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Posted by Steve on November 19, 2007 at 17:30:31:
When re-lighting the above gas-fired boiler this heating system this fall, I noticed that the burner flames would roll-out from beneath the combustion chamber when the gas valve was opened fully. Last year, prior to shutdown, the boiler operated properly. I checked the draft hood and flue piping for any blockage. I also cleaned the brick chimney flue which the boiler vents into and no blockage was found. The boiler is an early 1970s HydroTherm unit and has been trouble-free until now. The burner flame appears to be blue, with no lifting. I removed the draft hood and the vent pipe leading up from the cast iron dome, and noticed that there was some soot accumulation present. Would the possible soot accumulation on the boiler flue passageways be responsible for the flame roll-out? If so, what is the best way to clean the boiler flue passageways and remove the burners? I went to the HydroTherm website, but could not find an installation, operation and maintenance manual online for this older model residential boiler. Instructions for newer models were available, although they appear to be different from the model I have. When reinstalling the cast iron dome, the manufacturer says to reseal it with furnace cement or high-temperature silicone adhesive/sealant. Any information or advice on servicing this boiler is greatly appreciated.