NO HEAT CALL FROM A OLD HOARDER

[@bullmoosepiper7732]

Really is incredible. On one hand, I can completely see why she needs a new boiler - obviously. On the other hand, tell me any boiler, furnace, heat pump - anything that generates heat - that is made today that will stand the test of time like that dinosaur has? Not a one. It's like going into a house and seeing a 50+ year old USA made water heater that is still working. This boiler reflects a time in the USA when things were built with pride to last, designed with real engineering, and were sold with integrity. Makes me proud of my country, but also makes me weep for my country. Good job Steve.

[@WLEE100]

NIce job Steve, I hope the lady appreciates your commitment to quality. Although, I must say it's your commitment to giving her good service is making her think "Hey, It's still working. I can let it be". I look forward to her next call in five years. I know you mutter and curse under your breath as you work with the "beast". But it's a good and simple beast, without all the goofy electronics that can be toast if if gets try dry. or the heat exchanger that cracks because it was designed to within the MINIMUM threshold of performance in the name of efficiency (AKA known as doing it as cheaply as possible)

[@chancycat9822]

@@johnphillipsplumbing7148 And also a time when greedy corporations didn't outsource our appliances to China..where they make everything shitty! Like my mom is 85 years old and a few years ago she bought a new 40 inch hd tv and within 2 years it wasn't working anymore,and also a few years she needed to buy a new washing machine but she didn't have the money so 2 of my sisters and my brother pitched in and got one for her..and then within 2 years that one had broken down..so she had to buy another one with her stimulus money..and she decided to get an extended warranty on it..because she just can't keep affording this. Now my washer and dryer were all bought in 2004 and are still running really good..(but I also don't have children so I guess that makes a difference..kid's are very hard on appliances)... Also the hd tv that I bought in 2010 a Panasonic is still running but gave it to a friend and opted for a 4k 65 inch tv which I love! And the reason why I mentioned these other appliances is because you can't buy anything new from a new furnace,water heater,tv,washing machine that isn't built in China and made dirt cheap and that's a fact!.. We just wished that Steven was our plumber because we have our own home and eventually we'll need to replace our furnace,and water heater. But unfortunately alot of the guys over here in the Pacific Northwest are crooks (the big companies I mean)...

[@SmittySmithsonite]

AMEN! As an auto mechanic ready to quit, I agree 100%.

[@chancycat9822]

@@SmittySmithsonite Yup! It's so true! But these greedy corporations also do it to save money on taxes,because the United States government will charge an arm and a leg on taxes for everything! The really unfortunate thing is that we're the one's getting stuck with a really crappy made in China appliance,that seems to break down every 5 minutes... And so some nice guy like Steven has to come and fix it for us. But you also gotta think where would be without someone like Steven to help us out in a jam right?

[@stocharron2753]

That boiler was made In my home town Johnstown pa , theres still a lot of those national around in this area efficiency s low but people dont want to change em out unless its a leaker

[@Joe_Mission]

The fact that you told her she needed a new boiler 5 years ago and the thing is still running with no service since that time proves that she was right to hold off. Rock it till the wheels fall off.

[@JakeStreisand]

Would of ran longer if she'd give it some maintenance. It's the service guy that gets screwed over

[@robertkieras1522]

National Radiator Company. Quality Made in America. Every part on that burner is original. That boiler/burner will outlast a new one, no need to upgrade.

[@robertthvacadventure8774]

American standard bought that company in 1967 .

[@joearchey6410]

Used to be made in Johnstown Pennsylvania.

[@wattsup918]

Based on the round green motor in the upper right of the first view, at least the fifties, maybe the forties. The motor cast iron end bells were gone by the sixties and replaced with stamped/formed steel.

[@TheOracle313]

@@wattsup918 uh upper left you mean.

[@Taino871]

I agree 100%. Nothing beats Old American made boilers, Especially OLD NRC Boilers.

