my wife and i are just moving into a big old house. it has cast iron radiators on the 1st and 2nd floor which i have already filled and bled.
my question is, should i have lit the furnace/boiler (which looks very old) before i filled the radiators.
secondly, i have found the pilot knob, but there is no ignitor, i'm guessing i have to light it with a match/lighter, but where.
and thirdly, what is the tank at the top of the house above one of the radiators, it overflowed with water when i was filling the radiators. made a huge mess

Wow you have a old design system. It was originally designed by one of the DEAD MEN. This is no joke since all the guys that did these are dead and I am directing you to a web site that might be able to help you with all your questions. There is a great group of people to help you there. I have known Dan Holohan for years and the site I am sending you to is his.


Go here for your boiler help. Post your question on The MAIN WALL

Heating Help (http://www.heatinghelp.com/Forum)

I'm calling Smithsonian...sounds like one that was originally supplied by a cistern, then connected to a city water supply. Yikes!