EasyManua.ls Logo

Smith 88 - User Manual

Smith 88
32 pages
Save Page as PDF
Print Icon
To Next Page IconTo Next Page
To Next Page IconTo Next Page
Loading...
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

  • K
    Kathy Patterson MDSep 14, 2025
    Why is my Smith 88 experiencing rapid cycling?
    • G
      Gary BensonSep 14, 2025
      Rapid cycling in your Smith Boiler can occur for several reasons. Air vents or traps might not be venting air properly, preventing steam from reaching the radiation and pressurizing the air pocket; replace the vents or traps. The pressure differential on the pressure control might be too close; adjust the control differential. Nuisance outages of the water level control due to boiler water level bounce can also cause rapid cycling; refer to the section on excessive water level bounce for solutions.
  • S
    sstephensSep 16, 2025
    Why does the main gas valve open but no gas flows in my Smith Boiler?
    • L
      Laura JimenezSep 16, 2025
      If the main gas valve opens but no gas flows in your Smith Boiler, check if the manual valve is closed at the gas train or at the meter; open the valve. Also, if provided, check if the test firing valve is closed; open the valve.
  • S
    Steven KirkNov 20, 2025
    Why is my Smith 88 Boiler burner burning with a yellow flame?
    • P
      Perry NguyenNov 20, 2025
      A yellow flame in your Smith Boiler burner can arise from several causes. The air adjustment screws might be turned in too far; try adjusting them out. Low gas pressure in the manifold, leading to insufficient air injection, could also be the problem; in this case, adjust the main gas pressure regulator or check the line pressure. Partially closed burner ports due to rust, dirt, or lint can also cause this issue; consider replacing the burners or cleaning the ports. Insufficient air for combustion is another possibility; check the size of the combustion air openings to the room and correct as needed, and also check for negative pressure in the boiler room. An oversized burner orifice or high gas pressure in the manifold could also be responsible; if so, install the correct orifice or adjus...
  • C
    Claudia HendersonDec 1, 2025
    What causes water hammer during mid-cycle in my Smith 88 Boiler?
    • P
      Paul PowellDec 1, 2025
      Water hammer during the mid-cycle of your Smith Boiler can stem from various issues. Clogged returns on a gravity system might be the cause; clean or re-pipe the return lines. Incorrect near-boiler piping can also lead to wet steam entering the system; correct the piping per the manual. A trap that has failed open, allowing steam to enter returns, or a large radiator vented too quickly are other possibilities; replace the trap or trap element, or use a smaller air vent or two small vents. Other causes include a long nipple at the Hartford Loop, a water leg or back slope in the return line, a trap installed at the receiver tank, a boiler feed pump or condensate pump feed rate that is too fast, no drip on the inlet side of a forward-pitched motorized valve, or uninsulated steam piping; repla...

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

Related product manuals