[@dklucas1]

Old crusty boilers is how I got hooked into watching Steve. I enjoy all of his videos

[@buixote]

It is nice to see people keeping old stuff running... even though it's a pain in the backside! So many modern appliances are simply *disposable* !!! Thanks for the videos!

[@chancycat9822]

@Buixote Well to me it's kind of a question would of would you rather have something old and possibly made in America made? Because then you know it will last,and because it's quality made? Or would you want to throw away your money away on some cheap China crap that may only last 2 years if you're lucky,right?

[@jz422]

Looked like less of a pain than a new one. Five years since last service and only a dirty filter and a plugged oil line. Simple, robust and no electronics to fail.

[@hanscraig1850]

I would much rather work on this than a new burner,

[@CarlosMartinez-xv5zd]

These older people have no one to trust! You Steve saved the day!

[@duanewilson3941]

"Just start by cleaning it." She had it all diagnosed for you Steve, lol.

[@kindervelt2005]

New boilers are designed using the latest software that allows them to be engineered to last till just beyond warranty expiration.

[@DOLRED]

I like how that pump cover is bolted on 19:45 like the access door on the front of a Railroad Steam Locomotive. Most of the steel on that beast is forged steel. Better than the krap sheet metal they use now.

[@arthurfox1629]

I used to do tear outs 25-30 years ago when I worked for an oil company. I saved the badges off of some old boilers because I thought the logos were neat looking. Some of the metal badges I have are, NRC, Esso, Westinghouse and some others. Those old boilers were beasts. That old thing brings back some memories.

[@fanofoldfans9238]

That resirc pump looked like it had an old GE SA type brushed induction motor on it. A museum piece for sure. That old boiler should also be at the Smithsonian. It probably weighs a Ton literally. Made in USA!!!

[@frankm496]

She's not a leaker. Just kick the can down the road like you always say and save her a buck. Just maintain it until you can't get parts, or it leaks. Oldie but a goodie. What a beautiful beast. Amazing

[@Taino871]

Agreed 100%

[@offthegridwithbert924]

I've got 2 Gilbaco burners of this vintage, personally I like these old burners, they have a character and quality that's lacking from the modern burners, and just look how long it's been in service, 60 or 70 years and still going!

[@zaffo757]

It's the tank, not the boiler. A big prefilter would catch that crap. Kinda like comparing a Detroit 671 to a Fiat diesel. One can eat garbage and keep running...yeh other ... Not so much.

[@Thebowzer221]

I wonder what the difference in efficiency would be from this old burner to a new flame retention head, higher speed burner...

[@hansi6606]

@@Thebowzer221 I guess apparently those rocket burners aren't much more efficient, but they burn cleaner. It get's more efficient, when you can reduce system temperatures or maybe upgrade to a high efficiency condensating boiler.

[@MrHowieZ1973]

That old burner has that 1930s art deco look about it. lol

[@jamesgillies3710]

That's one built to last boiler. Great Job Steve. New equipment will never last that long.

[@oneFreetinker]

With continued maintenance, your grandkid will be servicing that boiler.

[@ramdodgetruck]

From a time when things were built to last.

[@danbell1733]

Flintstone hvac installed that beast.

[@trickytrav88]

Thanks for the tour steve ..They dont make em like that anymore that thing is a tank.

[@RCALivingStereo]

Why change the boiler if it still works ? There’s a reason why it’s lasted this long They don’t make stuff like this anymore

[@FedPut]

probably because he doesn't have the parts for it, might not be able to fix a basic issue

[@johncampbell6715]

RCA when things go wrong with these ancient burners its normally multiple issues at considerable expense.I find clients that are to tight to upgrade in the first place tend to complain when they get the bill for the repairs because they want everything for nothing. The money they waste on vintage crap could make a nice dent in a new reliable eficient boiler.

