OK . . . my fault . . . it is a light grey when compared to "white of all whites" paper towels.

As for the insulation, I think I can live with this one for a while... more urgent think to fix!

I just got myself a Multimeter (never worked with that before...) I read the instruction and tried to measure resistance where you guys said... The number start at 12 and I'm at the 20K scale and after that, it continue to go up until I remove the lead. I'm sure I'm missing something here?

I reinstall the vacuum breaker and i'ts not any better, There's even a little hissing sound now. I will order A new one just to be sure.

One last thing, I now smell a very faint odor of burning when the machine is on...I don't if it's new or not but I just noticed it yesterday.

By the way, nice schematic Eric! I saved it for future reference... once I learned how to use my new tool.
Thanks
Jeff
Thanks
Jeff

Send me a link to the multimeter you purchased. However, this whole operation may require cocktails at Chateau Frontenac

Here is the multimeter: http://www.erusa.com/detail.asp?prid=2775

As for the cocktail at Le Chateau Frontenac... I will be more than happy! Glad you did not ask for a coffee because I took one a couple of week ago and it was pretty bad!

Set the resistance at the lowest scale - 200 ohms - and try again.

Hello again,

When I put the scale at 200 the number on the multimeter stay at 1. It doesn't seems to measure anything. Just to be sure, I put 1 lead in the screw terminal 2/T1 and the other in the safety thermostat (Is this the Hi-limit switch?)

To get a reading I have to be in the 20K scale... ?

The resistance of the heating element is ~ 8.9 ohms (as measured on two I have). With the machine UNPLUGGED, remove the connections at the heating element, lightly clean the terminals of the element with some abrasive paper and measure the resistance of the element itself using the "200 scale" on your multimeter.

As Jim previously said, time to start cleaning all of the connections associated with the heating process depending on the resistance measurement outcome of the element.

Yes, the safety thermostat is the high limit switch.

Ok I mesured the resistance and it was about 9.4 ohms without any cleaning.

There is a burning smell at the bottom of the machine near the boiler element... I guess that is not a goog sign....

Since the resistance is ok without cleaning, I guess the problem is not there.... it almost smell like electrical cable burning.?

No . . . that may be exactly where the problem is. If, when all is connected you measure a high resistance at the locations initially recommended and then get a rather normal reading on the element itself, there is a "blockage" in the path.

First and foremost, you need to ensure that the boiler has a proper fill. Loosen a convenient fitting on the boiler top (hot water line is a good choice) and measure the level with a small wooden dowel. ABOUT 4.5 inches from the internal bottom of the boiler is correct.

Now you need to clean all the male/female terminals in the heating element electrical chain and remeasure resistances as you go.

Just expanding a little on what Eric said, simple resistance to electrical current creates heat. The .5 ohm increase in resistance might be measurement error, but if it is caused by corrosion then you are creating heat in the terminal connection. It is worth 5 minutes of your time to clean it up and eliminate future problems.

You should definitely check all the terminals, they are your most likely source of the problem. But an added suggestion is to also check all the wires closely. With the amount of verdigris visible on your boiler, I would not be surprised to see corrosion in a wire underneath its insulation. If you see any burned spots or crispy insulation, take a very close look.