Ducane Furnace Manual Oil Extractor

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View & download of more than 362 Ducane PDF user manuals, service manuals, operating guides. Air conditioner user manuals, operating guides & specifications. Find great deals on eBay for ducane circuit board. Shop with confidence. Skip to main content. 1 product rating - OEM Lennox Armstrong Ducane Furnace Control. Throughout this furnace Service and Installation Manual. Please read and comply with the statements on the cover and the statements below.: All local codes and ordinances must be followed with regard to the oil tank and oil lines. All lines must have shut off valves, use a proper pipe joint compound (specified for use.

How to inspect, diagnose & repair oil burners used on oil-fired heating boilers or furnaces using a visual inspection approach as well as (optional) simple test equipment.

We include a description of common oil burner adjustment and operating problems and we illustrate some of the basic oil burner tests and measurements made in servicing and adjusting the equipment for safe, efficient operation.

We illustrate oil burner smoke testing and oil burner carbon dioxide level measurement.

This article series answers most questions about all types of heating system troubleshooting, inspection, diagnosis, and repairs. We describe how to inspect, troubleshoot and repair heating and air conditioning systems to inform home owners, buyers, and home inspectors and students of heating service methods about common heating system defects.

The articles at this website describe how to recognize common oil-fired heating appliance operating or safety defects, and how to save money on home heating costs

We also provide a MASTER INDEX to this topic, or you can try the page top or bottom SEARCH BOX as a quick way to find information you need.

How to Troubleshoot Problems at Oil Burners Found on Heating Boilers, Water Heaters, Furnaces

This article explains the inspection, diagnosis, & repair of oil burners used in heating appliances such as hot water boilers, steam boilers, & water heaters.

In the oil burner inspection article provided here we explain visual and other clues of oil burner problems.

To find what you need quickly, if you don't want to scroll through this index you are welcome to use the page top or bottom SEARCH BOX to search InspectApedia for specific articles and information.

Article Series Contents:

OIL BURNER WONT RUN - Diagnostic Steps - what to check in what order

An expert inspection of an oil burner begins either with having made note of building owner/occupant concerns (noises, odors, no heat, high fuel costs), or with having made some basic visual observations outside: a sooty chimney top, for example. The sketch shown just above is provided courtesy of Carson Dunlop Associates, a Toronto home inspection, report writing tool, & home inspection education company. [Click to enlarge any image]

The oil burner inspection continues indoors, even before entering the utility room where the oil burner (or often more than one of them if oil fuel is used for both heating and a separate water heater) is located: look at the building interior as you enter: are there odors, soot deposits, noises associated with the heating system?

The oil burner inspection becomes detailed, and diagnostic, when you can actually see the equipment. It's obvious that you should notice oil leaks, soot in the boiler or furnace room, noises, odors, signs of repeated repairs, piles of junked parts, signs of unprofessional work (covers off of controls, sloppy wiring or plumbing).

But just what each of these clues might mean bears some additional explanation that we offer below.

Outdoor Clues of Heating Equipment Oil Burner Troubles

Question: smell and white smoke from the flue

(Sept 2, 2017) Randy said:

When starting our boiler this season we get a smell and white smoke from the flue like poor/too cool combustion. Any ideas?

Reply:

Here are some questions to ask about a smoky or poorly-operating oil burner, starting with stuff you might observe outdoors or at the chimney top.

Was your heating service technician in a rush to leave? We took this photo of a heating service tech who was in a very big rush to leave the job, after his disastrous service call. We figured he was in over his head, or maybe had some personal troubles.
Fortunately the heating service company manager had other, excellent service technicians on staff who were able to un-botch this guy's job. The heating service tech really was smoking the tires of his service van
Note: the driver knew he had behaved like a dope and later contacted us to complain about this photo of him smoking the tires of his employer's oil heat service truck.
The photo was edited to remove the company name as the heating company actually provides excellent service, and except for this oddball who left a failed service call and ruts in the driveway.
How old is the building? Is it likely that older oil fired heating equipment is or was installed?
Where is the oil storage tank? Is it outdoors, subject to water, condensation, gelling? Let's not just blame the oil burner for problems if there are other issues at the property that can impact oil burner operation.
Also see OIL TANKS and
see OIL TANK PIPING & PIPING DEFECTS.
Soot at the chimney top of the flue used to vent oil fired equipment almost always indicates that the oil burner is or was operating poorly, producing smoky sooty exhaust. You might even see smoky exhaust if the oil burner is running while you are approaching the building. So take a look at the chimney(s) before you go indoors.
Other trouble signs: short chimneys, missing chimney caps, or in the case of our heating service truck above, ruts in the yard and tire smoke in the air.
Signs of general poor home maintenance, or financial difficulties, can be clues that previous owners or occupants were just unable to tend to ordering and paying for regular heating system maintenance.

If the chimney top is sooty we don't yet know the cause of poor oil burner operation but we know there is a problem.

If your inspection of the chimney top, even from ground level, perhaps with binoculars, shows water, frost, or mechanical damage to the chimney itself, or a missing chimney cap, these conditions may not only affect the operation of the oil burner, but they may be very unsafe.

See CHIMNEY INSPECTION DIAGNOSIS REPAIR.

Indoor Clues of Oil Burner Troubles

On entering the building or by customer interview, start with a check for these signs of improper oil burner operation, regardless of whether the burner is powering a boiler, furnace, or water heater:

Are there noises when the oil burner is operating? Oil burner noises could be normal motor noise or could be a sign of serious and even dangerous heating system conditions - see both OIL BURNER NOISE SMOKE ODORS
and OIL BURNER INSPECTION & REPAIR for details.
Additional noises at the oil burner fuel unit (oil pump) are detailed
at OIL BURNER FUEL UNIT.
Are there odors blamed on the oil burner or oil fired equipment? Odors may be from an oil leak, flue gas spillage, etc.
See ODORS FROM HEATING SYSTEMS and
see OIL BURNER NOISE SMOKE ODORS.
Is there soot visible in the living area or around the boiler or furnace room? Our photo at left makes clear that the oil burner has not been working properly and is blowing soot into the building.
See STAIN DIAGNOSIS on BUILDING INTERIORS, how to diagnose stains on walls, floors, carpets, and how to determine the stain source, be sure to
see OIL BURNER SOOT & PUFFBACKS (photo at left),
and OIL BURNER NOISE SMOKE ODORS, but also
see THERMAL TRACKING & HEAT LOSS - because apparent 'soot' on indoor surfaces may be simple house dust deposits caused by thermal tracking or thermal telegraphing.
More clues of trouble you can spot before getting close to the heating equipment itself are in our photos below.

