Floor Heat Boiler Pump?

[2Biz]

I have a Weben-Jarco 350,000 BTU floor heat system. It is quite old, made in 86. Towards the end of the season this past April, I remember the pump squealing a bit at startup but quickly smoothed out. I’m wondering if anybody here has ever worked on or replaced the pump on this type system? It might be a good idea for me to have a source for parts or a new pump before winter gets here in full force.

It consists of a 1 hp 3450 rpm motor with 1-1/2” hard copper lines in and out of the cast iron pump. So far I’m getting nowhere finding the specs on the pump. There is no identification tag, only cast numbers. The motor is an A.O. Smith and is easy to source. It seems Weben-Jarco has sold out to Green Boiler Industries. I have contacted them and they are having difficulties going back that far to identify parts or what was used at that time. Maybe I would be better off sourcing a new pump and motor to be ready when this one craps out. Just don’t know what I’m looking for in terms of gallons per minute. Maybe somebody here has already been through this?

 

[mjwalsh]

2Biz,

I would say that by the appearance of the volute or body of the pump someone could tell you what brand it is. I would think the pump is either a Grundfos or a Taco. They probably have info on the pumps used in 1986. It is unlikely in my opinion that they obsoleted any of their 1986 pumps --- even if they discontinued a specific pump.

Does your system have a Wood's coupler that needs to be aligned properly between the pump & the motor?

MJ

 

[2Biz]

Heres a photo of my pump and motor. As you can see its eaten up with cancer, but it still works. It sets right next to softener. So I'm sure at some time during its life, the softener has overflowed with saltwater which has helped deteriate it. I'm sure a new boiler is in the future too! I don't know how long these things can last....

Anyway the cast numbers on the pump and flange are:

Pump Housing inlet cast letters: C3-22B (The "B" is stamped on a boss)
Pump Body: Cast Letters: C1-670 (You can see these numbers in the photos)

I was able to trace the inlet flange numbers to Sta-Rite. But again I couldn't find anything online on the pump valute which is really what I need. Maybe I should try Sta-Rite instead and see if they can cross reference the numbers for me.

To answer your question about the coupler, I have no idea. I haven't taken it apart yet. Maybe you can determine this by looking at the photo? The motor bolts directly to the valute. I can't see how its coupled. Looking at some of the diagrams/parts lists of similar pumps, the valutes don't have bearings. Only bushings and seals. Also I didn't see where you can oil this pump...But then again I might be missing something.

Thanks for you help!

 

[mjwalsh]

Heres a photo of my pump and motor. As you can see its eaten up with cancer, but it still works. It sets right next to softener. So I'm sure at some time during its life, the softener has overflowed with saltwater which has helped deteriate it. I'm sure a new boiler is in the future too! I don't know how long these things can last....

Anyway the cast numbers on the pump and flange are:

Pump Housing inlet cast letters: C3-22B (The "B" is stamped on a boss)
Pump Body: Cast Letters: C1-670 (You can see these numbers in the photos)

I was able to trace the inlet flange numbers to Sta-Rite. But again I couldn't find anything online on the pump valute which is really what I need. Maybe I should try Sta-Rite instead and see if they can cross reference the numbers for me.

To answer your question about the coupler, I have no idea. I haven't taken it apart yet. Maybe you can determine this by looking at the photo? The motor bolts directly to the valute. I can't see how its coupled. Looking at some of the diagrams/parts lists of similar pumps, the valutes don't have bearings. Only bushings and seals. Also I didn't see where you can oil this pump...But then again I might be missing something.

Thanks for you help!

2Biz,

It seems to me that swimming pool contractors used the StaRite pumps more than others --- maybe if you showed an experienced one of them --- it might possibly be more productive than us car wash people or plumbers.

Another source of info may be a motor repair shop person who has been around in that business for more than 20 years.

MJ

 

[dogwasher]

If you can figure out the GPM and head pressure on that beast you could just go over to Grainger or a plumbing supply and pipe in a new one.

 

[dogwasher]

At 350,000BTU I'm guessing you have about 3-4 bays? If so maybe one of the forum members with the same amount of BTUs and bays could tell us the size of there pump.

 

[mjwalsh]

At 350,000BTU I'm guessing you have about 3-4 bays? If so maybe one of the forum members with the same amount of BTUs and bays could tell us the size of there pump.

2Biz,

The last time I visited with Jeff Deal of Hamilton Engineering --- he said his dad Herm was still involved in Huron Valley Sales. I bet Herm might have some information to share! Herm was pretty active in the middle eighties & I would think he would have pretty good idea of what his competitor Weben-Jarco was using.

MJ

 

[mjc3333]

I have a similar setup from 1984. I replaced my pump about four years ago from Kleen-Rtie.

I will check on the numbers in a couple of days. There is no way to oil the pump it is totally sealed, and there is not any type of coupler.

Raypack units from Huron Valley Sales have Taco pumps that need to be periodically oiled, and also have couplers.

 

[2Biz]

Thanks for all the feedback. I do have a 4 bay with 5 zones. One of the zones heats the trough. There are several on here that have the Weben-Jarco 350K BTU floor heat boiler, so I figured someone has already replaced the pump at some time. This system is Identical to the one KR still sells.

http://www.kleen-ritecorp.com/p-23904-floor-heat-system-350000-btu.aspx

Its a palleted system that comes pre-built. I contacted KR and they said they don't sell parts for it and that I would need to contact Green Boiler Industries. So far my local Weben-Jarco Rep isn't getting anywhere with them...Randy gave me a few numbers to call from distributors in Texas. I'lll try them tomorrow.

MJC...If you could get those numbers from KR, I'd appreciate it...Thanks

 

[2Biz]

Just for reference sake or if anybody happens upon this thread that has the same system as the one I have. I called Green Boiler Industries and also a Weben-Jarco rep. close to where I live. Niether could help me since this system is so old. So I spent several hours online to see if I could source the parts my self.

It seems the pump setup is a discontinued Sta-Rite pump assembly. The motor they used is an A.O. Smith which cross references to a new number, SQ1102. The seal used on these 5/8 shaft motors is quite common on most Sta-Rite and other pumps...It is a U109-6a...

This is really all I needed to get the pump running. The seal plate and impeller was in perfect condition. Got it all installed today and fired the pump and boiler up without issues. Now I'm ready for winter...Hopefully!

 

[Kevin James]

2Biz, Thank you for taking the time to post an update on your problem and how you solved your problem. It’s nice that someone will come back and post a solution to their problem without some smart A$$ jumping in and adding some useless tripe to the mix.

 

[2Biz]

Your welcome! The way I see it, if anybody comes here and asks for help, the least they could do is post results on how the problem got fixed. I see it too often that thread starters never come back after their initial post or question....

Its my way of giving back, even if its just a little.