Float Box questions

[SmellsLikeSyrupNH]

Hi everyone,
I got a new to me 2x6 with a float box. 1st issue is the box is rusted. Is this an issue and should I just scrap it? Pictures attached.

Also, the float mechanism, pix attached of that as well. Should there be some sort of rubber gasket on this or when the float lifts up will it close the flow of sap enough?

Any advice is appreciated.

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161016/111350e2449fd5f97f8f5353911dcb78.jpg
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161016/1b3158cdfd15d01e4818fe5e8f1a2d24.jpg


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[wiam]

I would not use it to make syrup.

Yes there should be a gasket.

[acafro]

I'd ****can it that's gross!

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[BAP]

Is your pan stainless steel or English tin? If stainless is it welded or soldered? If soldered I would have it tested for lead.

[asknupp]

Go with new. Easy decision.

[SmellsLikeSyrupNH]

Thanks!! I had no doubts about getting rid of the box, I guess I wanted to make sure. Today was my 1st day putting it all together and trying to figure out the float mechanism and the box.

The pans are all stainless. Thanks guys, anyone know where I can get that gasket? I'll be getting a new box made.


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[BAP]

Bascoms carries parts for various float assemblies, but yours looks rusty do I would consider getting a different one that is not rusty.

[maple maniac65]

It could be cleaned using a bead blaster and walnut shells. Yes you need a gasket on your float valve. Yes English tin is frowned on these days. 15 years ago just clean it up and use it. Now we have the fda breathing down our necks with bio Terrism laws.

[wiam]

It could be cleaned using a bead blaster and walnut shells. Yes you need a gasket on your float valve. Yes English tin is frowned on these days. 15 years ago just clean it up and use it. Now we have the fda breathing down our necks with bio Terrism laws.

Don't worry about lead. It does not hurt you that much......

[madmapler]

Bascoms should have the gasket. You can find it on their website or better yet call them with the diameter. You could always trim one down if you have to. They also buy and sell older float boxes and such. You might come up with what you need. What are the dimensions of the box? I'll check what I've got.

[SmellsLikeSyrupNH]

Thanks everyone for the advice. Northwoods Stainless in Maine is going to build me a new float box and float release mechanism. He was the one who made my filter/canner unit and does AMAZING stainless work. Quoted me a price of about $250. I'll be making the 2hr drive on Sunday to drop off the pan so he can size it properly and attach it.

This is my filter/canner rig if you hadn't seen it.
1466314664

[n8hutch]

Thanks everyone for the advice. Northwoods Stainless in Maine is going to build me a new float box and float release mechanism. He was the one who made my filter/canner unit and does AMAZING stainless work. Quoted me a price of about $250. I'll be making the 2hr drive on Sunday to drop off the pan so he can size it properly and attach it.

This is my filter/canner rig if you hadn't seen it.
1466314664

Just out of Curiosity where is Northwoods stainless located?

[acafro]

Hebron Maine I believe.

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[SmellsLikeSyrupNH]

Yes, he is in Hebron.

[maple flats]

The way that pan rusted, I don't think it is stainless. Yes, SS will rust, but that looks much more like English tin. Englist tin was used before lead free solder was available.

[SmellsLikeSyrupNH]

That float box is added on to the pans after, and I agree its tin. The pans themselves are stainless.

[Ed R]

Probably like the used rig I bought. The owners Had flames coming out of the flue pan (English tin) and had a flue pan ordered/made as fast as possible to replace it in 2005 but kept the original English tin float box. I need to replace that box a some point before I use it. It takes awhile to set up a sugar bush from scratch.