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[andyhowardcity]

Hello everybody,
I have an opportunity to purchase a 13 year old 5648 for in the $2000 price range.  Anyone have any thoughts on moving a stove this old?  Any inherent risk involved other than the obvious? 

[andyhowardcity]

I forgot to mention, any thoughts on purchasing a stove this old?

[slimjim]

Look it over good, if it has lasted this long then it probably was well maintained, it is coming to the end of its life cycle but the beauty of that stove is that it can be fairly easily welded if you do have an issue. Check with your local code enforcement officer to be sure you can still install it though as many states and towns have rules in place that require passing federal EPA phase 2 testing.

[andyhowardcity]

Thanks for the reply.  That is what I was wondering, whether a weld would be possible at that age if it did start working.  It is the original owner who is selling and he stated it has never leaked and he has maintained it with the exception of one time he waited four years instead of three for draining the water.

[slimjim]

If it ever does need to be welded do it from the water jacket side as this will prevent water from getting behind the weld and continueing to rot it out, My wife just called to say that CNN just reported that crude oil is now posted at $104 + per barrel this morning, it is on its way up big time, make a choice and get her done we'll all be here to help you get it up and running

[andyhowardcity]

Thanks for the encouragement!  I've been kicking tires for a couple years now and limping along with my pre-fab inefficient fireplace.
I am in Howard City, MI, north of Grand Rapids and this boiler is about three hours drive away.  I have the trailer to do the job but am a little concerned about the travel bumps.  Is there anything to be concerned about with that as long as it is properly secured?

A water jacket side weld would mean cutting a hole in the water jacket to get to the firebox, correct?

[slimjim]

Just secure it well and don't worry, yes you would cut a larger hole in the water jacket to access the back side of the firebox.

[andyhowardcity]

Ok, I am hoping to be able to make an offer this weekend.

[slimjim]

Look for pitting in the steel, any boiler with that much age has some but if the pits are halfway through then I think I would pass

[andyhowardcity]

Slimjim,
I wanted to thank you for the great advice.  The guy ended up selling the boiler over the weekend.  However, I now know what I am looking for and what to avoid.  I'll keep everybody posted!

[slimjim]

You are more than welcome, I'll keep an eye open for a used unit from this end as well, A good place to keep an eye on is the Uncle Henry's swap and sell it guide