Are Multi-Fuel Boilers Any Good? (Van Wert Multitherms?)

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DerrickD
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Post by DerrickD » Sun. Feb. 13, 2011 5:43 pm

OK, I’m confused why multi-fuel heating ever lost popularity - but I am new to the topic... I know oil prices were low the last few decades (recent years excluded) but still - why not keep your options open with multiple BTU sources? Is there some drawback that i'm missing? Anyway...

I’m considering buying one of these boilers because I want to burn wood, have oil for when i'm not home and not have to build another chimney.

I'm looking at a Van Wert Multitherm from the late 70s. What is the general sentiment out there about the quality of the Brand/Model. I’m hesitant because I have to think the efficiency of a newer boiler would be much higher. How were these as far as efficiency? How many different models were produced? Are any of you still running these things? Does anyone have manuals or other info?

Are there any other companies making (or has made) similar boilers (or furnaces) that are worth looking at? With oil prices the way they are now, these units seem to make sense to me…

 
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coaledsweat
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Post by coaledsweat » Sun. Feb. 13, 2011 5:55 pm

DerrickD wrote: How were these as far as efficiency?
Are there any other companies making (or has made) similar boilers (or furnaces) that are worth looking at? With oil prices the way they are now, these units seem to make sense to me…
There has been great advances in efficiency in gas and oil boilers in recent years but the technology of solid fuel burning is probably near its apex and has been for more than half a century.
It is well worth the effort because of the savings, just wade through the plethora of choices you have with these appliances and find something that suits your lifestyle. Keep the questions coming and the wizards will have the answers.
I ran a wood/coal hand fired boiler here for the last 15 years and just went to a stoker. Just getting old and lazy I think. :)
Personally, I don't like mixing those two fuels. The coal needs a barometric damper and it should be avoided with wood because of the risk of feeding a chimney fire. The creosote also coats the baro pate and ruins its settings, it will become useless if enough creosote gets on the plate.

 
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LsFarm
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Post by LsFarm » Sun. Feb. 13, 2011 6:04 pm

AHS makes a nice multifuel boiler.

Greg L

 
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coal berner
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Post by coal berner » Sun. Feb. 13, 2011 6:53 pm

If your wanting a hand fed multi boiler the VAN Wert / Simplex is a good choice .
Very well built and parts are still available.
They made three models OCF 90 120 225.
Two in the GCF models 90 & 120.
Three HF models 90 120 225.

But if you want a multi fuel stoker boiler coal & oil then look at EFM & Keystoker .

The AHS is a hand fed wood or coal boiler with a oil gun on it .

There are many hand fed multi fuel wood & coal boiler out there on the market some are all three Oil Wood Coal
here are a few .

http://www.efmheating.com/d520.html
They do still make the WCB 24 Hand fed boiler wood & coal 100K BTU but it is not listed on there web page call them or a dealer for more info.

http://www.keystoker.com/products.php#cfb
They might still make the coal & wood boilers yet must call or e-mail the factory and ask.

http://www.alternateheatingsystems.com/MultiBoilers.aspx

http://www.harmanstoves.com/products/products.asp ... rd=boilers

http://www.yukon-eagle.com/

http://www.firechiefwoodfurnace.com/fc700.aspx

http://www.energyking.com/wood-coal-furnace_draftoptions.htm

http://www.brunks.com/Bruncofurnaces.html
**Broken Link(s) Removed**http://www.kotlospaw.com/index.php?l=en

http://www.newyorkerboiler.com/products/steel/coal_wood/wc
**Broken Link(s) Removed**http://www.peasefeedandcoal.com/Trapper-175.html

http://www.marathonheaterco.com/products.html


 
DerrickD
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Post by DerrickD » Sun. Feb. 13, 2011 10:29 pm

Ha! A few? Thanks!!

 
[email protected]
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Post by [email protected] » Mon. Aug. 29, 2011 12:11 pm

Dear Coal Berner,
You say parts are available for Van Wert Simplex heaters?!
I need a gasket to my Van Wert Simplex Multitherm HF-120 tankless heater.
Would appreicate it if you could direct me to where I could get one.
Thanks!
Jerry

 
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coal berner
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Post by coal berner » Mon. Aug. 29, 2011 3:24 pm

[email protected] wrote:Dear Coal Berner,
You say parts are available for Van Wert Simplex heaters?!
I need a gasket to my Van Wert Simplex Multitherm HF-120 tankless heater.
Would appreicate it if you could direct me to where I could get one.
Thanks!
Jerry
http://vanwertboilers.com/

some parts here
http://www.woodmanspartsplus.com/68/catalogs/Wood ... rence.html

 
ahuntley
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Post by ahuntley » Mon. Aug. 29, 2011 9:08 pm

HI iam arnie huntley with a b van wert coal stoker inc .vw multitherm was a very good hand fired unit. I don't stock any parts for them.ido make new automatic stoker boilers with oil backup.if you need some parts I might be able to steer you in the right direction.

arnie 315 440 0851 cell


 
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Post by franco b » Sun. Sep. 04, 2011 6:53 pm

[email protected] wrote:Dear Coal Berner,
You say parts are available for Van Wert Simplex heaters?!
I need a gasket to my Van Wert Simplex Multitherm HF-120 tankless heater.
Would appreicate it if you could direct me to where I could get one.
Thanks!
Jerry
I am not familiar with the gasket for that boiler, but normally you just make one. Very easy. Lay the part on a sheet of gasket material and mark the outside and bolt holes with a pencil. Buy a gasket punch for the bolt holes and punch and cut it out.

 
[email protected]
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Post by [email protected] » Tue. Sep. 06, 2011 10:16 am

Looks like they used standard gasket material. Got some from local source. Thanks!

 
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coal berner
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Post by coal berner » Tue. Sep. 06, 2011 10:33 am

[email protected] wrote:Looks like they used standard gasket material. Got some from local source. Thanks!
Rubber gasket is what most hot water boiler use for coil gasket

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