Heating Help

Vortech vent removal

@ April 15, 2013 1:34 PM in Taco Vortex

I had an opportunity to discuss this issue with the people a lot smarter than me; they know the product very well.  The product engineer looked into it, and although there is no direct correlation to what you’re experiencing in the field, after reviewing the quality data on the vent, in early 2012 there was a dimensional issue on the thread of the 419 vent.  Apparently the thread engagement did not meet minimum 4.5 treads, but the issue was immediately contained and mitigated.  Although, every Vortech built is 100% tested; it is possible a small amount of the vents with shallow treads were assembled into product.  If this is what happened we apologize for the inconvenience. 
 
The thread on the 419 vent is a ¾ NPT and intended to be an interference fit by design. The vent is mechanically torqued to the specification required for ¾” NPT threads, which is a high torque value, and could add to the frustration when trying to back the vent out. In addition to the high torque value, we also use an anaerobic adhesive/sealant which cures in approximately 8 hours.  The sealant is designed to protect the dissimilar brass, and cast iron from corrosion.  We have tested other sealants and other assembly processes and have found the current method to be the most effective in preventing the threads from leaking. That doesn’t mean we stop looking, we continue to look for ways to improve all products, including the Vortech.
 
Although, the vent can be physically changed, it can be a difficult task.  There are a couple of procedures that will make changing the vent a little easier.  If anyone has a vent that is leaking, I suggest you should call Taco and ask for the tech support department, they should be able to quickly assess the situation, and give you some direction on how to mitigate the situation.

Taco 007

@ February 4, 2013 10:21 AM in Amp draw of a Taco 007

The Taco 007 nameplate FLA is .71.  Using a clamp amp meter is a good way to determine if you're moving any water.  of course the amp load is relative to work, so if the amps are less than nameplate, you might have a lot of resistance, or you have a faulty meter.  You indicated a huge delta T which also indicated you're not moving water or a minimal amount anyway.  I usually get calls from contractors, or homeowners complaining about a pump that is not working.  The first thing I do is ask for an amp reading, or if they can confirm the impeller is moving.  If the impeller is turning, it most likely is system related.   
Have you calculated what the total dynamic head of the system is? The 007 although meets most system requirements, it could be challenged on this one.  Obviously, we can guesstimate which pump would work, but I don’t like to engineer that way.  Perhaps, you can give me a call and we'll go over your system requirements?
 

Taco Vortech

@ February 4, 2013 9:51 AM in Taco Vortex

Good Morning
Hope everyone enjoyed the game last night. The Go Daddy commercial Sexy meets Smart may have been a little too hot for the super dome infrastructure to handle. Do you think that may have contributed to the 34 min blackout?  The official response was abnormalities; go figure.
Anyway, thanks for highlighting the Vortech leak issue, and the difficulties removing the 419 vent..  First of all, one would wonder why it is so difficult to remove the vent.  Frankly, we never anticipate the vent leaking at the threads and consequently needing to be replaced.  The good news is, Taco tech support does track these types of calls, and when you go from no calls on a product to even a couple, a red flag pops up, and we launch an investigation to determine if it may be related to a design, or product issue.    
The product engineer has been on the production line validating the machining, and assembly process.  The mentioning of Loctite hardening was concerning, so we will investigate that too.  If you do need to remove the 419 vent, there is a simple procedure that should make everyone life a lot better.
The 419 Hy-vent installed in the Vortech can be easily replaced in its entirety with a new 419 hyvent, as opposed to retrofit with a non-standard vent. This accomplishes 2 things, first you’re installing a complete vent that has been tested and complies with specification, and second you’re assured  all components are current revision and designed to fit together.
There is a technique to changing out the Hy-vent. In fact, I’m advocating we include this procedure in the instruction sheet.  Remove the Vortech cap, and look at the underside. You'll see the Hy-vent connection is 3/4" NPT male on the outside, but there is also a convenient 1/2" NPT female on the inside that we can take advantage of.  What you do is install a ½” NPT threaded rod, or anything else with 1/2" NPT male connection, and turn it clockwise, literally jacking out the vent through the top of the cap.  Install the replacement 419 vent until tight, and thread the vortech cap back onto the vortech

outdoor reset

@ December 20, 2012 8:20 AM in taco fuel mizer

In regards to the outdoor design temperature, changing the outdoor design temperature to a higher setting, does allow the slope of the curve to change to a steeper curve, and the algorithm calculates a hotter water temperature.  The methodology is why wait for the coldest day to deliver the hottest water temperature to satisfy the load.  Hopefully this helps

ZVC control end switch

@ December 18, 2012 9:42 AM in End switch failure on ZVC controller - twice

I was just reading about the ZVC endswitch failures.  can someone provide the whole model number of the control?  As you may know, Taco has recently introduced the -4 solid state controls. Frankly, the boards have been performing flawlessly.  Appreciate any feed back