Are there signs of water leaks onto or into the oil burner, boiler, or furnace?
As our house fire investigation photographs show (two photographs above), water passage down a chimney (say from a missing chimney cap) easily continue into the heating boiler or furnace where they may cause damage to the oil burner, boiler, furnace, or its controls.
Oil burner and boiler damaged from building fire:Notice those rust stains below the oil burner inspection port above and to the left of the burner tube? This oil fired heating boiler has been flooded.
The photo above with the rusty oil burner flue shows the probable passage of water entry, down the flue.
While the basement of this building was reported not to have contained substantial water (notice there are no flood lines on the outside of the heating boiler itself), water from above during extinguishment of a house fire ran down the chimney and flooded the boiler itself. Inspection and possibly repairs are needed before this equipment can be safely used.
Are there signs of heating oil leaks? an oil leak out of heating equipment also means air leaks into the oil system which almost certainly leads to improper operation and can lead to loss of heat
or OIL BURNER SOOT & PUFFBACKS. Leaks can be anywhere from the oil tank to the oil burner, including the oil piping, fittings, filter, check valves, etc.
See OIL TANK PIPING & PIPING DEFECTS.
Heating oil leaks around the oil filter itself are detailed
at OIL FILTERS on HEATING EQUIPMENT.

Signs of Trouble at the Oil Tank that Cause Oil Burner Problems

We mentioned outdoor oil tank problems above, but even indoors you may spot signs of trouble that affect oil burner operation.

An oil leak anywhere in the oil piping, are a problem, as we explained just above.
A leak between the oil storage tank and the oil burner will usually cause improper oil burner operation - leaks of oil out of the oil piping become air leaks into the oil piping system when the oil burner is running and trying to draw oil from the oil storage tank, because during burner operation the oil piping is under vacuum.
Air leaks into the oil piping and burner cause improper oil burner shutdown, spewing unburned or only partially burned oil at oil burner shut-down, and risking dangerous (and sooty) puffbacks as well as telltale noises at oil burner start-up.
A leak into the oil tank itself or water accumulation from a bad oil delivery,or condensation can in the short run send water into the heating system piping and oil burner, leading to loss of heat and equipment damage.
See OIL TANK PIPING & PIPING DEFECTS.
A leaking heating oil tank, one that is leaking oil out, can lead to a costly oil spill cleanup.
See OIL TANK LEAKS & SMELLS. But oil leaking out of the tank, if the leak is only in the out direction, won't cause oil burner problems. Instead it will increase your heating bill and contaminate the environment.
But watch out: depending on the location and nature of the leak, an oil tank leak out of the tank can, as oil levels in the tank drop, lead to water leaks into the oil tank - so you could have both problems.

Boiler or Furnace Room Clues of Oil Burner Troubles

We have moved this topic to BOILER / FURNACE ROOM TROUBLE SIGNS - please continue reading there.

Signs of Trouble at the Oil Burner Itself - Visual Inspection

We've moved this discussion to OIL BURNER VISUAL INSPECTION

Signs of Trouble at the Oil Burner - During Operation

We moved this to OIL BURNER OPERATING TROUBLE

Also see OIL BURNER NOISE SMOKE ODORS.

Signs of Trouble Inside the Oil Burner - Simple Disassembly, Inspection, Testing

We moved this topic to OIL BURNER INSIDE TROUBLE

Oil Burner Won't Run: Diagnostic Steps - what to check in what order

At OIL BURNER WONT RUN we have collected oil burner diagnostic procedures from several texts, ^{[1] - [22]} adapted, expanded, and generally re-ordered steps in order of most likely to be successful and easiest to perform.

Readers needing an approach to heating system inspections that assures thoroughness, should also

see HEATING SYSTEM INSPECTION PROCEDURE

where we explain an organized approach to inspecting the entire heating system, beginning outdoors, continuing indoors, and ultimately in most detail in the boiler or furnace room.

...

Continue reading at OIL BURNER SMOKE TEST or select a topic from closely-related articles below, or see our complete INDEX to RELATED ARTICLES below.

Or see OIL BURNER INSPECTION & REPAIR FAQs - questions & answers posted at this article

Or see these

Oil Burner Diagnosis & Repair Articles

OIL BURNERS - home
OIL BURNER NOISE SMOKE ODORS - home
OIL HEAT TEXTBOOK - an online PDF of a complete oil heat service text book

Suggested citation for this web page

OIL BURNER INSPECTION & REPAIR at InspectApedia.com - online encyclopedia of building & environmental inspection, testing, diagnosis, repair, & problem prevention advice.

INDEX to RELATED ARTICLES: ARTICLE INDEX to HEATING OIL, OIL BURNERS, OIL FIRED HEATERS, OIL TANKS

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Technical Reviewers & References

