Does Anyone Have a "SNOWMAN" Boiler Out There?
Posted: Mon. Feb. 12, 2007 1:09 am
Hi all.
...While doing some research I came across this on the web:
...It got me wondering so this is why I posted this forum topic.
..I've read that a few people in this forum have what I would refer to as "salvaged" boilers (me being one of them). I have worked in many houses that had these old babies, and everyone that I have seen has been converted to either oil or gas. I have yet to see one converted back to "Day One" condition...If you have ever seen one of these babies you know why they call them a "SNOWMAN".
...I wouldn't dream of trying to 'salvage' one, first because of the shear weight and size, second because they would probably try and lock you up and throw away the key for playing with ACM's (asbestos containing material).
...I came close on one job though. My buddy Jay was replacing a boiler for a friend/customer of his in the 'city', and not only needed the new one wired, but needed help getting the old "ARCO-LINER" removed.
...In the old days 'boilermen' were a rare breed so to speak. They had a tough job, and if you have ever wondered how some of these boilers made it into a house, here is your answer: They were brought in piece by piece and assembled in place. Ever wonder why they call them "sectional boilers" (2,3,4 and so on?).
...I took the entire thing apart, split all three sections, and helped him load it. He said "You aren't going to try to put this baby back together are you???" to which I said "of course" his reply "it's not worth it...it will leak". Unfortunately, I never got to find out. The doors (3 of them) got lost on the way back, the housing got destroyed. All was not lost yet. I brought the sections to the garage workshop I hang out at. It disappeared. One of the boys (a junker) turned it in for cast iron $'s.
Me being a true philospher of 'Murphys Law' I believe it would have held up because of everything I went thru...only to have everything buck the tide.
Anyone else want to speculate? Anyone else speak from experiance? Has anyone been able to de-bunk this myth (that you can't re-assemble a sectional)?
If you have seen the old "Arco-liners" you know why they would be the perfect 'test platform' to build a coal fired boiler for the least amount of effort. They could easily accomodate a grate/firebox combo for coal or wood and still be able to get underfire air.
Maybe someday the chance will re-present itself.
If any of my fellow readers of this forum know of a situation coming up...please advise. Thanks in Advance.
...While doing some research I came across this on the web:
...It got me wondering so this is why I posted this forum topic.
..I've read that a few people in this forum have what I would refer to as "salvaged" boilers (me being one of them). I have worked in many houses that had these old babies, and everyone that I have seen has been converted to either oil or gas. I have yet to see one converted back to "Day One" condition...If you have ever seen one of these babies you know why they call them a "SNOWMAN".
...I wouldn't dream of trying to 'salvage' one, first because of the shear weight and size, second because they would probably try and lock you up and throw away the key for playing with ACM's (asbestos containing material).
...I came close on one job though. My buddy Jay was replacing a boiler for a friend/customer of his in the 'city', and not only needed the new one wired, but needed help getting the old "ARCO-LINER" removed.
...In the old days 'boilermen' were a rare breed so to speak. They had a tough job, and if you have ever wondered how some of these boilers made it into a house, here is your answer: They were brought in piece by piece and assembled in place. Ever wonder why they call them "sectional boilers" (2,3,4 and so on?).
...I took the entire thing apart, split all three sections, and helped him load it. He said "You aren't going to try to put this baby back together are you???" to which I said "of course" his reply "it's not worth it...it will leak". Unfortunately, I never got to find out. The doors (3 of them) got lost on the way back, the housing got destroyed. All was not lost yet. I brought the sections to the garage workshop I hang out at. It disappeared. One of the boys (a junker) turned it in for cast iron $'s.
Me being a true philospher of 'Murphys Law' I believe it would have held up because of everything I went thru...only to have everything buck the tide.
Anyone else want to speculate? Anyone else speak from experiance? Has anyone been able to de-bunk this myth (that you can't re-assemble a sectional)?
If you have seen the old "Arco-liners" you know why they would be the perfect 'test platform' to build a coal fired boiler for the least amount of effort. They could easily accomodate a grate/firebox combo for coal or wood and still be able to get underfire air.
Maybe someday the chance will re-present itself.
If any of my fellow readers of this forum know of a situation coming up...please advise. Thanks in Advance.