[@hanscraig1850]

@@johncampbell6715 A new boiler that sounds like a plane raking off and gives trouble within a few years I would rather fix the old J pumps are far superior to any mini pump, a 1725 motor is quieter and lasts longer and a ignition transformer from the 1950s will still outlast anything new

[@projectsfromtheworkbench]

We had that same boiler when growing up...my father replaced the pump burner assembly about 20 years ago. He was faithful about changing the filter and nozzle every heating season...never gave any trouble until his age prevented him from getting into basement...I had to learn fast how to change nozzles and filters. 😁

[@RCALivingStereo]

@@projectsfromtheworkbench That’s amazing Gary, love that Myself the old stuffs the best. All this stuff todays computer boards ect Simple is best

[@joearchey6410]

That boiler was built by National Radiator in my hometown of Johnstown Pennsylvania.

[@nickc7494]

Doesn’t matter, poor lady has anxiety to even save the boiler, Steve you’re a good guy keep helping the elderly

[@Nighthawke70]

Especially elderly boilers.

[@dariogiannetti7024]

Steve has a big heart

[@jaredstrehlein5605]

Nice Job regardless of the situation. At the very least we know that some of the old stuff may last for many, many, many decades.

[@brucemcgee2281]

That's a tough old boiler. I love them.

[@tallboyyyy]

National Radiator Company has roots that go back to the late 1800s becoming NRC in 1902. They merged with United States Radiator Company in 1954 so that beast is at least 67 years old.

[@giddysmiles2901]

Never saw a gas boiler even last that long. Searching, on the internet, The National Radiator Company was prior to 1955. Still going. Someone might have told the owner they needed a new boiler 42 years ago. What's the oldest oil burner Steve has worked on? This has got to be on the top of the list. Outliving many that ever came to service it.

[@erikj.2066]

@@giddysmiles2901 he’s had a few pancake boilers from the 40’s he’s worked on. Almost none of the old stuff has the original burner. Most of it has been upgraded to a flame retention type burner over the decades.

[@jessemartinez566]

As usual he makes a simple job sound like he's a superhero 😂

[@jimmylanders2175]

Great work Steve! Good to great tech out there doing the right thing for the elderly. I know I would appreciate this greatly if she were my mom or grandmother. Happy New Year Steve!

[@jayyoung5423]

Believe it, sometimes the old tried and true works better than the throw away shit we get nowadays.

[@madcowusa4277]

And here I am, just a homeowner, reading through the limitations and exclusions of my near worthless 12 month warranty. What a flippin' joke. Interesting video - makes one think about the slow demise of America, outsourcing and corporate greed.

[@JamesAgans]

Warranties are written by Lawyers ( Pronounced Liars) hired by the manufacturer of today's crap to keep them from ever having to make good on a warranty. I designed commercial roofs. Owners would show me their paper warranties with the pretty golden scrollwork around the perimeter. I would ask them if they ever read the gray 6 point font on the back of the last page, then I told them that I never saw a paper warranty keep water out of a building. 😮

[@stevenradams]

Unbelievable Crusty One! Happy New Year Steve! North of you in Portland Maine area.

[@theoldbigmoose]

Seems to have run well the last 5 years till tank sludge got it. No fancy microprocessor controls to fail. Good, honest USA cast iron! Bet you will be servicing it again around 2026!

[@ed6837]

LOL STEVE. I was in the business 46 years. First license I got was MA oil burner. That old crusty brought back memories. Old Crusty!!!!!

[@themayorofairconditioning2868]

Really liked the dialogue and subtitles in this video.

[@themayorofairconditioning2868]

Wow surprise ending with picket fence and rainbow

[@monoralph1375]

1725 RPM, J pump. Runs for decades. Pump screens and pumps are available

[@mrolfe8341]

Think you deserve a medal for gallantry in the field!

[@ak9m2asl]

This was the funniest Steve Lav video I’ve seen! I laughed my ass off.