Anthony Alaggio can be contacted through Bottini Fuel (Hudson Valley, NY) or directly for HVAC service at 914-489-0632. Email: crackin95vtec@yahoo.com Special thanks to Mr. Alaggio, an HVAC service technician for technical suggestions regarding oil heat troubleshooting & more causes of oil burner short-cycling 4/12/2013.
[1] Carson, Dunlop & Associates Ltd., 120 Carlton Street Suite 407, Toronto ON M5A 4K2. (416) 964-9415 1-800-268-7070 info@carsondunlop.com. Thanks to Alan Carson and Bob Dunlop, for permission to use illustrations from their publication, The Illustrated Home which illustrates construction details and building components. Carson Dunlop provides home inspection education including the ASHI-adopted a Home Inspection Home Study Course, and publications such as the Home Reference Book, the Home Reference eBook, and report writing materials including the Horizon report writer, and home inspect ion services. Alan Carson is a past president of ASHI, the American Society of Home Inspectors.
[2] Beckett Corporation, 38251 Center Ridge Rd.,North Ridgeville, OH 44039 440-327-1060 Email: sales@beckettcorp.com supplies residential and commercial oil burners for boilers, furnaces, and water heaters - see www.beckettcorp.com/
[3] Audels Oil Burner Guide, Installation, Servicing, Repairing, Frank D. Graham, 1947 edition (obsolete, out of print). See Brumbaugh, James E. Audel HVAC Fundamentals, Volume 2: Heating or see various versions of this guide available in editions from 1947, 1950, 1955, 1958, 1959, 1962, 1965, 1967, and at prices from around $3.00 to nearly $70.00 - useful for simple, clear, but not current, explanation of how heating equipment works. The original retail price was $1.00. Used copies are available at Amazon.com
[3a] Brumbaugh, James E., Audel HVAC Fundamentals, Volume 2: Heating, Audel [J Wiley]; All New 4th Edition edition (July 2, 2004) ISBN-10: 0764542079 ISBN-13: 978-0764542077
[4] A Total Look at Oil Burner Nozzles, available from Delavan Fuel Metering Products, a reference guide for oil burner service technicians, Delavan Spray Technologies, Fuel Metering Products Division, PO Box 969, Bamberg SC 29003, Tel: 800-982-6943 or 803-245-4347, ( Delavan is a division of BF Goodrich); web search 12/30/2010, original source: http://www.delavaninc.com/pdf/total_look.pdf
Note & disclosure: when we (DF) were servicing oil burner equipment, Delavan nozzles gave us such excellent results, especially using hollow cone spray patterns in solving combustion problems, that this brand was our standard stock-item on our truck. Other brands of oil burner nozzles are of course also of excellent quality. It is the proper matching of nozzle size and type and spray pattern to the equipment that is critical.
[5] Fuel Nozzles for Oil Burners, Technical Aspects of Applications, E. O. Olson, Chief Engineer (deceased)
Delavan Fuel Metering Products Operation, Bamberg, South Carolina, Delavan Fuel Metering Products, a reference guide for oil burner service technicians, Delavan Spray Technologies, Fuel Metering Products Division, PO Box 969, Bamberg SC 29003, Tel: 800-982-6943 or 803-245-4347, ( Delavan is a division of BF Goodrich); web search 12/30/2010, original source: http://www.delavaninc.com/pdf/Fuel_Nozzles_for_Burners.PDF
[6] Domestic and Commercial Oil Burners, Charles H. Burkhardt, McGraw Hill Book Company, New York 3rd Ed 1969.
National Fuel Gas Code (Z223.1) $16.00 and National Fuel Gas Code Handbook (Z223.2) $47.00 American Gas Association (A.G.A.), 1515 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, VA 22209 also available from National Fire Protection Association, Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02269. Fundamentals of Gas Appliance Venting and Ventilation, 1985, American Gas Association Laboratories, Engineering Services Department. American Gas Association, 1515 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, VA 22209. Catalog #XHO585. Reprinted 1989.
[7] The Steam Book, 1984, Training and Education Department, Fluid Handling Division, ITT [probably out of print, possibly available from several home inspection supply companies] Fuel Oil and Oil Heat Magazine, October 1990, offers an update,
[8] Principles of Steam Heating, $13.25 includes postage. Fuel oil & Oil Heat Magazine, 389 Passaic Ave., Fairfield, NJ 07004.
[9] The Lost Art of Steam Heating, John Doe [Dan Holohan], 516-579-3046 FAX, at Amazon.com and the InspectAPedia bookstore
[10] Principles of Steam Heating, Dan Holohan, technical editor of Fuel Oil and Oil Heat magazine, 389 Passaic Ave., Fairfield, NJ 07004 ($12.+1.25 postage/handling).
[11] Principles of Home Inspection: Steam, Electric & Wall/Floor Heating, Carson Dunlop, at Amazon.com and the InspectAPedia bookstore
[12] 'Residential Steam Heating Systems', Instructional Technologies Institute, Inc., 145 'D' Grassy Plain St., Bethel, CT 06801 800/227-1663 [home inspection training material] 1987
[13] 'Residential Hydronic (circulating hot water) Heating Systems', Instructional Technologies Institute, Inc., 145 'D' Grassy Plain St., Bethel, CT 06801 800/227-1663 [home inspection training material] 1987
[14] 'Warm Air Heating Systems'. Instructional Technologies Institute, Inc., 145 'D' Grassy Plain St., Bethel, CT 06801 800/227-1663 [home inspection training material] 1987
[15] Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning Volume I, Heating Fundamentals,
[16] Boilers, Boiler Conversions, James E. Brumbaugh, ISBN 0-672-23389-4 (v. 1) Volume II, Oil, Gas, and Coal Burners, Controls, Ducts, Piping, Valves, James E. Brumbaugh, ISBN 0-672-23390-7 (v. 2) Volume III, Radiant Heating, Water Heaters, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, Heat Pumps, Air Cleaners, James E. Brumbaugh, ISBN 0-672-23383-5 (v. 3) or ISBN 0-672-23380-0 (set) Special Sales Director, Macmillan Publishing Co., 866 Third Ave., New York, NY 10022. Macmillan Publishing Co., NY
[17] Installation Guide for Residential Hydronic Heating Systems
[18] Installation Guide #200, The Hydronics Institute, 35 Russo Place, Berkeley Heights, NJ 07922
The ABC's of Retention Head Oil Burners, National Association of Oil Heat Service Managers, TM 115, National Old Timers' Association of the Energy Industry, PO Box 168, Mineola, NY 11501. (Excellent tips on spotting problems on oil-fired heating equipment. Booklet.)
[19] Crown Serviceman's Handbook: Ignition Electrode Assemblies, Terminals and Cable, Tools and Accessories, Crown Engineering Corporation, Marlboro, NJ 07746 [1986]. This publication includes oil burner troubleshooting diagnostic suggestions reprinted with permission of Fuel Oil & Oil Heat Magazine.
[21] The Wholesaler's & Installer's Guide to OEM Oil Specifications, R.W. Beckett Corporation, PO Box 1289, Elyria, OH 44036, 216-327-1060 [1988] This publication gives the model, burner type, air tube combination, head type, static plat dimensions, blower wheel dimensions, and oil burner nozzle type for just about ever manufacturer and model of oil fired heating equipment including Addison Products, Axeman-Anderson, Bard Manufacturing, BDP, Borg-Warner, Boyertown Furnace, Burnham, Carrier Corp., Clare Brothers, Columbia Boiler Co., Crown Industries, Dornback Furnace, Ducane, Dunkirk Radiator, Duo-Matic/Olsen, Electric Furnace-Man, Ener Royal Technology, Energy Kinetics, Everhot All-Corporation, F.P. Industry, Fraser-Johnston, Heat Controller, Hydrotherm Inc., Johnson Corp., Lochinvar, Logwood-Marathon Heater, Inc., Longwood Furnace Corp., Luxaire, Magic Chef, Melvin Manufacturing Corp., Metromatic Mfg. Co., Miller Heating & A/C, Modine Manufacturing, Newmac Manufacturing, New Yorker, Oneida Heater, Peerless Heater, Perfection Products, Pow-R-Matic, Inc., Reznor, Rheem Manufacturing, Ruud, Slant/Fin, H.B. Smith, State Industries, Tekton Corp., Teledyne Laars, Thermo Dynamics, Thermo Products, Trianco, Inc., Ultimate Eng., Utica Boiler, Vallant, Van Wert Manufacturing, Weil-Mclain, Williamson Co., Wise, Inc., XXth Century. But believe it or not this is not the whole list of manufacturers from the 1970's and 1980's. Reference [22] below includes a still longer list.
[22] Steinen's [Oil Burner] Nozzle Guide, Oil burner nozzle specifications, draft regulators, nozzle filters, flame mirrors, oil burner nozzle kits, nozzle racks, nozzle extractors, nozzle adapters. Wm. Steinen Mfg. Co., 29 East Halsey Rd., Parsippany NJ 07054, Tel: 201-887-6400 [1970].
[22] Burnham Heating Helper, [heating system design & layout in a mini booklet], Burnham Corporation, PO Box 3089, Lancaster PA 17603, Tel: 717-481-8400, 9th printing, 7/01

