Re-Filling EFM 520 Boiler System

 
bwtucker
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Post by bwtucker » Fri. Jan. 04, 2013 11:05 pm

I think my nest step is going to be to take those out and see if it's clogged or something. I would think pulling the lever up would fill it.

 
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CoalHeat
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Stoker Coal Boiler: 1959 EFM 350
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Coal Size/Type: Rice and Chestnut
Other Heating: Fisher Fireplace Insert

Post by CoalHeat » Fri. Jan. 04, 2013 11:09 pm

It should most definitely.

 
bwtucker
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Post by bwtucker » Fri. Jan. 04, 2013 11:12 pm

Of course it's in a place that makes it a PITA ti take out.


 
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CoalHeat
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Joined: Sat. Feb. 10, 2007 9:48 pm
Location: Stillwater, New Jersey
Stoker Coal Boiler: 1959 EFM 350
Hand Fed Coal Stove: Harman Magnafire Mark I
Baseburners & Antiques: Sears Signal Oak 15 & Andes Kitchen Range
Coal Size/Type: Rice and Chestnut
Other Heating: Fisher Fireplace Insert

Post by CoalHeat » Fri. Jan. 04, 2013 11:14 pm

Of course! It wouldn't be right if it wasn't! :D Keep at it, you'll figure it out.

 
bwtucker
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Post by bwtucker » Sat. Jan. 05, 2013 12:13 am

It's filling! The regulator was stuck shut. Thanks for all of the help!!

 
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CoalHeat
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Posts: 8862
Joined: Sat. Feb. 10, 2007 9:48 pm
Location: Stillwater, New Jersey
Stoker Coal Boiler: 1959 EFM 350
Hand Fed Coal Stove: Harman Magnafire Mark I
Baseburners & Antiques: Sears Signal Oak 15 & Andes Kitchen Range
Coal Size/Type: Rice and Chestnut
Other Heating: Fisher Fireplace Insert

Post by CoalHeat » Sat. Jan. 05, 2013 9:29 am

Good to hear!


 
bwtucker
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Post by bwtucker » Sat. Jan. 05, 2013 8:08 pm

I ended up having to replace the regulator and safety valve. I got it to fill but the regulator stuck open then. When the safety valve popped, it too stuck open and was dumping water all over the floor. When I took everything apart, the pipe before the regulator was packed full of rust and sediment. The pipes are now all flushed, a new reg/valve setup is on, and it's purring like a kitten.

 
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CoalHeat
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Posts: 8862
Joined: Sat. Feb. 10, 2007 9:48 pm
Location: Stillwater, New Jersey
Stoker Coal Boiler: 1959 EFM 350
Hand Fed Coal Stove: Harman Magnafire Mark I
Baseburners & Antiques: Sears Signal Oak 15 & Andes Kitchen Range
Coal Size/Type: Rice and Chestnut
Other Heating: Fisher Fireplace Insert

Post by CoalHeat » Sat. Jan. 05, 2013 10:30 pm

A whole house filter would be a good investment, as well as a water softener if you don't already have one. I have both here, the water is very high in Calcium Carbonate as well as iron. My water filter usually needs to be replaced anywhere from once a month to once every 3 months, depending on the amount of sediment in the water. The softener will remove some iron, if it is very high then a separate unit should be installed to remove it. I had issues with the softener not removing the hardness anymore, had to flush the unit with "Iron Out", the iron had encapsulated the resin beads in the softener. Now I add a layer of an iron removing chemical after each bag of salt in the brine tank.

 
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Post by bwtucker » Sun. Jan. 06, 2013 10:53 am

I'm on city water and have had it tested, it's actually not real high in iron and it's very good quality. I'm also not a fan of soft water. Mine is not ultra hard though. I do think the whole house filter is a great idea. That furnace has been down there for 40 years and I think the reg/relief is pretty old too. I'm wondering if the thing has had issues since before I moved in 7 years ago. The radiators have always gurgled a lot when the heat comes on, even after I bled them. After repairing everything yesterday, and bleeding the system, they are silent. They heat up quicker too. The furnace doesn't run nearly as long as it did before. I am really happy with it now.

 
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CoalHeat
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Posts: 8862
Joined: Sat. Feb. 10, 2007 9:48 pm
Location: Stillwater, New Jersey
Stoker Coal Boiler: 1959 EFM 350
Hand Fed Coal Stove: Harman Magnafire Mark I
Baseburners & Antiques: Sears Signal Oak 15 & Andes Kitchen Range
Coal Size/Type: Rice and Chestnut
Other Heating: Fisher Fireplace Insert

Post by CoalHeat » Sun. Jan. 06, 2013 10:03 pm

Probably just deposits that accumulated over time, I thought you were on a well. The whole house filter couldn't hurt, and they aren't that expensive. You'd be surprised what that filter removes.

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