Aussiedistiller, Home Distilling, Moonshine, Home Brew

Hey, think i've killed my boiler. Any advice or experience with this? Had it plugged into the wall, thought it was switched off, it wasn't. Probably dry boiled for maybe 5 mins :angry-banghead: . Tried pressing reset button, but it hasn't sprung out. Been nearly 2hrs since it happened, and can't get it to boil, advice please.

What sort of boiler?

Have you got a multimeter?

bluc - sorry, should have put in that it's a T500 boiler.

Rum - yes I've a multimeter, what resistance am I looking for?

Just checked the element and it's reading 29ohms.

What does the reset button do is there a thermal fuse
http://www.westbrew.com.au/showProduct/ ... for+Boiler

It should be working if you have 29ohms i would've thought.
Are you testing at the plug or have you dismantled the base and testing just the element?

T500 have a fusible link that easily blow.
They can be easily bypassed if you are that way inclined.

Meatheadinc wrote:T500 have a fusible link that easily blow.
They can be easily bypassed if you are that way inclined.

Sounds like it did its job in this case.

Meatheadinc wrote:T500 have a fusible link that easily blow.
They can be easily bypassed if you are that way inclined.

The thermal cut-off switch on those things is rubbish. I had to bypass mine because the damned thing kept tripping mid boil even though the boiler was over half full.

Cheers,
Prof. Green.

Checked the reset button with a continuity checker, it buzzed out, so that's OK, is the thermal fuse next to it (bolted down and covered in heatproof fabric)? Does smell blown. May have to bypass it if I can't find a replacement!

From memory the button is a fail safe, if the boiler tips over.
Once the fusable link is blown it needs replacement or bypass

Took boiler into work today (what a pain in the arse trying to take it apart :angry-banghead: ). Bypassed the thermal fuse, gave it a test boil for 4hrs, all good :handgestures-thumbupleft: . Found a replacement part at Jaycar, so will be getting it soon (will feel a bit safer with it back on), just need it for the weekend for my first Mac rum strip (was going to do it yesterday, doh!).

Good to hear you got it sorted :handgestures-thumbupleft:

Good work mate :handgestures-thumbupleft:

Meatheadinc wrote:T500 have a fusible link that easily blow.
They can be easily bypassed if you are that way inclined.

I'm sorry but that is REALLY dangerous advice...

Firstly, the re-settable safety switch (clixxon switch) is there in case YOU 'eff up to protect your equipment.

Secondly, the fusible link (sacrificial fuse) is there in case the EQUIPMENT 'effs up to protect your house and potentially YOU!

Seeing as the fusible link is designed to fail at a higher temperature than the re-settable safety switch, your fusible link HAS done it's job, as your switch hadn't popped out. Never bypass any safety switch, without at the very least putting in a more reliable system.

Jeh got his problem solved OVER 2 years ago
No need to drag up every old thread

Still solid advice about not bypassing safety systems that have been put in place to protect property and life.

The Stig wrote:Jeh got his problem solved OVER 2 years ago
No need to drag up every old thread

I know Stig, but I read this last week, and other newbies could read this next week, and try that bad advice...

I will admit I know very little about stillin', but there is a few things I know a lot about, as with everyone on here. We all benefit from the "hive' mind

OK so, this isnt facebook where the info is lost within hours of posting it here.
Its a forum and as such we retain the info and all anybody need do is search, even google searching for dead still boiler may bring up the info.
So, there is really no need to bring really old threads to the front page for the info to be seen.
Every day there is newer and more improved ideas being brought up that interest everybody not just the 1 or 2 newbies.
If you think you will need to revisit something that you have found berried deep in the old threads all you need do is bookmark it for your reference.