Delta T pumping

@ September 21, 2012 2:21 PM in delta t vs delta p circulator control

Arguably, the Delta T pump is always better.  In the most simplistic way the delta T or Delta P pump will satisfy the load while adjusting the flow to accommodate the dynamic system characteristics when zoning with zonevalves.
However, there are other considerations, for example, the impact on a modulating-condensing boiler, and the amount of run-time the boiler spends below the point of flue gas condensation. This of course affects the efficiency of the boiler. 
For your reference and a thorough explanation of the difference of Delta T, and delta P, I have attached a white paper I had. Let me know what your thoughts are. 

zone sentry valves

@ September 14, 2012 4:06 PM in Taco zone valves and honeywell thermostat not compatable?

All thermostats are compatible with the taco zonevalves, heat motor type, and ball valve type.  if the thermostat is a power robbing a resistor is required to keep a trickle of voltage to the valve actuator so the thermostat does not loose it's memory.  Usually, the thermostat mfg will include the correct ohm resistor with the thermostat to be placed between terminals 1, and 2 on the zonevalve.  Hopefully this clears the air. 

on demand

@ September 14, 2012 2:39 PM in indirect v.s. on demand

I like the buffer tank idea.  I too have an on demand Rinnai heater that I'm very happy with, but I believe more water is wasted waiting for the heat exchanger in the unit to begin providing hot water.  The buffer thank provides the reservoir to draw from minimizing the startups on the heater. 

TRV

@ September 14, 2012 2:19 PM in Pumps vs Zone Valves

I was surprised to see your alternative to the zone valves, or circulators using TRV.  I agree that it's a good way of balancing the system, right out of Dan's Classic Hydronic book, but is that commonly done today?

Veridian

@ July 26, 2012 12:30 PM in Circulator power factor

I put together a few power point slides to show some of the benefits when using the Veridian pump.  there is a power consumption curve.  Let me know if this was helpful.

Veridian

@ July 26, 2012 12:30 PM in Circulator power factor

I put together a few power point slides to show some of the benefits when using the Veridian pump.  there is a power consumption curve.  Let me know if this was helpful.

Johnny's birthday

@ May 18, 2012 10:48 AM in Happy Birthday Johnny White

Happy Birthday Boss!!  They don't come any better!!  I'm proud to say I work for Taco; thanks for being a cool boss. 
Enjoy your birthday!!

0015 attributes

@ May 15, 2012 9:43 AM in Heating Alert! - Taco

Chris, I have explained the attributes of the 0015,  when comparing it to the soon to be obsolete 00R.  
The 0015 includes a new Stainless Steel casing option; both casing materials come in standard in-line or rotated flange with an Integral Flow Check (IFC) as standard.  As you mentioned the Cast Iron 0015 3-Speed is a direct replacement for the current 00R 3-Speed and the Grundfos UPS15-58FC, B&G NRF-25 and Wilo Star S21F etc., but it is not equivalent to the Grundfos 26-99. 
The now available Stainless Steel 0015 3-Speed version is a direct replacement for the Grundfos UPS 15-35SF and UPS15-55SF. Another, cool feature  available for the 0015 is the variable Speed control options, including the 0015-VDT , delta T,  0015-VR outdoor Reset, 0015-VS set point, or the 0015-VT solar thermal pump. 
So when you say they are the same pump, you mean the performance characteristics only; right?  Obviously, the 0015 has many more available features to handle most of your application needs, which is why the 00R pump is going away.

0015 curve

@ May 14, 2012 3:50 PM in Heating Alert! - Taco

     attached is the information you requested

00R, and the new 0015

@ May 14, 2012 11:58 AM in Heating Alert! - Taco

Hi Chris
The new 0015 is not the same as the 00R.  The 0015 is an all-new family platform using single speed, 3-speed and variable speed motor options for a wide range of Hydronic, Radiant and Solar Thermal applications.  It also includes a new Stainless Steel casing option for use on Domestic Hot Water recirculation (DHWR) and other open fresh water applications.  Both casing materials come in standard in-line or rotated flange options and include an Integral Flow Check (IFC) as standard.
 
The Cast Iron 0015 3-Speed is a direct replacement for the current 00R 3-Speed and the Grundfos UPS15-58FC, B&G NRF-25 and Wilo Star S21F etc.   A Stainless Steel 0015 3-Speed version is a direct replacement for the Grundfos UPS 15-35SF and UPS15-55SF for DHWR and opens fresh water systems. 
 
With the addition of Taco’s Variable Speed control options, the 0015 can be adapted to many other applications including 0015-VDT for maintaining a constant system Delta T, 0015-VR (Outdoor Reset) or 0015-VS (Set Point) for Radiant injection mixing or 0015-VT for Solar Thermal systems.
 
