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Smith 88 - User Manual

Smith 88
32 pages
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This manual is intended only for use by a qualified heating installer/technician. Read and follow this manual, all supplements and related
instructional information provided with the boiler. Install, start and service the boiler only in the sequence and methods given in these
instructions. Failure to do so can result in severe personal injury, death or substantial property damage.
Do not use the boiler during construction. Construction dust and particulate, particularly drywall dust, will cause contamination of
the burner, resulting in possible severe personal injury, death or substantial property damage. The boiler can only be operated with a dust-
free air supply. Follow the instruction manual procedures to duct air to the boiler air intake. If the boiler has been contaminated by operation
with contaminated air, follow the instruction manual guidelines to clean, repair or replace the boiler if necessary.
Affix these instructions near to the boiler/water heater. Instruct the building owner to retain the instructions for future use by a qualified
service technician, and to follow all guidelines in the User’s Information Manual.
GSX
Gas-fired residental steam
boilers
Models 88-288
Boiler manual
Installation and
operation instructions
GSXIOM-1
00-GSXIOM

Table of Contents

Questions and Answers

  • L
    Leslie CabreraAug 19, 2025
    What to do if the pilot light keeps going out on my Smith Boiler?
    • S
      Sergio SmithAug 19, 2025
      If the pilot light on your Smith Boiler keeps going out, several factors could be responsible. It might be due to a defective thermocouple, which would need replacing. A heavy draft blowing across the pilot could also be the issue; try redirecting air movement or eliminating the draft. Another potential cause is a plugged pilot orifice, in which case you should replace the orifice. Also, make sure there is gas. Check the manual pilot valve, the main gas shut-off valve, and the meter valve, or consult your gas company. Finally, a defective thermopilot switch or ignition control could be the culprit, and these would need to be replaced.
  • R
    Ronald KingAug 23, 2025
    What to do if the main gas valve won't open on my Smith 88 (Spark Ignited Pilot)?
    • M
      Marcus HallAug 25, 2025
      If the main gas valve on your Smith Boiler isn't opening, and it uses a spark-ignited pilot, there are several things to check. First, ensure there's power by checking the power source with a meter and inspecting the fuses. A defective gas valve or ignition control could also be the problem, requiring replacement. Low water level in the boiler or system might be causing the low water cut-off to activate; check for leaks and the feeder. Lastly, a high or low gas pressure switch might be open; check the switch setting and manifold gas pressure.
  • J
    Joseph JeffersonAug 26, 2025
    What causes gas spillage from the draft hood relief opening of my Smith 88 Boiler?
    • C
      Casey Jensen MDAug 26, 2025
      Gas spillage from the draft hood relief opening on your Smith Boiler can be due to several draft-related issues. Insufficient draft could be caused by a chimney that's too low or too small; consider increasing the height, replacing the chimney, or adding an induced draft fan. A blockage in the chimney or vent, or a downdraft caused by the chimney's location, can also be responsible; repair the chimney or vent, or install a chimney cap. Negative pressure in the boiler room or insufficient combustion air openings can also lead to this issue; remove the exhaust fan, isolate it from the boiler room, or provide correctly sized combustion and ventilation air openings.
  • K
    klinejeremyAug 27, 2025
    What to do if the main gas valve won't open on my Smith Boiler (Standing Pilot)?
    • E
      Eric AbbottAug 28, 2025
      If the main gas valve isn't opening on your Smith Boiler, and it uses a standing pilot, start by checking the power source with a meter and inspecting the fuses. A defective gas valve, thermopilot switch, or thermocouple could also be the issue, each requiring replacement. Ensure the pilot is lit, as a pilot outage could be the cause, and relight it, noting that there may be a defective pilot valve or relay. Low water in the boiler or system might be triggering the low water cut-off; check for leaks and the feeder. Finally, a high or low gas pressure switch might be open; check the switch setting and either the manifold or inlet gas pressure.
  • J
    Juan SnyderAug 30, 2025
    What causes water hammer on start-up in my Smith Boiler system?
    • E
      Edgar StevensAug 30, 2025
      Water hammer during start-up in your Smith Boiler system can be caused by sags in the steam piping or insufficient pitch; correct the piping condition. Concentric reducers causing condensate pooling can also lead to this issue; correct the piping. A drip trap that has failed closed, dry returns wetted due to a new boiler water line being higher than the old boiler, or no drip line on the back side of a back-pitched motorized valve are other potential causes; replace the trap or trap element, correct the piping or install a feed system and traps, or install a drip line and trap, respectively.
  • J
    Jasmine AndersonSep 3, 2025
    What causes water hammer on shut-down in my Smith 88 Boiler?
    • S
      samantha32Sep 3, 2025
      Water hammer during shut-down of your Smith Boiler can be due to a close nipple on the Hartford Loop being too high; re-pipe it 2" to 4" (5cm to 10cm) below the water line. Also, uninsulated steam piping in the boiler room, while the system piping is insulated, can cause a vacuum condition on shut-down; insulate the steam pipes.
  • J
    Jodi MoraSep 5, 2025
    Why is there hammering in my Smith Boiler?
    • J
      Jason JohnsonSep 5, 2025
      Hammering within your Smith Boiler typically indicates poor circulation due to sludge accumulation. To resolve this, clean and blowdown the boiler.
  • A
    awhiteSep 7, 2025
    What to do if there's no heat or poor heat distribution in my building with a Smith Boiler?
    • S
      Scott OwensSep 7, 2025
      If you're experiencing no heat or poor heat distribution in your building with a Smith Boiler, consider these potential causes: main vents not working, drip traps failed closed, radiator traps failed open, water legs or back slope in return lines to receiver tank, or boiler pressure too high. Replace the main vents (repiping away from the end of lines if needed), replace the traps or trap elements, correct the piping, or reduce the operating pressure to address these issues.
  • M
    Megan JacksonSep 9, 2025
    What causes my Smith 88 system to overfill or flood?
    • G
      Gail PrinceSep 10, 2025
      If your Smith Boiler system is overfilling or flooding, it could be due to several reasons. A new boiler with a smaller water content than the old one might be the cause; install a boiler feed system with a receiver tank large enough for condensate. The boiler water feed rate or pump rate might be too fast, causing the water level to collapse. Foaming, priming, or surging due to poor water quality could also be responsible; clean the boiler or reduce the feed rate to address these issues.
  • L
    lisa78Sep 12, 2025
    What causes excessive water level bounce in my Smith 88 Boiler?
    • H
      harrisjohnSep 12, 2025
      Excessive water level bounce in your Smith Boiler can be attributed to a few factors. Poor water quality, leading to foaming and surging, or incorrect near-boiler piping, such as undersized or incorrectly placed risers, could be the cause. Additionally, a boiler water feed rate or pump rate that is too fast can contribute to this issue. To resolve this, clean the boiler, pipe per the manual, or reduce the feed rate.

