Casey Akin Wrote:
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> From what I remember, the fireboxes are too thick
> on the new boilers (201/316 and 500/1316). This
> caused extra flex and within a year and a half
> operating time the stay bolts worked themselves
> half way through the sheet. This was on the 316,
> and the 1316 firebox was made even thicker.
>
> Earl did tell me the plan was to keep the boilers,
> and replace the fireboxes. Not sure how soon on
> the 316, maybe this year. The 1316 is probably
> going to have to wait till all three steamers are
> running reliably.
>
That is essentially correct. The fireboxes were made of material much thicker than necessary and when combined with staybolts of stronger than necessary material, there is no "give" in the boiler when it needs to expand and contract with changes in firing rates. We are seeing significant erosion on the water side of the firebox around the staybolts. A short term solution is to replace the effected area of 316's firebox, but the long term solution is to replace the firebox.
The boiler on 1316 has the same issues.