Books & Articles on Building & Environmental Inspection, Testing, Diagnosis, & Repair

Our recommended books about building & mechanical systems design, inspection, problem diagnosis, and repair, and about indoor environment and IAQ testing, diagnosis, and cleanup are at the InspectAPedia Bookstore. Also see our Book Reviews - InspectAPedia.
Carbon Monoxide Gas Toxicity, exposure limits, poisoning symptoms, and inspecting buildings for CO hazards
Home Heating System Should Be Checked[for proper venting and for CO Carbon Monoxide Hazards - DJF]
Inspection Procedures for Oil-Fired Heating Systems Detailed step by step approaches for inspecting complex systems]
Oil Tanks - The Oil Storage Tank Information Website: Buried or Above Ground Oil Tank Inspection, Testing, Cleanup, Abandonment of Oil Tanks
Audels Oil Burner Guide, Installation, Servicing, Repairing, Frank D. Graham, 1940's edition (obsolete). Updated versions of this guide are available in various editions, 1947, 1950, 1955, 1958, 1959, 1962, 1965, 1967, and at prices from around $3.00 to nearly $70.00 - useful for simple, clear, but not current, explanation of how heating equipment works. The original retail price was $1.00. Used copies are available at Amazon.com
Domestic and Commercial Oil Burners, Charles H. Burkhardt, McGraw Hill Book Company, New York 3rd Ed 1969.
National Fuel Gas Code (Z223.1) $16.00 and National Fuel Gas Code Handbook (Z223.2) $47.00 American Gas Association (A.G.A.), 1515 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, VA 22209 also available from National Fire Protection Association, Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02269. Fundamentals of Gas Appliance Venting and Ventilation, 1985, American Gas Association Laboratories, Engineering Services Department. American Gas Association, 1515 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, VA 22209. Catalog #XHO585. Reprinted 1989.
The Steam Book, 1984, Training and Education Department, Fluid Handling Division, ITT [probably out of print, possibly available from several home inspection supply companies] Fuel Oil and Oil Heat Magazine, October 1990, offers an update,
Principles of Steam Heating, $13.25 includes postage. Fuel oil & Oil Heat Magazine, 389 Passaic Ave., Fairfield, NJ 07004.
The Lost Art of Steam Heating, John Doe [Dan Holohan], 516-579-3046 FAX, at Amazon.com and the InspectAPedia bookstore
Principles of Steam Heating, Dan Holohan, technical editor of Fuel Oil and Oil Heat magazine, 389 Passaic Ave., Fairfield, NJ 07004 ($12.+1.25 postage/handling).
Principles of Home Inspection: Steam, Electric & Wall/Floor Heating, Carson Dunlop, at Amazon.com and the InspectAPedia bookstore
'Residential Steam Heating Systems', Instructional Technologies Institute, Inc., 145 'D' Grassy Plain St., Bethel, CT 06801 800/227-1663 [home inspection training material] 1987
'Residential Hydronic (circulating hot water) Heating Systems', Instructional Technologies Institute, Inc., 145 'D' Grassy Plain St., Bethel, CT 06801 800/227-1663 [home inspection training material] 1987
'Warm Air Heating Systems'. Instructional Technologies Institute, Inc., 145 'D' Grassy Plain St., Bethel, CT 06801 800/227-1663 [home inspection training material] 1987
Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning Volume I, Heating Fundamentals,
Boilers, Boiler Conversions, James E. Brumbaugh, ISBN 0-672-23389-4 (v. 1) Volume II, Oil, Gas, and Coal Burners, Controls, Ducts, Piping, Valves, James E. Brumbaugh, ISBN 0-672-23390-7 (v. 2) Volume III, Radiant Heating, Water Heaters, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, Heat Pumps, Air Cleaners, James E. Brumbaugh, ISBN 0-672-23383-5 (v. 3) or ISBN 0-672-23380-0 (set) Special Sales Director, Macmillan Publishing Co., 866 Third Ave., New York, NY 10022. Macmillan Publishing Co., NY
Installation Guide for Residential Hydronic Heating Systems
Installation Guide #200, The Hydronics Institute, 35 Russo Place, Berkeley Heights, NJ 07922
The ABC's of Retention Head Oil Burners, National Association of Oil Heat Service Managers, TM 115, National Old Timers' Association of the Energy Industry, PO Box 168, Mineola, NY 11501. (Excellent tips on spotting problems on oil-fired heating equipment. Booklet.)
...