[@michelgrenier1878]

Most techs . would refuse to work on that ; But Steve the language , the language ? Keep it up , Love it ! Lol

[@billwhite9890]

Ya got to love it. 🤣🤣 keep it running , it'll be fine for another season 🙏.

[@patvitale6128]

Moses was walking down a mountain with stone tablets in his hands when that thing was made. God bless you for putting up with that.

[@larryanderson8049]

LOL that boiler may out live us all.....built like a battleship ... she will call back in five years!

[@ercando11]

This vintage rig is amazing, don't make'em like that anymore momma.

[@SmittySmithsonite]

I remember that same burner unit on our boiler when I was growing up! That was 50 years ago! They took that burner out for a Beckett in the mid 80's.

[@jpro5687]

Neat to see that old stuff. Like that toilet attached to the stack next to the claw foot tub job! Not easy. You the man Steve!

[@sabbath7081]

Those old burners really stand the test of time, we did a change out for a lady and the burner was just like this one I saved it, through it in my garage it was still running The only problem was the filters were plugged she qualified for a new system with the energy assistance program, if it was maintained and the filters were changed it would probably still be running today.

[@carbonblack1002]

have a chrysler airtemp oil burner as heat for my shop and it still works but i only use it when it is really cold out because of oil costs

[@timothymarshall6709]

when i lived in town i had a Crusade atherm oil fired boiler the burner was as big as the tec. and they exchanged it out with a carlon burner and they had too use boiler cement the door that the burner mounts was cracked

[@tristanschaper281]

I’m surprised that you didn’t drain any of the sludge out from the tank, after blowing it with the air. It sure looked nasty. I would think that dirty fuel will simply reclog the filter and block off the supply again, no?

[@robgrasso9320]

There is no way to drain the sludge out. That tank should be replaced.

[@arniegrote319]

Steve think about it you're going to sell a new boiler to a hoarder, they don't get rid of anything.

[@medicalnegligence]

He doesn’t have to remove the old one out of the basement. Just move it aside. Lol

[@jaybee1930]

@@medicalnegligence you got that right

[@danwittels5542]

Thanks for showing us the name plate on the boiler. Any idea of the manufacturing date of that old beast? You're a good man to help her out. I'd have been scared shit less every time I twisted a bolt or screw on that thing it would ring off and I'd have a new career trying to fix it and find parts. You were very smart about your approach to this job.

[@robertthvacadventure8774]

My cousin still has a 1954 silent may steam boiler with a bunson burner pilot

[@brianburns7211]

Just think about Steve’s saying “Houston we have ignition.” The space program probably didn’t exist when this was installed.

[@sabbath7081]

I can see the old cast iron GE motor on the circulator pump in the background, vintage Taco, I restored one of those and put it in place in my system, oil it once a year it runs silent.

[@AMStationEngineer]

While I've never seen an "NRC" oil burner, I have seen Stewart Warner - Winkler "Automatic Heating Furnaces" - which were built like brick shyte-houses, (Father Ted-ism) the last two that I changed out were old "Sunbeam" coal conversion - gravity convection heaters, with Honeywell stack controllers. The reason they were both swapped out, was because I couldn't locate transformers for them. One, was in a home which was still owned by the family who had the conversion from coal done under some type of "Veteran's Administration" safety program, started because of CO problems around 1954. This was in Pennsylvania, near Philly. I'm told that at least 70% of the oil heating systems of that era, had received federal funds to convert from coal, or wood/coal, and there were also something called "Bucket-a-Day" systems (under the same mandate). I'm in my '60s, and for me, this is "ancient information", if someone can add to this, please do, as I'm sure that there is interest in this type of history.

[@NSproductionz14]

Steve you deserve a medal for the shit you work on

[@Boys_rideout]

That looks just like an old burner I worked on that had a Delco plate on it by General Motors. I ended up replacing the burner with a brand new AFG. It was an American Standard steam boiler and it heated beautifully.

[@kb9drh]

Steve you are an artist! Nice job.

