Air in system, do I have a serious problem?

[mpilihp]

I just read your first post again - just how old is this boiler?

Its a conventional New Yorker, Ive had it for about 5-6 years, the prior owner bought the house with it in it, didn't use if for several years and then upgraded his oil boiler and had it removed at that time, so guessing 10+ so who knows.

Its metal shielding is orange and I think its rated for 70K Btus.

~ Phil

 

[maple1]

In that case, I would not be surprised if there was indeed a small leak in the firebox. If so you should see a pressure drop with the fresh feed valved off. It won't be sudden (unless it's a more substantial leak), but gradually over time. In order to fully check for one, you would have to let the fire go completely out, clean it thoroughly, and look for seepage. But in doing that, the boiler would need to go cold - which might make the leak worse.

All speculation of course.

 

[mpilihp]

So after several days with the fresh water feed off I saw a drop in pressure, here is the first picture showing the pressure has dropped a lot to about 5psi. I opened the intake valve and heard a small surge in, pressure came up a bit but after the circulator ran a bit it came back up to normal, picture 2 (hopefully). So maple1 I am thinking your right that there is a leak somewhere, the question is where. Once it warms up some Ill be able to let it cool down and clean it out and look for any leaking.

Thanks

~ Phil