Carson, Dunlop & Associates Ltd., 120 Carlton Street Suite 407, Toronto ON M5A 4K2. Tel: (416) 964-9415 1-800-268-7070 Email: info@carsondunlop.com. The firm provides professional home inspection services & home inspection education & publications. Alan Carson is a past president of ASHI, the American Society of Home Inspectors. Thanks to Alan Carson and Bob Dunlop, for permission for InspectAPedia to use text excerpts from The Home Reference Book & illustrations from The Illustrated Home. Carson Dunlop Associates' provides extensive home inspection education and report writing material.
- The Illustrated Home illustrates construction details and building components, a reference for owners & inspectors.
  Special Offer: For a 5% discount on any number of copies of the Illustrated Home purchased as a single order Enter INSPECTAILL in the order payment page 'Promo/Redemption' space.
- TECHNICAL REFERENCE GUIDE to manufacturer's model and serial number information for heating and cooling equipment, useful for determining the age of heating boilers, furnaces, water heaters is provided by Carson Dunlop, Associates, Toronto - Carson Dunlop Weldon & Associates
  Special Offer: Carson Dunlop Associates offers InspectAPedia readers in the U.S.A. a 5% discount on any number of copies of the Technical Reference Guide purchased as a single order. Just enter INSPECTATRG in the order payment page 'Promo/Redemption' space.
The Home Reference Book - the Encyclopedia of Homes, Carson Dunlop & Associates, Toronto, Ontario, 25th Ed., 2012, is a bound volume of more than 450 illustrated pages that assist home inspectors and home owners in the inspection and detection of problems on buildings. The text is intended as a reference guide to help building owners operate and maintain their home effectively. Field inspection worksheets are included at the back of the volume.
Special Offer: For a 10% discount on any number of copies of the Home Reference Book purchased as a single order. Enter INSPECTAHRB in the order payment page 'Promo/Redemption' space. InspectAPedia.com editor Daniel Friedman is a contributing author.
Or choose the The Home Reference eBook for PCs, Macs, Kindle, iPad, iPhone, or Android Smart Phones.
Special Offer: For a 5% discount on any number of copies of the Home Reference eBook purchased as a single order. Enter INSPECTAEHRB in the order payment page 'Promo/Redemption' space.
Building inspection education & report writing systems from Carson, Dunlop & Associates Ltd
Commercial Building Inspection Courses - protocol ASTM Standard E 2018-08 for Property Condition Assessments
Home Inspection Education Courses including home study & live classes at eleven colleges & universities.
Home Inspection Education Home Study Courses - ASHI@Home Training 10-course program.
Special Offer: Carson Dunlop Associates offers InspectAPedia readers in the U.S.A. a 5% discount on these courses: Enter INSPECTAHITP in the order payment page 'Promo/Redemption' space. InspectAPedia.com editor Daniel Friedman is a contributing author.
The Horizon Software System manages business operations,scheduling, & inspection report writing using Carson Dunlop's knowledge base & color images. The Horizon system runs on always-available cloud-based software for office computers, laptops, tablets, iPad, Android, & other smartphones

Publisher InspectApedia.com - Daniel Friedman

POST a QUESTION or READ FAQs about oil burner inspection, diagnosis, & repair, troubleshooting procedure, how to get the oil burner running again, best order of diagnostic steps.

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Q&A on why an oil burner won't start or won't keep running:

Frequently-asked questions and answers about why an oil burner will not start or will not keep running when it should.

These oil burners are used on heating boilers, furnaces, water heaters and some other heating appliances.

This article series escribes how to recognize common oil-fired heating appliance operating or safety defects, and how to save money on home heating costs

We also provide a MASTER INDEX to this topic, or you can try the page top or bottom SEARCH BOX as a quick way to find information you need.

Oil Burner Won't Run: Diagnostic Steps - what to check in what order

This article series explains the inspection, diagnosis, & repair of oil burners used in heating appliances such as hot water boilers, steam boilers, & water heaters.

These questions about troubleshooting oil burners were posted originally at OIL BURNER WONT RUN - you definitely want to review the diagnostic suggestions given there.

If your heat is not working properly, and the problem does not seem to be the oil burner itself, see NO HEAT - BOILER - hot water or steam heat
or see NO HEAT - FURNACE - forced warm air heat

On 2016-12-30 by (mod) re: draft regulator door keeps banging

Linda
If by 'flapper' you mean the draft regulator in the flue vent connector between heater top and chimney, then it sounds as if there is a burner operating problem; flickering electric means there's an unsafe condition in the electrical system - perhaps a shorting wire or control at the heater.
You want to TURN OFF the equipment and call for emergency repair.
Keep me posted.

On 2016-12-30 by Linda

When the heater kicks on the flapper keeps clapping to the point that it seems like it's gonna choke out and electric flickers in the house

On 2016-12-28 by (mod) re: loose or bad electrical connections on an oil burner

Eric:
I'd look for a loose or corroded electrical connection in the thermostat wiring and furnace heater control wiring.
If your heat is hot water ( boiler not furnace) I'd also look for poor thermal contact at the temperature sensor)

On 2016-12-28 by Eric

My furnace runs fine 98% of the time, but once in a while, the thermostat kicks on, but does not turn furnace on. I checked all wires, and replaced thermostat. Still does it. Please help!

On 2016-12-21 by (mod) re: ask the oil heat service company for an expert

Reuben
I'd call the service manager and politely ask for a senior, experienced service tech to diagnose what has gone wrong.

On 2016-12-21 by Reuben A. Larson

Our furnace was working fine until we had it cleaned. Now it runs fine for about 6 hours and then it shuts down. Furnace repair person has put on a new cycle controller but it still shuts down after 6 hours. What do I do now ?

On 2016-12-20 by (mod) re: don't keep replacing parts on the oil burner that keeps going off on RESET

Before replacing parts arbitrarily I'd prefer to call an oil heat service tech. There could be any of several problems but a system that keeps going off is also potentially unsafe, risking a puffback explosion.

