Help! Wood boiler shooting steam

[Evan Lenz]

Picked up a home made wood boiler modeled after a central boiler. Temperature gauge indicates water is at 180* however there is steam shooting out of the vent cap. It seems to be heating the house fine, and has been for over a week. Should I be worried? How do I fix?

 

[NSMaple1]

Does it have enough water in it? Don't think that's healthy for it.

 

[bayard]

check the cold water feed. the vent cap should be replaced every few years.

 

[NSMaple1]

Not likely this has some kind of automatic cold water feed, home made and all. I'd guess water level dropped to where the firebox is uncovered a bit. Making a boil off. Could wreck it if it goes on for long. Get some water in there!

 

[Marley5]

In the many years I've owned a CB 5036 I've yet to see steam " blowing " from vent....I see a small amount of steam when stove reaches it 185* cutoff.

Add water first but make sure to add the appropriate amount of rust prohitor.

If the problem persists you may need a bigger pump to move more water.

 

[NSMaple1]

Yes, temp guage could be wonky too.

 

[CUCV]

Turn down the temperature setpoint to 175 then to 170 and see what happens.

 

[NSMaple1]

Turn down the temperature setpoint to 175 then to 170 and see what happens.

Maybe. After first checking water level.

 

[NSMaple1]

Could also be wonky temp gauge together with draft door hanging up.

OP - where did you go?

 

[GVS]

Turn down the temperature setpoint to 175 then to 170 and see what happens.

AFTER! determining correct water level

 

[CUCV]

Lol, trying not be be redundant as it was already mentioned... but to be clear and redundant please check the water level first then we can proceed with other potential causes.

 

[cantoo]

He's likely at work.

 

[NSMaple1]

Hope it didn't melt down on him.