I have a very old 1924 Minneapolis-Honeywell Regulator Co. thermostat Model 77 8 day 7 jewel. My house is freezing and so I manual turned up the lever to 70 degree. It usually sparks and it did not this year(1st time to use the heat this season). I checked the boiler and I can hear the sound of the pilot, but it is not heating the water for the house. Counld the thermostat be broken or the electricity is not running through the wires? Can I remove the thermostat from the wall and check the electrical wires. It has most likely been there since 1924, old house 1898. Thanks Lisa

The thermostat will probably last forever but the transformer that supplies the power to the thermostat and gas valve might have seen better days. Since this is a boiler I suggest you call for ON SITE service and have the replace whatever part is defective and also give the boiler a good going over before the winter. Boilers need to be serviced especially if it is a hot water boiler. Usually pumps need to be lubricated and the burners cleaned and checked. The flue should also be checked for restrictions and many other items on the check list.