Posted by TB on March 06, 2001 at 19:40:19:
In Reply to: Re: MCLAIN STEAM BOILER posted by Harold Kestenholz - Hydronic Network on March 06, 2001 at 14:38:42:
: Cast-iron can be welded, but it has to be disassembled, welded and reassembled by a very skilled plumber. This may cost as much as getting a replacement boiler. You can get a boiler by going to the local plumbing supplier and buying one; the cost difference between the plumber buying it and you buying it is not that much. However, this is an involved task for a skilled workman to install. The instructions come with the boiler in the box. However playing with gas or oil fuels, electricity, and proper installation is the stuff of a skilled professional.
Have a couple Heating companies look at it, and give You an estimate. The leak might be from a loose fitting in need of a wrench, or even a waterlogged exp. tank that blows the relief valve while fireing, simple fixes. Unless You seen the crack, get a second opinion. Most of us are well trained, honest professionals, but unfortunately, there are those who will tell you anything to sell you something.