Summary

Preinstallation

General

General information about boiler shipment, inspection, storage, and contractor requirements.

Codes and Regulations

Installation must comply with local, state, and national codes and standards like NFPA and ASME.

Accessibility Clearances

Recommended clearances for servicing the boiler's controls and burners for accessibility.

Clearances from Combustible Construction

Specifies minimum clearances from combustible materials for alcove and general installations.

Air for Combustion and Ventilation

Requirements for providing adequate combustion and ventilation air for safe operation.

Boiler Placement and Assembly

Packaged Boiler

Instructions for unpacking and positioning the boiler from its crate.

Venting

Chimney or Vent

Inspecting and ensuring the chimney or vent system is suitable and installed correctly.

Automatic Vent Damper Installation - General

Guidelines for installing an automatic vent damper, including clearance requirements.

Boiler Piping

Steam Boiler Piping - Single Boilers

Instructions for installing steam supply pipes and header for single boiler systems.

Steam Boiler Indirect Water Heater Piping

Details for piping a steam boiler used with an indirect water heater.

Fuel Piping

Installation

Guidelines for installing gas supply piping according to codes and sizing requirements.

Operation

Procedures for operating the fuel system, including pressure checks and leak testing.

Controls and Trim

Steam Boiler Controls and Trim

Instructions for installing and connecting the safety valve and other critical controls.

Electrical

Connect Supply Wiring

Guidelines for connecting the boiler's electrical supply wiring according to codes.

Install Control Wiring

Instructions for installing control wiring within approved electrical conduit.

Wiring Diagram Index

Index referencing wiring diagrams for different boiler configurations.

Boiler Operation

System Inspection

Pre-operation checks of water, gas, and electrical systems, and boiler components.

Fill the Boiler

Procedures for filling the boiler with water for gravity or pumped return systems.

Study Lighting Instructions

Emphasizes reviewing lighting instructions before starting the boiler.

Run Pilot Check-out

Steps to check the pilot ignition system for proper operation.

Check Main Burner System

Procedures for checking manifold gas pressure and burner system performance.

Check Boiler Controls

Testing safety controls, limit controls, and low water cut-off for proper function.

Clean the Boiler

Instructions for initial cleaning and boil-out of the boiler water system.

To Shut Down the Boiler

Procedures for safely shutting down the boiler for service or seasonal storage.

Maintenance

General

General maintenance tasks including safety disconnects and checking for freezing.

Daily Maintenance (With Boiler Operating)

Daily observations and checks for safe boiler operation by the owner.

Monthly Maintenance (With Boiler Operating)

Monthly checks including safety relief valve, controls, and vent damper operation.

Annual Maintenance (Before Start of Heating Season)

Annual maintenance tasks including cleaning flueways, burners, and inspecting the venting system.

As Required Maintenance

Maintenance tasks performed as needed, such as testing LWCO and skimming the boiler.

Troubleshooting - Service Tips

Boiler Dimensions and Ratings

Repair Parts

Steam Warranty

Limited Warranty for Residential Cast Iron Heating Boilers

Details the limited warranty coverage, terms, and conditions for cast iron boilers.

Exceptions and Exclusions

Lists conditions and parts not covered by the boiler warranty.

Smith 88 Specifications

General IconGeneral
BrandSmith
Model88
CategoryBoiler
LanguageEnglish

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