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Posted by Brad on December 09, 2005 at 09:54:36:
In Reply to: Re: No response from McDonnell & Miller - need help posted by Heatpro on December 08, 2005 at 14:57:45:
It is a Peerless EC/ECT oil-fired steam boiler. I believe it is 150K Btu (not in front of me right now).
The water level doesn't rise and fall drastically during usage, but the water level will drop over time, causing the automatic low-level feed to kick on every week or so. During my weekly sediment drain and test of the low water cutoff unit (I drain about 1 or 2 gallons), I need to tap the switch housing with my knuckle to cause it to re-engage after re-filling with new makeup water. My contractor/installer noticed this also - he needed to tap the switch lightly as well to get it to click back into "OK to fire" position. We oiled the mechanical brass parts of the switch, which helped, but after a couple of months it was back at it. The float unit looked OK (no debris buildup, obstructions, etc.) As long as I tap the switch after my weekly maintenance and manually keep the water level in the boiler high enough, I can prevent this problem. It's just irritating that I have to babysit such a relatively new and expensive piece of equipment, and that I have to worry about it when going on vacations.
It seems like the float doesn't have enough force to engage the switch, which is why I'm seeking an alternative to the $107 replacement switch.
Thanks for your response.
: Which boiler model is it on of what input and what fuel?
: Why is the water rising and falling so much as to move the float to the extremes?
: No, mercury is OUT due to the environment.