I’ve found a Natural Gas boiler for sale by Burnham. It is 198000 BTUs, model P207BWNV. It was manufactured on 5/97. It’s is new in the crate. It was bought for an HO who ran out of money and the contractor held on to it for a while (as agreed with the HO) but the HO remained down on his luck. It’s been sitting in his garage ever since and he’s cleaning out his garage and decided to sell it.
He says he paid $1500 for it but now the unit costs around $1800 today. He said he would let it go for $1100. The warranty paper says it has a limited lifetime Warranty during years it’s in service.
I was considering that maybe there are seals in it that may be going bad, or drying out due to non-use? Or perhaps any electronics that may have gone bad due to non use? Anyone have an opinion? I was going to offer him $800 if there seems to be a probable chance that it’s a perfectly fine unit.
Replies
Willie, Aren't you the fella who just blew the ladies boiler?? ;) Or am I thinking of someone else?
Unless this thing has been sitting in a seaside shanty, I can't think of any reason it wouldn't still be good. Burnham certainly makes good boilers.
I would offer him $800 and see what he says!
Yeah, it's ME. Been shopping around for one. The woman has offered to pay the full cost of the boiler. Though I admitted my mistake she said with its age she thought it'd be good to buy a new one anyways. With such generosity, and it benefitting my skin, I"m trying to save her some of the cost on a boiler. And...it's a STANDARD CI boiler llike I"m always accustomed to :)If at first you don't succeed, try using a hammer next time...everything needs some extra persuasion from time to time. -ME
Willie, I wasn't trying to give you a hard time, but I started laughing when I read your post. I could picture you hooking up this monster boiler where there had been a 72,000 BTU boiler before.
I have been installing Burnham boilers for almost 30 years. I would not hesitate to pay $800 for that boiler if it is the right size and you can make things right with her. I am surrounded by houses that I have built since 1976. They all have Burnham boilers in them and I have not had a call back to any of them except for normal maintenance items.
I understand you've been putting Burnhams in for 30yrs...But have you ever installed one that was sitting around for a long time? I mean, can something go wrong with these things as they age with non-use?? Is there something I should look for on it ot ensure it's in good working order?
I saw the unit today, nice and new looking. Exchanger was rusty but they always are, otherwise it was as clean looking as can be. I had to tear the cardboard from the crate to get a few peeks inside. So it definitely was never opened until today.
It also comes with a vent hood and circulator pump. I doubt there would be anything wrong with a circulator, that I feel fully sure of.
BTW...didn't take you as giving me a hard time :) I would've well enough known though not to put a 198,000 BTU in for a 72,000 replacement. That WOULD be massive overkill and a bit funny to say the least in it's own way :)If at first you don't succeed, try using a hammer next time...everything needs some extra persuasion from time to time. -ME
No, I haven't installed any that have been sitting around quite that long, but I can't imagine what could possibly go wrong with it. That is a Plain-Jane boiler. It may even have a standing pilot??
Ask the guy if you can plug a few holes and fill it with water if you're worried about a leak. I always do this before I start the piping anyway. I have seen a few boilers that were leakers right out of the factory. I learned this lesson the hard way. It was -25 out and I was installing the boiler in my first house. I got it all piped up and ready to roll. The mechanical inspector dropped in and we were sitting there having a coffee and waiting for the boiler to fill. All of a sudden, a puddle starts forming under the boiler...and sure enough, there were one or two seals leaking. It was just a factory defect. Most boiler manuals today warn you to do this before installation.
Any serviceable part on the boiler is available at your local heating supply outlet. The only thing Burnham does is assemble a bunch of parts that are provided by Honeywell and others. If the heat exchanger leaks for some reason, it's not repairable. You might want to call Burnham and find out what the warranty situation would be in a case like that.
That is not a super efficient boiler compared to what else is available today, but it is definitely the right price. I guess it would be the homeowner's call as to what she wants to spend.
Keep in mind that codes probably have changed in many ways since her original boiler was installed. Installing another one hooked up exactly like the original may be violating a current code requirement.
Excellent advice, well taken.
Yes it is a standing pilot.
If at first you don't succeed, try using a hammer next time...everything needs some extra persuasion from time to time. -ME
Make sure you have a use for it. That is a big boiler. Most places could use half of that one. I would also contact Burnham, warranty may require original purchase papers.
Edited 1/15/2006 4:59 pm ET by rich1
Believe me, I have a use for it. The lady has 188,000 BTU now, she's picking up extra here, but for the cost, why not.If at first you don't succeed, try using a hammer next time...everything needs some extra persuasion from time to time. -ME
Easy enough to check with Burnham and see if they still offer parts for it. What's the efficiency rating? There are a lot of really good modern boilers that are very efficient, and with fuel costs what they are I would be most concerned about that.
No problem with non use sitting when it has never been used.
Kinda like a jar of mayo you don't have to refrigerate it until you open it.