Oil fired boiler....Is the block replaceable?

[crazy charlie]

I have a Weil Mclain oil fired water boiler.Upon my yearly tuneup/cleaning my boiler company brought to my attention a crack in one of the 3 sections of the block.showed it to me and said that I need a new boiler.I asked about the condition of the rest of the boiler and was told that it was in great condition except for that section of the block.I asked if the block could be replaced and was told that it was not an option.Looking online I see new Weil McLain blocks for sale so now I am wondering??? Anyone know about this??I dont have the $7k to replace it right now.Any boiler guys out there???? Charlie

 

[dwco5051]

I have a Weil Mclain oil fired water boiler.Upon my yearly tuneup/cleaning my boiler company brought to my attention a crack in one of the 3 sections of the block.showed it to me and said that I need a new boiler.I asked about the condition of the rest of the boiler and was told that it was in great condition except for that section of the block.I asked if the block could be replaced and was told that it was not an option.Looking online I see new Weil McLain blocks for sale so now I am wondering??? Anyone know about this??I dont have the $7k to replace it right now.Any boiler guys out there???? Charlie

What size is your boiler? How old is it? I have been out of that business for years but I do know I can get a whole new average house size unit for less than $2500. It will take more in labor normally to replace just the bad section than a whole new unit. If less than 10 years old call Weil McClain and ask how much they will rebate you on a prorated warranty. I have replaced just defective sections in large commercial and school boilers in the past but are talking the difference between 3 or 4 thousand and 40 grand back then.

 

[crazy charlie]

its a 124000 btu ,30 years old.Weil mclain cast iron .always been under service contract so new parts whenever needed including new chamber liner a few years ago.Is block weldable?

 

[Bob_VT]

It is a lot of work but the individual sections are replaceable. Depending on how ambitious you it can be a DIY project. Here in VT we are still in the heating season and craigslist is normally the best place to start looking. We have a really good supplier here too called FW Webb.

 

[Bob_VT]

Welding cast is tough but can be done.... it really should still be taken apart either way based on the age.......... it's overdue for replacement and a newer one might save you fuel money

 

[matt167]

welding cast iron, you need nickle rods, and pre heat, and slow cool down. Anything less than perfect conditions and you'll end up with more cracks

 

[jakedaawg]

I'd braze it, ends up stronger than the nickel rod when you consider the haz. Might not be an option. I know nothing about these. I do braze cast iron on a regular basis.

 

[crazy charlie]

Gets interesting here.Should probably start another thread.I came across someone that just converted their home from a 2 family with a rental back to a single family for prop tax purposes.He had to pull out the 2nd boiler and tank.The boiler is a Weil Mclain WTG-5 175000 btu with a Riello burner.It was in his garage for a year or so so it got a few bruises to the outer casing but block looked great and chamber looks great as well.its not a "plug and play" but he gave me everything he had ,circulators ,expansion tank etc.Bought it for a song.So far a score .Called a heating guy ,other than my boiler service company,and inquired about switching them out.He asked why and I told him about the crack my boiler company showed me.He asked if there were any water or condensation anywhere on or around the boiler and there is not .He replied that my boiler service company just wants to sell me a new boiler.Which he is correct there!! They do. He said what I am seeing is just superficial if it is not leaking and that is not a reason to replace the boiler. The boiler IS 30 years old so age would be a good enough reason if i still wanted to do it.I appreciate his honesty and since I just spent $325 to have my boiler cleaned and serviced and tuned and service contracted for a year,I am thinking dragging my feet on this a bit .Lots to think about right now.....Charlie