On 2016-12-20 by ekj06

I'm having to hit the relight button on my oil forced-air furnace every couple of days. I replaced the igniter a couple of years ago. Maybe a relay now?

On 2016-12-20 by (mod) re: oil burner won't keep running, shuts down and needs the reset button

Sounds like cleaning or repair to a nozzle, filter, screen, electrode etc. is needed. DO not keep pressing the reset button or you risk a puffback explosion. Search InspectApedia.com for OIL BURNER PUFFBACK EXPLOSION to read details

Ducane Furnace Parts

On 2016-12-18 by Gary

I hit the reset button on my oil furnace it will come up to temp called for it shuts down the when temp drops and heat is called for again it will fire up then shut right down. Any ideas?

On 2016-12-16 by Anonymous

My oil furnace keeps shutting off after 5 min...
Can you healp please

On 2016-12-16 by Fred thompso n

Carlin primary code latchup

On 2016-12-16 by Jennifer

My oil furnace has been running fine but we run out of oil my husband bled the line hit the reset button it come on went back off done this twice but won't come back on what do we need to do

On 2016-12-15 by scott

my oil furnace comes on heats when called to,heats up to temp called for but after burner is off the blower never shuts off???it cuntinually runs ...

On 2016-12-13 by (mod)

Gola,
Let's start by going down the diagnostic list at OIL BURNER WONT RUN
Also search InspectAPedia.com for PUFFBACK EXPLOSION

On 2016-12-13 by (mod)

AUTHOR:Gola (no email)
COMMENT:We have replaced oil pump to our burner but continue to have to press reset to start sometimes and it will cut off after starting sometimes what is problem?

On 2016-12-11 by (mod)

It sounds to me like a wiring or a control error. However if the motor homeless and is tripping a reset button then the problem could be a seized motor or a seized fuel unit that the motor cannot turn.

On 2016-12-11 by Peanuts

Have changed all components,igniter,fuel pump, control box. Motor will not come on. I have checked the motor and it runs smooth and quite. Will not start while installed on boiler. What's up with it?

On 2016-12-09 by (mod) re: Beckett oil burner won't start

Jim
To debug I'd scan the suggestions in the article OIL BURNER WONT RUN. It'd be helpful to know more about what happens: in particular, when the TT calls for heat, does the oil burner not run at all? Or does it run but the burner doesn't ignite?
If the latter, do not keep re-starting the burner as you risk a PUFFBACK EXPLOSION (Search InspectApedia for that term for details).
If the former, could be a loose wire, bad control, or a motor that's seizing up or overheating and shutting off on thermal reset.

On 2016-12-08 by jimdreg

My Beckett oil burner won't start when the thermostat calls for heat 'some' of the time. Every once in awhile I have to turn the power switch to it off and on a couple times to make it start. I replaced the Intermittent Ignition Oil Primary unit but that made no difference. What is causing this?

On 2016-12-06 by Anonymous

Why does igniter on becket burner bridge with gunk

On 2016-12-06 13:00:13.940354 by derek

there is a mix between water and oil squirting from the right hand side of the burner? is this dangerous

On 2016-12-05 18:45:00.357900 by Mark

The wind goes down the chimney, and shuts the burner down, causes?? fixs??

On 2016-12-01 by Anonymous

Oil burner lights stays on for approx 4hrs then goes into lockout

On 2016-11-23 by Matt

I have a Smith oil burner. The burner shuts off at the aquastat high temp but the temp and pressure continue to rise.

On 2016-11-22 by (mod) re: furnace won't re-start and no red or green lights show. and re: oil leaks at the oil burner

Sounds like a tripped breaker or blown fuse, Anon.
TJ: your fuel system is leaking and spraying fuel inside of the oil burner gun. THIS IS UNSAFE and risks a puffback explosion. It needs expert repair. I suspect damaged threads or a loose connection in the gun assembly. Turn off the system and call for repair.

On 2016-11-22 by Anonymous

Furence shut off wont start no red or greene light on reset

On 2016-11-16 by Tj

I have a Beckett forced hot air furnace and fuel is coming out off the ignition box? Just put new nossell in. Why would it do that

On 2016-11-11 by Daniel

Becket burner - boiler has shut off several times over the past week , but starts right up after the reset button is pushed

On 2016-10-20 by (mod) re: Circulator pumps run but boiler wont' heat up

Joe,
If your New Yorker boiler turns on when there is a call for domestic hot water (at plumbing fixtures) then it's supporting a tankless coil (or an indirect fired water heater) and we know that the boiler itself works.
Now if the burner does not turn on when there is a call for heat, that could be because the boiler water is already hot enough that the primary control is not turning on the burner.
Feel the outlet piping from the boiler and check the circultor(s) to see if hot water is circulating. If not, that is if the circulator doesn't run or if the circulator runs and the water is cold, then the primary control or its sensor are probably faulty.

On 2016-10-20 by Joe

I have a New Yorker furnace oil hot water it comes on when hot water is turn on and needed . But when you turn on thermostat for heat (three zones ) there circulator comes on but the furnace does not turn on to heat up .

Changed the control box put a new one it turned on for few seconds then shut off . still have same problem . Circulator comes on but does not turn on furnace shut off all thermostats circulators shut off . Could you tell me what the problem could be

On 2016-10-12 by Bobby Wells

I have a oil birner furnace and it kicks on but wont ignite. Then shuts off after a min. Or so. I forgot to shut the valvn the tank when I had it filled. Mine burns diesel. Well not knowing, all the fuel leaked out of the unit . Now it wont fire up.......

On 2016-10-01 by Donald

OilBurner won't start

On 2016-08-28 by (mod) re: dirty oil burner nozzle causes system to go off on RESET

THe most common reason that an oil burner goes off on reset is a dirty or clogged nozzle assembly.

Another common problem is air leaks in the oil piping.

On 2016-08-28 by Rick

For a oil hot water heater,After pushing re-start red button,ignition runs for a few seconds and stops.Would the problen most likely be th eHoneywell controller or dirty nozzles?

On 2016-07-02 by (mod) re: bad ceramic insulators on the oil burner nozzle assembly

Anon
I see that problem when the ceramic insulators are shot, the electrodes are dirty and shorting, the contacts between transformer and electrode rod back ends are poor, or the transformer is shot.

