I just bought this "new" house in November. It was built in the early 1900s and I think the stoker's from the 50s or 60s...
Anyway the gasket in the back leaks. Haven't noticed a jump in the water bill or any issues with heating but it certainly seems like something that I should fix immediately as there's a small puddle forming behind the stoker.
I don't know where the model number is located but it looks similar to the post from 9 years ago: Replacing Domestic Hot Water Coil Gasket I'm mostly worried about how much I'll end up spending to get it repaired but I want it done properly.
EFM Stoker Hot Water Gasket Replacement
- freetown fred
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Pix H--pix would help
- Rob R.
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If it is just starting to leak, it is not too bad of a job if you have basic mechanical skills. If it has been leaking a long time, the boiler will likely need a repair plate welded in place and a new coil installed.
As Fred says, a picture would help.
As Fred says, a picture would help.
- franpipeman
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- Location: Wernersville pa
- Stoker Coal Boiler: efm 520 stoker fitzgibbons pressure vessel
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- Other Heating: alpine propane condensing boiler radiant floor
If its a efm stoker you could try tightening the bolts in the back gently and evenly like the head gasket of a engine. This a rubber gasket so it CAN be squeezed too much and damage it. If the rubber gasket is brittle , you should replace it you'll need to drain the whole boiler and if you dont have enough valving , draining your whole house heating system if you have isolation valves it would be easier.
If you need someone to do it id allow eight hours of work for obtaining the part, drain the boiler and house ,if no valve present and operating and installing and filling the house piping up again . Inspecting the leakage area.T Sometimes if it is a long term leak it will have eroded the steel where a major repair is needed via welding. the erosion , or severe rusting makes the surface irregular That would be outside the 8 hour estimate but doable
Threads can be corroded and might have to be cleaned and chased, that is run over with a die of the appropriate size to clean and restore the threads. Sometimes the studs break off
This is why freetown asks for picture so the exact condition causing the leak can be seen and the correct answer to fixit can be obtained
/Users/macuser/Pictures/Photos Library_2.photoslibrary/resources/proxies/derivatives/27/00/27a5/UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_27a5.jpg
If you need someone to do it id allow eight hours of work for obtaining the part, drain the boiler and house ,if no valve present and operating and installing and filling the house piping up again . Inspecting the leakage area.T Sometimes if it is a long term leak it will have eroded the steel where a major repair is needed via welding. the erosion , or severe rusting makes the surface irregular That would be outside the 8 hour estimate but doable
Threads can be corroded and might have to be cleaned and chased, that is run over with a die of the appropriate size to clean and restore the threads. Sometimes the studs break off
This is why freetown asks for picture so the exact condition causing the leak can be seen and the correct answer to fixit can be obtained
/Users/macuser/Pictures/Photos Library_2.photoslibrary/resources/proxies/derivatives/27/00/27a5/UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_27a5.jpg
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- CoalHeat
- Member
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- Location: Stillwater, New Jersey
- Stoker Coal Boiler: 1959 EFM 350
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i agree, just tighten up the nuts a bit and see how it goes.
The gasket can get quite brittle over time, mine has a bit of seepage too and needs replacement soon.
The gasket can get quite brittle over time, mine has a bit of seepage too and needs replacement soon.
- Richard S.
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- Stoker Coal Boiler: Van Wert VA1200
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That is one of the few design changes the EFM's have had over the years, not sure when but the "new" ones have a flange. Not sure if they still make them but Stoker-man showed me retrofit piece if you wanted to go that far with repair. I believe it needed to be welded on. Leaking is common problem around those gaskets, same problem with the Van-Werts. Especially if you turn it off in the summer.
If tightening doesn't stop it while it's hot shut it off. Tighten after it has cooled overnight. Careful, they may be brass nuts
If tightening doesn't stop it while it's hot shut it off. Tighten after it has cooled overnight. Careful, they may be brass nuts