Outdoor Wood Furnace Info

All-Purpose OWF Discussions => General Outdoor Furnace Discussion => Topic started by: Northportredneck on November 29, 2011, 08:20:46 PM

Title: Water Leak on Classic 75SB
Post by: Northportredneck on November 29, 2011, 08:20:46 PM

Hi!  I am a Newbie on this site but not a newbie to OWB's.  I have a Classic CL75SB made by Central Boiler.  It had a leak on the outside skin last year.  Earlier this fall I tore it down and welded a plate over the main leak and also found a number of pinholes around the lower portion of the water jacket which we also welded and patched.  Now I seem to have developed a leak somewhere under the furnace!!  As I have the furnace in a shed and it weighs 3,200 lbs dry ... lifting it is a major job. 

I have been researching some of these "Boiler Sealing Additives"  (Gunk Boiler Seal to be exact) but was wondering if anyone has had any experience with them.  My plan is to shut off the pumps and add the additive to the water, then hold the temperature at 170 to 180 degrees until the sealer stops the leak and has a chance to harden and cure (24 to 48 hours they say).  Then cool the boiler and change the water (just concerned about the additive going throught the pumps and heat exchangers) and run as I normally would. 

Has anybody had any experience with this type of product?  Don't want to make a bigger problem then I already have!

Thanks

Todd

PS - this is a great site, wish I had found it years ago!

Title: Re: Water Leak on Classic 75SB
Post by: wiseass13 on November 29, 2011, 09:27:41 PM

New to this site and to owb, so im no expert. But i am a diesel mechanic and in my experience any kind of stop leak causes more problems than it helps

Title: Re: Water Leak on Classic 75SB
Post by: RSI on November 29, 2011, 09:29:44 PM

If you can be 100% sure it won't get in the heat exchanger or pump it might be worth a try if it is cheap. If it does get in the heat exchanger it would likely ruin it.

Title: Re: Water Leak on Classic 75SB
Post by: BoilerHouse on November 30, 2011, 03:47:19 AM

I agree with RSI, if you follow the procedure you describe it probably won't do any harm.  It also sounds like it may only buy time until a proper repair is done or, considering it has developed leaks in 3 different locations, the boiler is replaced.  How old is the unit?

Title: Re: Water Leak on Classic 75SB
Post by: Northportredneck on November 30, 2011, 06:48:54 AM

The furnace was installed in 1997.  Yes, it is time for a new OWB and I am actually going to look at one today.  just don't want to install a new one until spring.  I am looking for a bandage that won't screw everything else up. 

Title: Re: Water Leak on Classic 75SB
Post by: willieG on November 30, 2011, 06:47:14 PM

if you are looking for a temp fix to get you through this winter and plan on replacing the unit...i have had success in oil tanks ( a quick fix until the tank is empty) of a rubber patch with with a thin metal plate over it and self tapping screws to hold it in place

Title: Re: Water Leak on Classic 75SB
Post by: pintopaul on November 30, 2011, 07:07:19 PM

why couldnt you use jb weld(tank must be empty) and give plent of time to cure ,ive used it on an engine block that was cracked and drove vehical for a whole summer with no problems.

Title: Re: Water Leak on Classic 75SB
Post by: Northportredneck on December 07, 2011, 09:00:42 PM

I added the boiler seal a few days ago.  The majority of the leak stopped in about two hours and just seemed to get dryer and dryer as time went by.  I left the sealer in for about 48 hours and then drained the boiler, flushed and refilled.  Went from loosing 2 to 3 inches of water per day to holding steady.  Will keep you posted on how it holds up.  Thanks to all for your comments!

Title: Re: Water Leak on Classic 75SB
Post by: Bull on December 07, 2011, 09:16:52 PM

Thanks for keeping us up to date, this may come in handy.