BY GEORGE LANTHIER
Bleed all air from the system by waiting until no bubbles or foam are seen . Close the bleed valve with the pump running .
Pressure Tests Operate burner and verify that pump is set at 100 psig or OEM specifications . Adjust as necessary . Install pressure gauge in nozzle port and perform pump safety test by verifying fuel cutoff . Pump should hold at 80 % of operating pressure .
Vacuum Tests Operate burner and check running vacuum of pump and system .
One-stage , one-pipe systems should not be operated at more than 5 ” of vacuum to prevent problems with hydrogenization , cold oil and high viscosity problems .
Two-pipe systems should not be operated at more than 10 ” of vacuum to prevent the same problems as with single-pipe systems .
1951-2024
73 Years Strong
Figure 5
Pump operation should be observed using a clear plastic inlet line like an ‘ Oil Watcher ’, Figure 5 . The inlet oil should be clear of any bubbles or air pockets . If a leaky pump or seal is suspected a pump vacuum test should be performed .
21 . CLEAN HEAT EXCHANGER
Protect floor surfaces with drop cloths . Vacuum and wire brush as required , the heat exchanger , the flue pipe , and the chimney base . Be careful of units that have substantial refractory pieces such as the System 2000 . If you can bring a spare kit , better to have it and not need it than ... Follow the OEM ’ s recommendations only when cleaning specialty units such as mobile home furnaces and oil-fired water heaters . Steam cleaning is also an approved method for lightly soiled boilers . Reseal or if possible , replace any doors or panels that do not seal tightly .
22 . FLUE PIPE
Clean the flue pipe . Check for rust outs , and evidence of condensing by noting staining on floor under flue pipe joints . After cleaning or replacing , insert into a chimney thimble . If no thimble is present , install and cement in place . Use screws and hangers to secure wherever needed as per NFPA31 .
23 . DRAFT REGULATOR
Check that the draft regulator works freely , and that weight is on correct side .
24 . POWERVENTERS
Remove the powerventer and inspect and clean the fan . Oil the motor with the lubricant recommended by the manufacturer , do not use substitutes . Remove the line going to the air proving switch and flush with hot water . Clean or replace if plugged . Leave the line disconnected .
25 . COMBUSTION AREA & CHAMBER
Remove burner and inspect combustion chamber . Check combustion chamber for falling walls , burnouts , cracks , lack of insulation , or buckled refractory floors . Clean combustion area and chamber of any debris .
26 . AIR TUBE
Inspect for leaks where it enters the heat exchanger . Check the condition of the flange gasket . Seal around tube and flange , if necessary , and make sure the burner is firmly mounted .
27 . OIL LINES AND FITTINGS
Inspect the oil lines and fittings for leaks , and also recheck the tank fittings .
28 . PRIMARY CONTROLS
Remove one of the T-T leads to prevent problems with electronic thermostats . Do this on every job to create ‘ a habit ’.
30 SEPTEMBER 2024 | FUEL OIL NEWS | www . fueloilnews . com