On 2016-07-02 by Anonymous

spark not reaching the top of electrodes

On 2016-06-25 by (mod) re: no spark visible at the oil burner electrode assembly

Certainly; if you don't see a spark between the igniters and the head is clean, not shorted out, and the unit has power, then that's a good guess.

On 2016-06-25 by Dave

I have a Wiel Mclain oil burner. It's getting fuel,the motor is running but it doesn't ignite.I can hear it click,but it won't ignite. Could this be the ignition transformer?

On 2016-04-26 by Davidc

Have one 2 pipe if it sits they have to reset does not do this every time I try to catch it

On 2016-04-24 by craig

Looking at the electrodes through a Crack I can see what appear
s to be a bright misfire of some sort,THIS IGNITION problem coupled with lncomplete combustion is causing a shutdonw..whatsup..

On 2016-03-14 by (mod) re: noisy oil burner startup

Todd
You may have a combustion air problem, the wrong nozzle pattern or size, or another mis-adjustment. Unfortunately it's no longer possible to properly set up an oil burner by eye and spit - a bit of training and use of CO2, stack temperature, and smoke measurements are also needed.

On 2016-03-13 by todd

burner rumbles on initial firing then quiets down. i have a new nozzle and filed electrodes to a sharp point and adjusted .

On 2016-02-25 by John scifo

After reseting it runs reaches desired temp & turns off normal hav to reset before it turns back on

On 2016-02-21 by (mod) re: check oil burner fuel unit output pressure / flow

a service tech would probably check for pump output on the burner side

On 2016-02-21 by Peter

Air in fuel line. Every few days.
Plenty of fuel in tank. No water just air.
Could it be the pump, 10yrs old?

On 2016-02-16 by (mod) re: seized oil burner fuel unit (oil pump)

Sounds like a seized or failed fuel unit. The burner should be going off on reset.

On 2016-02-16 by Anonymous

I have a fuel oil furnace that won't do anything it has high and low voltage at primary control, have jupered r and w still don't run have individual tested components all good solenoid valve has small amount of fuel leaking around shaft what can I do next?

On 2016-02-15 by (mod) re: possible bad oil burner control

That sounds like a bad control. Before replacing it, turn power off to the heater, wait a couple of minutes and turn it back on. Try once more.

On 2016-02-15 by Robbie

Thanks for the feedback, yes I left it sit and turned the power off to it for 6 hours came back turned the power on still locked out, pushed and held reset for over 1 minute still just keeps flashing, I'm going to get a new primary control as soon as possible and replace it and see if that helps, I have a R8184G 4009 I might hook up and see if it works because it'll be a week before I can get a new R7184B or I'm some place I can get someone on to look at it, thanks

On 2016-02-14 by (mod) re: oil burner reset button won't re-set

Good question Robbie. My answer is ... as my mentor Mark Cramer (Tampa FL home inspector / educator) says: ... it depends.
When a primary control trips off on reset, if you depress the re-set button rather quickly (say a minute or two) after it has tripped, it may not re-set. Depending on the particular control's design it may need to be off and left alone 5-10 minutes, as some controls include a thermal device that heats up to cause the tripping, and it has to cool.
If after a good wait - say 10 minutes or longer - the control won't reset then something else is wrong.
Watch out: don't keep pressing the reset button. If you press it and it resets and the burner runs for 10-20 minutes or longer you can have heat while waiting for the repair technician. But if the burner tries to start but trips off on reset quickly, you're sending unburned oil into the combustion chamber. Light that off after a few button presses and restart attempts and you could cause a dangerous puffback explosion.

Search Inspectapedia for PUFFBACK EXPLOSION to read details.

On 2016-02-14 by Robbie

Have a question, my R7184B will not reset, if u hold the reset button for 1 minutes 5 minutes however long it won't reset, sounds like to me it's gone bad because it should atleast reset and then if there's a problem lockout again right, but since it won't reset at all its probably gone bad??

On 2016-02-08 by (mod) re: I hit the oil burner reset button three times and now it won't start

Julie
You need to call for professional repair. DO NOT KEEP PRESSING THE RESET BUTTON as you risk a puffback explosion.

On 2016-02-08 by Julie

Hit the reset button three times and it came on but now will not come on at all only makes a click sound

On 2016-01-24 by (mod) re: oil burner goes off on reset once a day

I would call for repair - any of several problems could be the cause but the risk is ultimately loss of heat or a puffback explosion.

On 2016-01-19 by Tom Greco

Oilburner shuts off on its own once every day have to keep turning it back on every day

On 2016-01-17 by Dee

My furnace starts up then stops. I have to press the reset button every time I want heat. Help me fix this it's getting cold.

On 2016-01-09 by (mod) re: suttering starts at the oil burner

I've seen complaints about on-off stuttering starts with oil burners before, usually traced to either a loose wire or a failing control.

On 2016-01-09 by Bruce

We were having a problem with the furnace which was that upon startup, it would click off and on again in rapid succession, and after doing that, I'm guessing about 6 or 8 times, it would then stay on. It didn't do this every time, but seemed more apt to do it when it had been off for several hours, particularly in the morning.

I believe it did this for at least 2 or three weeks, and seemed to be getting worse.

We finally made an appointment to have it looked at, and two days before the appointment, the problem vanished (we cancelled the apt.). It has been fine now for about two weeks. We are under no illusion that it has fixed itself, so expect the problem will come back sooner or later.

Any idea on what could have caused that, and how the problem could just disappear (even if temporarily) on its own? It's rather bizarre.

On 2015-12-30 by (mod) re: compare oil burner temperature with aquastat settings

Check the boiler temperature and pressure when the boiler turns on - compare those to the aquastat settings; the low limit may be turning on the boiler for a tankless coil;

On 2015-12-30 by Jeremy

It is a forced air furnace. I will check thermostat wires. Any other ideas of forced air fuel oil furnace?

