smallbrother
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Post by smallbrother on Sept 23, 2022 9:56:41 GMT
I have acquired several 3.5" gauge boilers that don't have bushes for fitting fire doors.
One of the boilers has screws fitted straight into the copper backhead.
Is it possible to retro fit bushes?
Pete.
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uuu
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Post by uuu on Sept 23, 2022 14:28:30 GMT
Yes, but I wouldn't try it. If it already has screws and the boiler is certified, then I'd leave well alone.
Fitting bushes would be tricky and risk generating leaks round adjacent stays, or the firehole door. Although it's not exactly a structural change, your inspector might think a new 2-times test was required.
Have you considered some kind of clamping arrangement with thin fingers hooking through the firehole?
Wilf
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smallbrother
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Post by smallbrother on Sept 23, 2022 17:16:06 GMT
Have you considered some kind of clamping arrangement with thin fingers hooking through the firehole? Wilf No, I had not! Some further planning needed clearly! Pete. |
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jo479
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Post by jo479 on Sept 23, 2022 18:08:24 GMT
I have replaced screw threads with threaded bushes then soldered with Comsol, with success, but double hydraulic test needed afterwards because it's a structural alteration or a repair, if you don't have any leaks I'd leave well alone.
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Post by coniston on Sept 23, 2022 18:12:56 GMT
Hi Pete, a couple of other methods of fixing fire hole doors not into a boiler I've seen include mounting a simple support off the footplate or alternatively similar to Wilfs suggestion is to have a close-fitting tube in the fire hole to which the door and latch are fixed.
If your boiler(s) already have tapped holes in the backhead then use bronze screws and some sealant and screw the door and latch directly to the boiler. It's been done for too many years to show it is an acceptable method but not one to be continued if building a new boiler (if possible)
Chris
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JonL
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Post by JonL on Sept 26, 2022 15:15:32 GMT
Both my boilers have this issue. for my William I made a false backhead held in place by stepped bronze extensions screwed into the backhead bushes. My fittings then screw into these. This plate is then what my firebox door is connected to.
My Britannia also lacks any fittings on the boiler for the sliding door and I made a sleeve that fits flush into the door hole. The sleeve is silver soldered to a plate which the sliding components are attached to. This is much inferior as its actually made the firehole smaller in diameter, which I'm not happy with. I think I'll be reworking it. The technique on William worked fine.
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smallbrother
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Post by smallbrother on Sept 28, 2022 6:51:20 GMT
Both my boilers have this issue. for my William I made a false backhead held in place by stepped bronze extensions screwed into the backhead bushes. My fittings then screw into these. This plate is then what my firebox door is connected to. My Britannia also lacks any fittings on the boiler for the sliding door and I made a sleeve that fits flush into the door hole. The sleeve is silver soldered to a plate which the sliding components are attached to. This is much inferior as its actually made the firehole smaller in diameter, which I'm not happy with. I think I'll be reworking it. The technique on William worked fine. Hi Jon, Would it be possible to take a photo of the William arrangement please? Pete. |
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JonL
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Post by JonL on Sept 29, 2022 20:10:50 GMT
Sure, I may have one from when it was coming together. I wouldn't do it exactly the same way now, my engineering has come on a little, but the concept is sound. Wait one
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JonL
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Post by JonL on Sept 29, 2022 20:17:23 GMT
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smallbrother
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Post by smallbrother on Oct 1, 2022 20:59:52 GMT
Great photo. Many thanks Jon. Pete. |
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