Started cleaning and taking apart the Empire B30. Got more concerned as I went. I could see a bad repair job on the lower sight glass fitting. It didn’t break off but it was pretty weak. Then I questioned why there were different nuts on the bottom. Long story short, 1/8 of a turn with the wrench and the bolt let go. The repair on the boiler explained the mismatched nut and bolt. Now for some renovation and upgrades.
I feel for you.
Some positive common sense thinking and a fix will be forthcoming I am sure.
Don't get disheartened, this is all pretty normal stuff for buying old engines (that were sold and used and abused as toys) off eBay and the fixing and repairing ends up being a large part of the hobby.
So I’m thinking, fill the hole in the boiler where the bolt snapped off. Mount a cartridge heater and this beauty is gonna run better than ever.