The existing 00R-3-Speed s will be discontinued, effective June 2012 and replaced by the more universal 0015 for a wider range of models, options and system applications. 
 
 

ZVC controls

@ February 20, 2012 9:09 AM in TACO more problems

Good morning Jim
I was reading your tread on the ZVC404 main end switch not closing on a demand for heat.  The ZVC control main and extra end switch close when the thermostat terminals at the top of control close providing 3, and 4 terminals at the bottom of the control close. The 3 and 4 terminals are communication input medium validating the zone valve is open before firing the boiler.  If 3, and 4 do not close the main end switch will not close.  That’s why we show a jumper installed at 3 and 4 terminals on the priority zone when using a circulator and no zone valve. 
For diagnostic purposes try placing a jumper across the thermostat terminals and a jumper across the corresponding 3 and 4 terminals on one of the four zones; then measure continuity at the main end switch.  If the end does not close, please call me to discuss the possibility of a faulty control.  I’m never quick to condemn one of these controls because of their robustness, and excellent track record.

Bumble Bee

@ February 13, 2012 4:14 PM in taco bumblebee pump

The HEC-2 is still in Beta testing, so they are not ready for release.  The flange gaskets are our standard 00 flange gaskets, square cross sectional O-ring, and we have no issues with those gaskets.  The red oval flange gaskets were used with the larger 100 series pumps but some technicians used them with the 00 series because dimensionally nothing changed.  Anyway, currently they are EPDM square cut O-rings.
 
The instruction sheet attached shows the different modes of operation.  Note that the pump works with the delta T mode in line with the Taco philosophy that Delta T is more responsive than Delta P. 

SR503 wiring using the alternative wiring diagram for tankless coil

@ January 27, 2012 11:29 AM in taco question

The instruction sheet attached will clear thing up for you.  It's a simplified diagram with ZR/X2 wired to ZR on the boiler aquastat, and ZC to ZC on the boiler.  This will prioritize the tankless coil which is the main reason to use this wiring method anyway.  As you may already know you can always fire the boiler using the low voltage thermostat terminals TT, but would not interrupt the 120 volts to the circulators when the boiler water temperature drops below the 140 degrees threshold.  Hopefully this clears up the ambiguity. 

Taco zone valve

@ December 15, 2011 6:51 AM in Taco zone valve

The 557g materials of construction is different making it durable for open systems; mainly geothermal systems. The 557 is a high shut off head valve at 150 ft/hd

595-1 by-pass valve

@ December 9, 2011 11:07 AM in Sales Associate - Taco 595 thermostatic bypass valve

I did some research on the replacement thermostatic assembly we offered for this valve. We stopped offering the element back in 2005.  For your reference I attached a piping schematic showing the 595 installed as a by-pass.  The objective was to keep the boiler hot minimizing thermal shock, and condensate.  It was originally engineered for Burnham Boilers back in 1982. The Element, procured from The Dole Valve co, of Illinois part number BN-28235-1 was a purchased item we used in our 595-1 valve.  
To facilitate the piping I suggest pulling out the element throwing it away, and put the cap back on.  Install a ball valve, or gate valve in the by-pass line running from the return line back into the boiler.  You can throttle the flow using the throttling valve to redirect some hotter water back into the boiler.  It will obviously be a manual flow control, as opposed to the thermostatically control flow.  Hopefully this helps.  If you have additional questions or concerns give me a call. 

Zonevalve wiring simplified

@ December 9, 2011 9:01 AM in Zone Valve Wiring Dilemma

Hi
The two wire zonevalve wiring is straight forward. If you do not have and endswitch to engage a boiler, you do not need to be concerned with wiring back to the boiler.  simply follow the simple diagram I provided.  Hope this helped.

Taco EBV valve

@ November 14, 2011 9:38 AM in Taco, ESP, EVB, CENTRY ZONE VALVES

Good morning
I contacted MAC930 about the problems he’s experiencing with the Taco valves.  It could be something as simple as placing a resistor across the valve thermostat terminals when using a power robbing (digital) thermostat.  We publish that information in the instruction sheet.  Taco has built a reputation as a company that stands behind the product.  Sometimes it appears the product is having issues, but it might not be the product; the assumption is the product is bad.  Truthfully, as an applications engineer answering customer questions, I have learned to always keep an open mind before jumping to conclusions.  I have had customers call me about a pump that is not pumping water.  They would change out 3 pumps and then pick up the phone to call tech support for help.  The first question I ask is “how many pumps does it take before you realize it’s not the pump?” 1, 2, 3 times!!  How frustrating it must be for the do it yourselfer who does not have a good understanding of the system purge requirement after installing a pump and changes out the pump.
Similarly, electronic valves have certain nuances that can appear to be a valve problem.  Admittedly, Taco had some issues with the first generation of electronic zonevlaves when it introduced almost 10 years ago.  A lot of those valves are still in operation today.