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BASIC TROUBLESHOOTING
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BASIC TROUBLESHOOTING
OF HOT WATER OIL FIRED BURNERS
SPECIAL NOTE TO THE READER:
While the following is somewhat basic, the writer has intentionally left out various things which one would expect the reader to know about before attempting to apply what is written. Basic understanding of electricity is a must and safety concerns must be considered before attempting to troubleshoot any mechanical or electrical system. If you do not feel you have this knowledge or training you should consult a properly trained service technician.
NO FIRE-
First you must determine if the basic elements for fire exist. You must have air flow, fuel, and ignition. If any one of these three elements do not exist or are restricted in some fashion then you will not have the proper conditions for a proper flame.The following is not necessarily in a set order, read all the possible causes before attempting to determine what the problem is. It is up to you to determine what will be the "easiest" to check for first.
NO SPARK
Are the igniters firing?
Look for cracks in the igniter "ceramic insulators".
A very fine crack can allow for the spark to jump through the crack to ground.
Is the gap between the igniter tips properly set?
Is the connection between the ignition transformer and the brass strips a good connection?
Is the transformer putting out spark?
Be careful with testing for transformer spark, you could feel the power of the transformer if you are not careful! Also be careful of any fuel spills that may become ignited when working with the transformer and testing it.
Is power going to the transformer? Some other control external to the burner may have control over the power going to the transformer. A switch device that may be bad or preventing power from going to the transformer.
NO FUEL
Is the fuel pump turning?
The blower fan motor turns the fuel pump.
Is the blower motor and pump coupler in place and in good condition? Make sure the connections on both the motor and pump end are good connections. The mechanical coupling could be slipping and not transmitting the drive force to the pump shaft. If recently the fuel pump locked up, it could have destroyed the coupling.
Some blower motors have a red trip button that may be popped out preventing the blower motor from turning. If this is the case and the red trip button continues to trip, you may have another problem.
Is fuel coming out of the fuel pump?
The copper line coming out of the fuel pump and going into the inner chamber of the burner can be removed to determine fuel flow into the burner. Use a coffee can or other similar container to catch the fuel. Again, be concerned for ignition sources and spillage of fuel. If the conditions are right for fuel flow, fuel should come out of the copper line.
Is fuel getting to the fuel pump? An external fuel filter could be blocking fuel flow. Check the filter element to see if it is saturated with trash causing the obstruction. If any doubt, replace the element. If you do not have a good external fuel filter you may have a clog inside the fuel pump. There is a pump screen inside the fuel pump on some pumps. This screen is cleanable. Expect to replace the cover gasket.
Is the fuel solenoid valve opening? This is a magnetic controlled valve that opens by magnetisim. If electricity either AC or DC depending on your model is not available to the valve coil then the valve will not open. Electricity could be present and coil could be bad. Check for open coil circuit. Do this with an ohm meter and no power going to the coil. Is the valve stuck closed? Really the best thing to do if you suspect the valve coil or valve is bad, replace the valve and the coil.
Is the fuel nozzle clogged? The fuel nozzle located on the end of the spray nozzle can be clogged. The nozzle is removable from the assembly. The nozzle can be disassembled and cleaned. You may just want to replace it with a new nozzle. If you decide to replace it, pay attention to the number on the nozzle. The number on the nozzle determines the size of the nozzle for proper fuel flow and spray pattern. Do not use any other nozzle other than the original specification.
Is some sort of external valve closed? A valve between the fuel tank and the burner may exist. Someone may have closed it for some reason. If you find this to be the case, you may want to find out why they closed it.
Are you simply out of fuel? After all this, did you check to see that you have fuel in the tank? Good luck.
SUNTEC FUEL VALVES
NO AIR FLOW
Is the fan properly attached to the blower motor? Is it slipping some how?
Is the motor reset button tripped as mentioned in the fuel flow section?
Is power going to the blower motor? Again, external switches could be preventing electricity from getting to the motor. Some motor connections are made inside the blower assembly. These connections are sometimes just wire nuts twisting the wires together. You might find a wire broken from being twisted or nicked during original installation. Again, keep in mind the hazards of working with electrical wiring and connections.
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