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[the trailmaster]

Hi all   I changed out my primary air intake elbow and while cleaning found a little water in with soft creosote.  Boiler is 6 years old and have watched my water condition very carefully.   Question, can you use boiler seal or is that a no no?  My water level is staying on the mark, however all leaks get bigger not smaller, thoughts.    Thanks to all

[hondaracer2oo4]

Probably best to have this moved to the central boiler topic but are you sure thst this is water jacket water and not just condensation? You should see that leak continue to leak a lot of water out and if the water jacket isn’t dropping then I would guess this is condensation.

[the trailmaster]

Thanks  First, I'm not sure how to transfer to central boiler. Second, I hope you are correct on the condensation, that wood make my Christmas.   Thanks again for your thoughts I will keep an eye on the water level.

[Roger2561]

Trailmaster - I have the E-Classic 1400 and the design basically the same.  Every time I remove the primary air elbow on my 1400 I always see moisture, but it's condensation not from a water leak.  The first time I experienced it, it scared the bugger out of me thinking it was a leak.  This is my 7th season with my 1400.  Good luck and Merry Christmas!  Roger

[the trailmaster]

Thanks Roger, first time I've really noticed it.  I hope you guys are correct  Best to you all  Merry Christmas 

[Roger2561]

If you're not losing water, I'd be 90% confident that it's not a leak unless it's a super duper tiny one.  Keep an eye on the water level for the next few days/weeks to see if it drops any, that should be a telling sign.  Roger 

[Pointblank]

I think Roger's right on here. If your water level isn't dropping its more than likely just condensation. Mine does the same thing. I clean it out every couple of weeks and there's often a little soft creosote and some moisture. If your using any Ashtrol in your firebox its a good idea to also  toss a scoop of it into the elbow every couple weeks. Creosote + water creates an acid that can erode the steel over time. Ashtrol is a pH modifier that neutralizes the acid. Any Central Boiler dealer should carry it.

[duramax]

I just cleaned out my E1450 last week and the tube had a good layer of creosote and some moisture. Burning soft wood and I needed to clean out my reaction chamber, it was full so it had low burn temps. I think you will be fine.

[Roger2561]

It'll be interesting to see how the primary air elbow is doing regarding creosote buildup.  I haven't cleaned it in a little over a month, same goes for the primary air holes in the firebox.  But with sub-zero overnight temps expected starting Tuesday night, I need to be sure everything is good clean and operating properly.  So far the 1400 has been operating flawlessly.  This is my 7th season heating my house with it and DHW.  I clean the reaction chamber weekly.  Generally there will be about 4 to 5 scoops of ash in it.  Roger

[the trailmaster]

Happy New Year to all.  I been keeping an eye on the water level and she seems to be holding.  Boiler been running hard last week and going through some wood. Seems the colder it gets the better it runs. 
For the guys with the creosote issues, I run 185 to 195, sometimes it will get to 197, but seems to run cleaner.  Thanks again for all the advice.    Trailmaster

[Roger2561]

Happy New Year to all.  I been keeping an eye on the water level and she seems to be holding.  Boiler been running hard last week and going through some wood. Seems the colder it gets the better it runs. 
For the guys with the creosote issues, I run 185 to 195, sometimes it will get to 197, but seems to run cleaner.  Thanks again for all the advice.    Trailmaster

Trailmaster - Happy New Year!  Glad to learn that it doesn't seem to be an leak in your OWB.  I agree with the statement that when it gets colder, the OWB seems to run cleaner.  Every Saturday morning when I go out to put wood in the 1400 I always clean the reaction chamber of ash buildup.  I think there may have been 4 shovel fulls of very fine ash in it.  Roger 

[E Yoder]

Good news indeed this cold week. Happy New Year to you too.