25-year old Burnham 208NS-TEI5 - parts availability and longevity

[Rossn]

Hi,

I have a 25-year old Burnham 208NS-TEI5 that still appears to be burning cleanly and without known issues - however we have some complexities that may nudge us towards replacement with a higher efficiency boiler.

On this series and age of a boiler, can I expect to still be able to get replacement parts (official or aftermarket) for another 10 or more years, or are we approaching a risky zone for that?

For those familiar with this boiler series (produced in 1999), do you think another 10+ years of life is reasonable to expect for an average unit?

 

[Fitter30]

Manufacturers only have to keep parts 10 years. Parts like gas valves burner controls can be had. Boiler sections not so much plus price wouldn't be cost effective. 10 years is possible if the in it's life had very few leaks. Fresh water is a killer of boilers. Fresh water introduces oxygen into the system the o2 eats through cast iron sections without water treatment that contains a o2 scavenger.

https://www.supplyhouse.com/Rectorseal-68712-8-Way-Boiler-Water-Treatment?utm_source=google_ad&utm_medium=shopping_neutral&utm_campaign=Shopping_Neutral_LPLTV&gclid=EAIaIQobChMImPjp8e2v_wIVBNbjBx2Rrg30EAQYASABEgLDnvD_BwE

 

[Sponsor]

 

[DanInNaperville]

You may have an easier time finding parts for your 25 year old cast iron boiler than you would for a 5 year old "high efficiency" boiler. Conventional boilers (in most cases) use off the shelf gas valves and control boards. Multiple manufacturers sometimes use the same parts. They stay in production for decades and the installed base is in the millions. High efficiency boilers use model specific parts often in short production runs. These boilers are developing rapidly and parts are frequently updated, meaning that relatively few units of a given model are produced.
With your old boiler, there's a chance that an HVAC tech will carry a spare that will fit your unit in his truck whereas for a mod-con (hi-efficiency) he'll have to order many of the parts (and there are a lot more of them to order - they're more complicated) if he can locate one at all.