[@mjg263]

I used to rent an old house with a bunch of friends and it had a very old NRC boiler just like that one, I think it was from the 40’s. Sounded just like that when it ran, had the stack temp sensor and everything just like that one. It even had the same problem with the blocked discharge at the oil tank, every once in a while the sludge would build up and it would starve out. It never leaked water but I swear at least 3/4 of the heat from the firebox was going up the chimney!

[@DA-PICKLES-VR]

What is the purpose of the valve at the tank with the spring holding it open. Why not a ball valve or gate.

[@skip1835]

Steve, I've never commented on your channel before - I think you're awesome, love everything ya post and you're one lucky dude to have Miss Molly at your side - yes, that burner sure was a relic, but I did admire it's "meant to last" construction - contrast it's gorgeous casted parts to the stuff we have these days, everything stamped metal etc. - - - even looked like there was a fair chance it still had the original pump on it, if that's the case, that's a miracle given the crap it's being given to pump all these years which speaks to it's ruggedness, filter or not - - - anyway, if a guy wanted to buy a burner like that battle ship in this day and age, my guess - - that person would be S _ _ t Ottha Luck !!

[@jasonsiler8300]

How would one clean out all the sediment inside the tank?

[@pauldorobialski8871]

This reminds me of my first oil heat call. A big red Texaco oil burner with too big of a nozzle for the width of the fire box, the air shutters shut, carboned up electrodes, mis firing. I must say You know your stuff on everything that you do!

[@woody9052]

She still saves tin cans for the war effort...

[@larryhatfield1588]

We still have a few of them in Princeton and Rutland. Most of them were on coal conversion boilers.

[@mjg263]

Yep, the house I rented in Princeton had an NRC boiler just like that one, had the NRC radiators to go with it too! One thing I’ll say is that it never leaked any water, only problems we had were with the old sludged up oil tank.

[@wmdayman]

Wow haven't seen one like that in a long long time. Good going Steven.

[@bluemoth1879]

Keep moving forward, and taking names. 🥂

[@alecmaxwell7945]

Oh shit, thar thing is like brand new. I have an old Weil. Mclain that was installed in 1936. Thats a gem!

[@jjtrucker5950]

That thing was built to last, depending on the lady, it may still outlive her.

[@REWYRED]

Another built to last and probably has enough thermal mass to keep the house warm during an extended power outage just sitting there... Take forever to get hot but stay fairly warm a day later lol

[@lonewolf744]

I love the old crusty one'sssss MR GRINCH. She's still running and still heating.

[@ericfraser7543]

That old burner is doing pretty good if that is the first time it has been serviced in five years... my modern boiler can only go a year without service.

[@kylebass4635]

Steve and Miss Molly got the old beast from the north east up and running again for another winter ❄️🥶.

[@mikeblanchetti8332]

NRC... National Radiator Company, Johnstown Pa. Plenty of old NRC coal & oil boilers as well as radiators still in operation in this part of western Pa and judging from this video other parts of the USA as well.

[@josephrothschild206]

There's something to be said about old crusty boiler's built to last. Good thing she called you Steve to keep it going lesson learned .

[@pantherplatform]

Is that a cut open jug of shell rotella motor oil?

[@stevenlavimoniere]

YES 1 GALLON OLD OIL CONTAINER

[@ricktomlinson5481]

What she may really need is just a new burner (Beckett) with an adapter to fit the old boiler. As long as the boiler is clean inside and outside of soot and not leaking water, keep her. The old boiler would most likely out last a new boiler anyway as the junk cost cuts in design and manufacturing boilers these days. Used Beckett burners on line are cheep too. She has got to keep up with bi yearly PM !!

[@hanscraig1850]

I wouldnt trade that burner for 20 new becketts This will still be running when the new ones are all dead

[@lawrencefusco3096]

In 1954 the National Radiator Company merged with the United States Radiator Company..... Boy that Truly is a museum piece!

[@Dominick_Calvitto.]

