check the condition of the piping , gauge , tank legs or supports and overall condition . Verify that the gauge is operating properly and check the float for algae deposits . If the covering ( paint ) is damaged , repair with the correct materials , asphalt paint or alkyd resin .
7 . THERMAL SAFETY VALVE
Close the safety valve , Figure 2 .
8 . OIL FILTERS
Open the safety valve , Figure 2 , into a bucket and tap the valve with a screwdriver or wrench . It ’ s not unusual for
Figure 2
these to stick after long periods . If it continues to stick open , replace it . Replace cartridges or canisters at tank filter and make sure the head and bowl are free of debris and dirt . Flush filter head into pail . Always replace any gaskets that have been disturbed and leave others alone . Tighten oil filter as per OEM specifications and leave dry , do not bleed . Open safety valve .
9 . OIL PUMP
Remove pump strainer and clean or replace . On pumps that do not have strainers , clean out the cover of debris .
10 . OIL LINE
Flush oil line on gravity fed jobs until all air is removed . Make sure that the filter has been bled by flushing
Figure 3 enough oil through line . If the oil does not flow freely , clean the line with a hand pump , Figure 3 . Do not use CO2 and do not flush back into clean filter or tank . If the job is equipped with an oil safety valve move to the next step and do not bleed .
11 . OIL PUMP
Replace pump gasket and close pump .
If the job is a vacuum job , do not bleed pump . Make sure that the proper gasket is used , by-pass and two-step pumps require gasket with hole at top center . Replace strainer if existing strainer cannot be cleaned .
12 . DRAWER ASSEMBLY
Remove the drawer assembly from the burner . Remove the nozzle from the adapter . Remove the electrodes from the holder and place in solvent . Clean all of the air handling parts and inspect for damage . Verify that correct air handling parts are in use using OEM ’ s literature and specifications .
13 . AIR TUBE
Inspect and clean the air tube with a clean rag .
14 . BURNER FAN
Remove the fan from the motor and clean the burner fan . Clean the housing and the intake air shutter and air bands . Clean the fan using only an approved solvent ( Simple Green ) and a soft brush . If the blades are damaged or bent in any way replace the fan . Inspect air guides and augmenters for damage and replace them if necessary , using OEM specifications . Align fan using OEM gauge or specifications as required . The use of an automotive style feeler gauge is ideal for this procedure . Check the pump coupling or key . Replace if necessary .
15 . ELECTRODE ASSEMBLY
Inspect the electrodes for cracks or burned-off ends . Make sure the electrodes are snug in the porcelain insulators . Replace if defective . Set electrodes according to OEM specifications . Check ignition cables for cracks , shorting or grounding out . Replace if defective . Check ignition transformer for spark jump . The spark should be steady and jump at least ¾ ”. Check electronic ignition ignitor following OEM ’ s recommended procedure ( s ).
16 . END CONE AND FLAME RETENTION RINGS
Inspect the end cone and air tube . Remove burner from appliance if necessary . Check that the head and end cone are not damaged . Verify size using OEM specifications . Replace it if needed .
17 . DRAWER ASSEMBLY
Leaving the nozzle assembly outside of the housing attach the assembly to the pump line . Flush the nozzle adapter with the pump operating . If the pump needs to be bled use the ‘ power vacuum bleed ’ procedure . Shut off the burner and remove the drawer assembly from the pump line .
18 . NOZZLE
Inspect nozzle adapter for damage and smoothness . If damaged replace the adapter . Install a new nozzle of the same size , angle and spray pattern . Only consider changes if the burner is running poorly and then follow OEM specifications and test equipment results only . Install the nozzle only using the hex parts of the nozzle and the correct tools .
19 . REINSTALL DRAWER ASSEMBLY
Reinstall the drawer assembly . Make sure ignition cables and / or connectors are properly connected and hooked up . Check all oil connections .
20 . PUMP TESTS
If pump needs to be bled perform ‘ power vacuum bleed procedure ’, Figure 4 .
Power Vacuum Bleed
Figure 4
Make sure that a clear bleeder hose is used to separate the pump from atmospheric pressure by placing the bleeder hose into a bucket and secure the end of the hose .
Open the bleeder fitting only ½ to ¾ turn . Close the inlet valve to the pump and start the pump . Use ‘ pump bleed ’ feature if primary control is equipped with one . Wait until the pump develops a high vacuum and quickly open the valve . Do not let the pump smoke , it will damage the pump . If necessary , fill the pump with oil .
www . fueloilnews . com | FUEL OIL NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2024 29