Hey folks I just wanted to give a quick update. I had to put the project on hold a bit due to other health related things with family but I'm finally finding time to pick this back up.
I've got new o-rings and shim washers on the way for the Stuart 504 boiler. I also noticed it probably still has the asbestos insulation so I have that on the way as well. Once I receive all the parts I'll put the boiler on the workbench and dissasemble it (take fittings off, pull the sides off, dispose of the asbestos, etc). I'll get some pics then. Hopefully in the next week or so.
At some point I'll probably have questions on how to test the pressure gauge. I don't remember it moving although it did generate steam.
You can try putting 20-30 psi air to your boiler to check for leaks. Have some soapy water to pour on all fittings mated to the boiler.
If you can get a hand pump, you can fill the boiler with water to the top and then pump more in with the hand pump. First bring it up slowly to operating pressure of 60 psi or a little higher to determine if the safety relief valve is functioning. If all is good at that point, remove the safety valve and install a plug and a higher reading gauge. Then take it to 1.5 times operating pressure or 90 psi. (Do not try this with live steam or air). Then you may want to take it to 2X operating pressure or 120 psi. The 504 is a very stout piece of hardware and should likely withstand far more abuse. As stout as it is, a hydro test is still recommended. This way failures of any kind are harmless. If something gives you only spill a little water and it isn't hot.
Best of luck with it and I am glad to read that whatever kept you away from it has allowed you to take another crack at it.
Gil
Hi Gil,
Thank you for your reply and the good wishes - yep I'm glad both my wife and I are getting back to normal.
I don't have much in terms of tools to perform a hydro test. I was watching a YouTube video on it. With the proper setup the test looks fairly simple. It seems I would need to get a few plugs and adapters as well as some sort of pump and gauge. The person had a hand pump of some kind with a nice big gauge. He filled it with water, pumped it up to the 120 psi and slowly let the pressure down once satisfied with the results.
Any good suggestions for a pump? Would a bicycle pump with the right adapters work? Had I thought of the hydro test I would have checked with Stuart before placing my order for plugs or air adapters. Maybe there is a good source of that stuff here in the US? I am brand new to all of this but definitely want to take all the right steps!