Ahh My Favorite Videos. Great Work Steve,

[@Imwright720]

My wife knows your voice immediately. I worked in one house where they were hoarders. Nothing but a path. “ that’s a crusty one. “. Great line. I can’t help but laugh every time you say it.

[@FattyFPV]

NRC - National Radiator Company, Johnstown, PA U.S.A. was on the info plate

[@chrisjarvis4449]

that burner is so old it looked like it had a label on it that read [ product of occupied polland ] but by who what time germans or russains ?

[@tomdale1313]

kicking the can down the road, with Ace/Steve and Good Golly Miss Molly...txs for sharing

[@michaelmartin200]

Steve very best wishes for a healthy prosperous New year all the best 2022 to you.kind regards michael uk care home resident

[@bobberger918]

Love when they say only push the stack control once inside lots of oil burn it off with newspapers rumbling noise

[@hanscraig1850]

I saw one so full of oil once, When we fired it up flames went out the top of the chimney lol

[@williamroche9025]

"Yeah if we can just make it through this season" They all say that. Nice work Steve !

[@edp9743]

The old girl is older than dirt but still running, you probably dig in that cellar there are new parts for the old National.

[@Joop5000]

Hey Steve, I've worked on many of those old 1725 rpm burners with the 8 bolt pump strainer covers over the years. fun Huh? LoL! NRC = National Radiator Company

[@WeatherNut27]

Great video! 'They dont make them like they used to'... but damn.

[@catslivesmatter1268]

You can see a close up of this model in the natural museum of Washington

[@DEW409]

Why upgrade? It works, it doesn’t leak, and it will probably outlast any of that new junk that won’t make ten years. Thee old lady won’t live long enough for any efficiency gains to pay back either.

[@laganaf60]

Great stuff Steve Happy New Year

[@kraken21990]

If there is that much sludge built up on the bottom i'd venture to guess the oil tank is long overdue to be changed.

[@jackl9922]

Wow. Amazing still works. I’d hate to pay the fuel bill.

[@Jayf1981]

Spring of what year

[@craigs3183]

I'm still running a US Radiator Corp. boiler with an Adams burner from the 1950s. Only thing it needed was a thermocouple and a new circulator pump

[@terrysilcox4080]

I'm in NE Ohio and we are still running an old Zepher forced air gas furnace, I'm 59yrs old and it's way older than myself ! Wonder if Steve has run across any of these furnaces ?

[@jdboy9]

Hey fellow NE Ohioan

[@terrysilcox4080]

@@jdboy9 Hey back at ya !

[@deadstiff6486]

Oh man that place was a fire hazard !

[@chrissuessle]

You know I like the gravy jobs too but you can’t turn your nose up to success. That boiler appears to be almost all original, and from what I can remember and research that is from the late 1940’s. they don’t make boilers and burners that good anymore, NRC was a 100% American company and High quality long lasting products was the result. That Burner and boiler will outlast most technicians. I actually really enjoy getting jobs working on older equipment like that.. My brother you got the wrong attitude working on this. I know you probably want to get a job to put in a new boiler for the person, but you can’t argue, it was five years ago since you touched that and it’s just trucking along.. so fix it right, have a bit of pride in your work and move on to the other jobs. I’ve worked on a lot newer equipment that was way shittier to work on, those old beasts are nice and simple and they do one thing, they burn oil and make heat. Exactly what they were designed to do

[@FattyFPV]

That unit was shipped over on the MayFlower.

[@makoman67]

When that boiler finally dies the good news is that after the new install you won't have to remove that heavy old beast, she's gonna want to keep it for sure. 😁

[@aaal123able]

Is it possible to clean out sediment from a residential oil tank? Maybe using steam, hot water, or solvent from the fill and vent holes at the top?

[@erikj.2066]

Something that old, not worth it. You’d be risking cleaning it too good, and having pin hole leaks get uncovered. Better to just install a new tank.