Can one simply throttle back fuel supply by replacing the current gas valve, or is a combination of replacing the valve and burner assemble required? If I have missed the mark, how does one down-fire a burner? I have noticed in a Mapp gas torch that dialing back the gas too far makes the torch heat up a lot. Does the same thing happen if you down-fire a gas burner too far? Can you end up with combustion happening in the rail rather than outside of it? Is there a rule of thumb about how far you can normally "underfeed" a burner before problems arrise?
I am hoping to learn more about this. I understand it is necessary for a professional to do this work due to combustion analysis. I also understand doing nothing may be the best bet for now - or possibly until replacement.
I have an American Standard 3BN J2 boiler circa 1970. It has been examined by the best - @Steamhead . Pic of the nameplate below. He says I may have another ten years of service out of it, and obviously I do not plan on a replacement this year. It is not running yet this season as I have had all the radiators refinished and did a lot of neglected maintenance (the prior owner of the house was not aware maintenance was important). We have 399 sq ft of radiators and a boiler rated for 750 sq ft. Yup it is massively oversized. When the gas fires the meter clicks away like a playing card in the spokes of a bike. I assume I will get it up and running by the end of this weekend - the nights in Baltimore are getting a bit chilly.
I plan on clocking (counting ) the meter to verify the current firing rate to see if it is currently burning at or near its original capacity. For BGE customers the heat content is 1,050 Btu per cubic foot, so if at 300Mbtu/hr the 2 cu ft counter should go around in 25.2 sec. if it is firing at full rate. I am assuming this is the case for now.
I will attach pics of the boiler, burner, and gas valve assembly very soon.
Thank you
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I am hoping to learn more about this. I understand it is necessary for a professional to do this work due to combustion analysis. I also understand doing nothing may be the best bet for now - or possibly until replacement.
I have an American Standard 3BN J2 boiler circa 1970. It has been examined by the best - @Steamhead . Pic of the nameplate below. He says I may have another ten years of service out of it, and obviously I do not plan on a replacement this year. It is not running yet this season as I have had all the radiators refinished and did a lot of neglected maintenance (the prior owner of the house was not aware maintenance was important). We have 399 sq ft of radiators and a boiler rated for 750 sq ft. Yup it is massively oversized. When the gas fires the meter clicks away like a playing card in the spokes of a bike. I assume I will get it up and running by the end of this weekend - the nights in Baltimore are getting a bit chilly.
I plan on clocking (counting ) the meter to verify the current firing rate to see if it is currently burning at or near its original capacity. For BGE customers the heat content is 1,050 Btu per cubic foot, so if at 300Mbtu/hr the 2 cu ft counter should go around in 25.2 sec. if it is firing at full rate. I am assuming this is the case for now.
I will attach pics of the boiler, burner, and gas valve assembly very soon.
Thank you
