.   I still prefer condensing boiler and indirect awh!  Oh well.

Re: Asme requirements on storage tanks

@ April 17, 2012 9:21 AM in Buffer Tank ASME

In Wash state, if tank is connected to boiler over 200mbh and or if water temp exceeds 210 f, If tank is over 5 cft in volume. If installed in a place of public gathering or place of worship the volume goes down to I think 2.5 cft. Thats our take on it.

Munchkin problems

@ April 10, 2012 9:21 AM in Munchkin F05 & Pr0 codes

Your plumber needs to call tech support while on site to go over the on going problems. They are very helpful, they have buckets more tech knowledge from all the calls they can than anyone. They will help him get you back on line much faster than on his own.  The plugged pressure switch port is very common on systems that have been converted. Needs to be cleaned during annual maintenance along with lwco probe, igniter and heat exchanger. Do this and unit will be more reliable.

Re: Trimax etc

@ March 31, 2012 10:24 AM in Triangle Tube Trimax

I discussed the 3 way option in december with them. I really think it would not have been hard to incorporate addl. curve and 3 terminals on board for mix valve. This was a bummer for me with Lochinvar and still a bummer with Trimax. I love Triangle boilers but just wish all the mfrs would take that little leap forward and incorporate this function. Really would be a saver over adding separate control.

Re: locating etc

@ March 31, 2012 9:59 AM in Question for Eugene and others

Eugene, definately would bring unit inside, insulate runouts to bores. hi lo press. switches, accumulator, Hard start, time delays, yada yada yada. All easy and cheap to do. Just thought could be fun.

Thanks all for the input???

@ March 31, 2012 9:33 AM in Steam or water system for old Hotel

I appreciate all the input on this. I should have known it would spark a debate. It is always interesting to learn more from all the opinions/knowledge here. I wish I had two identical building to redo and compare. I do have quite a few buildings that we have redone boilers in. I am going to get a hold of my clients and have them pull their gas records for the ones with modcons and the ones with new Steamers. Their are several 30 unit buildings I can compare each other to.  Thanks again. Tim  (Ps, don't know if I am closer to decision or not but been fun).

White Rodgers zone valves

@ March 30, 2012 9:20 AM in White-Rodgers zone valves make my head ache

The worst schematic install instruction sheets ever written! We stock and work on them all the time. One of my mechanics is the one who is out on em most and he has it down. The rest of us always have to study schematic for the 3 wire zone valves.  Good luck, they do work well when wired well.  Thank goodness they got rid of the stab connections, six zone valves with loose wires were a nightmare.

I may be interested

@ March 30, 2012 8:59 AM in Mint, Original American Radiator Antique Cast Iron Radiators - Looking for Buyer

Email me at tim@reedwrightheating.com

Answer to questions, Natural gas

@ March 30, 2012 8:52 AM in Steam or water system for old Hotel

Does not care about individual control except probably thermostatic vents or the like depending on steam  1 or 2 pipe or water.  a/c for lofts not needed.

Re: modcon vs steam (new)

@ March 30, 2012 8:50 AM in Steam or water system for old Hotel

I do a lot of multi family jobs, I am a big fan of multiple modcons. Be that said, I agree with Jamie, if all things created equal, new boilers steam or water, well planned and laid out system, The difference might be only 10 to 15% over all system efficiency. I too get appx 30% efficiency savings when I put in new modcons replacing old cast iron or firetube boilers. When we install new steam boilers in buildings, I seem to remember we may see 10% or so change. The net then I think is closer to what Jamie says in efficiency. We are in a very good climate here in Seattle for modcons, average winter temp 47 degrees with very few sub freeze days annually. This job is not all about dollars as client does want to maintain some integrity of building architecture. Now he is not going overboard also. I think this job will either be boiler or all electric heat (god help us). I will not end up designing whole job before getting job but will have a good handle on it when I quote it.  Thanks for all the input. All is welcome and none is wrong!

Re: ?? Radiators are steam only

@ March 30, 2012 8:39 AM in Steam or water system for old Hotel

That is really the only reason why the question comes up for me. Radiators are already there on site and would not have to be purchased. Client is somewhat budget wary.  OD design here is 24 degrees. Retail spaces not included in this part of job. Heat only, probably artist work lofts.

Re: ?? Radiators are steam only

@ March 30, 2012 8:39 AM in Steam or water system for old Hotel

That is really the only reason why the question comes up for me. Radiators are already there on site and would not have to be purchased. Client is somewhat budget wary.  OD design here is 24 degrees. Retail spaces not included in this part of job. Heat only, probably artist work lofts.

Steam or water system for old Hotel

@ March 29, 2012 9:38 AM in Steam or water system for old Hotel

Just met client at new building he bought. 100+ year old building. appx 24 rooms upstairs where old cast iron steam only rads had previously heated it.  He still has radiators  but all piping has been removed and old boiler gone. Start from scratch. He is not upgrading buiding as far as windows, insulating walls etc. He would probably insulate attic as all this work is on 2nd floor. Main piping can be ran in 16ft high retail spaces below and the branches up to each small artist work rooms(ie old hotel rooms. 200sft appx each.  Interesting concept that we have radiators already and he would entertain new 1 or 2  pipe steam system.  Or spend the extra $$ and buy new wall panel radiators.  Steamhead, any others, input would be great as to consensus. Cost is of course concern but not totally decision maker.  Aesthetics are part of it also.  Thanks, Tim

I agree, I wish I was not 1000s of miles away

@ March 29, 2012 9:27 AM in Concerned Customer

I can't think of anyone either in that area. That is totally disheartening. Thanks for your service!  Tim

Re: Mega steam

@ March 29, 2012 9:08 AM in Mega Steam

Real nice looking job Dan. Have you talked to Burnham lately if they will ever consider testing megasteam with gas burner?? 

Question for Eugene and others

@ March 18, 2012 11:18 AM in Question for Eugene and others

I am thinking about testing my own DX geo heat pump. Just considering right now as a project at my other part time house. Thinking of grabbing a 3 ton 14seer unit, gutting it and trying it for the heck of it. What do any of you think the targets are for minimizing liquid flood back, oil trapping etc?  I may end up just buying one from ecr or other but this sounds more like fun and I can buy outdoor units pretty cheap. Scroll compressor, accumulators, hi & low press switches etc  etc. Expansion valve metering only, no cap tube for me.