On 2015-12-28 by (mod) re: oil furnace comes on even when room temperature is above the thermostat setting

Jeremy,
A failing control, temperature sensor at the boiler, or even shorting thermostat wires can cause intermittent boiler operation, as can troubles at the circulator pumps (see https://inspectapedia.com/heat/Circulator_Pump_Intermittent.php )
The things you repaired are good to do but don't address the controls for the system.
Running a few times an hour sounds excessive tome. I'd start by reviewing the aquastat settings (see AQUASTAT SETTINGS at InspectAPedia.com found via search of our site)

On 2015-12-23 by Jeremy

My fuel oil furnace works with thermostat but will come on even when temp is above the setting. The burner and pump run for 60 seconds a few times an hour even when not needed. Put new filter, nozzle and flushed lines. Still does it, any ideas?

On 2015-11-27 by (mod) re: just hit reset one time

Try the reset button ONCE. that might get you heat whole you wait for a repair technician.
Check for clogged oil filter or nozzle.

On 2015-11-27 by Anonymous

burner wont start up was running before but is now not ignting . it was filled with 400g of fuel and we let it settle for four hours and was working

On 2015-11-23 by (mod) re: then check the oil burner aquastat settings

Anon/Steve:
Good observation; now check the aquastat settings: on a typical aquastat multifunction control the LO must be 20 or more below the HI or it's locked out and will never run the boiler.

On 2015-11-23 by Anonymous

Thanks for your response. Yesterday I shut off all the thermostats when the boiler was hot and watched it throughout the day as the temperature dropped...right past the low limit set point, so my best guess at this point is a bad limit or other control part. Does that make sense?

On 2015-11-23 by (mod) re: possible chimney or draft problem fouls the oil burner

If the problem only occurs on windy days I suspect there may be a draft regulator order after adjustment problem or possibly something as simple as a missing chimney cap
Steve, the fact that your oil burner restarts when you push the reset button suggest to me that the problem is not a thermostat or sensor but more likely a problem with the oil burner itself or its fuel supply.

On 2015-11-22 by Steve

Any ideas? Boiler occasionally goes cold despite calls for heat. After reset it comes on and runs fine, for a while (last time for a week) before going cold again. It's like it does not recognize a call on temp drop. Could it somehow be flue related (maybe superstitious but it may happen on windy days). Any thoughts on what it could be are appreciated. Thanks!

On 2015-11-17 by (mod) re: do not keep pressing the oil burner safety control RESET button

Cameron:
Any of a number of problems can cause the burner to fail to ignite: out of fuel, clogged filter, dirty nozzle.
DO NOT KEEP PRESSING THE RESET BUTTON:
doing so risks a dangerous puffback explosion as you are leaving un-burned fuel in the combustion chamber. If the system finally ignites you could have a hell of a sooty boom.
It's time to leave the system shut off and call your heating service company.
Keep me posted

Also see BANGING BOOMING NOISE DIAGNOSIS & CURE - home

On 2015-11-17 by cameron

My oil burner turns on only when I hit the reset button the fan will turn on for 30 second but the burner will not ignite

On 2015-11-01 by Anonymous

My oil burner comes on for less than a second and goes off at odd times. Runs and heats great though.

On 2015-10-19 by Frank

My burner won't come on upstairs zone but it work in downstairs zone.I changed the zone valve, checked the thermostat. What else should I check?

On 2015-10-19 by Anonymous

I have a blinking green light?

On 2015-10-15 by Steve

Turn breaker on reset does nothing Stat all the way down motel or pump does nothing help

On 2015-09-30 by rick

furnace hums but will not come on

On 2015-09-18 by Brett

My boiler wont start by itself i have to keep hiting the reset button

On 2015-03-03 by Tony

what if smoke comes out of supplies?

On 2015-02-21 by (mod) -

Thomas
We list common causes of oil burner not running in the article above. With no ,ore to go on, I have to suggest asking for help from your heating service co.

On 2015-02-18 by THOMAS

I CANT SEEM TO FIND THIS PROBLEM IM HAVING ON HERE . MY OIL FURNANCE WOULD RUN FINE UNTIL IT SHUTS OFF AFTER THE HOUSE IS AT SET TEMP . THEN WHEN IT CALLS FOR THE FURNANCE TO COME ON AGAIN I HAVE TO HIT THE RESET BUTTON AND IT FIRES UP FINE AND RUN UNTIL THE TEMP IS MET. CAN SOME ONE HLP?

On 2015-02-08 by (mod) -

Jeff
Think of it like fixing a car: we need ignition and fuel and exhaust. You have electrical power; check for spark at the electrodes and fuel coming out of the nozzle.

On 2015-02-08 by Jeff

I just put this used forced air oil furnace in my shop. Good oil flow. power is on.... The both burner and fan motors work. thermostat was down. cut power supply to reset. zit just won't fire ... Can any one help me ..Please.

On 2015-02-07 by (mod) -

Frank I can't be smarter than the on-site repair people as they can see things that you or I don't.
But you might check for
- dirt, debris, water in the oil tank or piping or filter or pump screen

- a loose electrical connection

- a failing cad-cell sensor or relay

- an improper oil burner nozzle choice or oil leaks around the nozzle adapter

- an air leak in the system or any other operating problem that causes sooting at the burner nozzle assembly
IN short, when the system has shut down it'd be instructive to inspect it with care at that time as well as when the re-start is attempted.
Watch out: the problem you describe can lead to a dangerous puffback explosion if unburned fuel accumulates in the combustion chamber.
Keep me posted on what you find.

On 2015-02-07 by Frank

About once a week the burner shuts off and the reset has to be pressed. Burner will be good for about a week or so then same situation. Repair specialists can't seem to find the problem....any suggestions?

On 2015-01-26 14:16:57.675020 by Anonymous

Oil fired boiler works fine when cold. Starts up as usual, sounds normal, etc, until it reaches the boiler thermostat temperature when it switches off. Then when it should restart it makes all the right noises including a 'click' then it all stops and the reset button comes on. It won't restart by pressing the reset button. But once it has cooled down. It restarts as normal when the reset button is pressed.
Any ideas?

On 2015-01-15 by (mod) -

Edith see if the blower fan is running at the air handler part of your furnace.

On 2015-01-15 by edith

Heat does not blow out of vent .you can feel a little at vent but room never heats-please help

On 2015-01-03 by (mod) -

Sorry to say this in cold weather but I'd shut off the burner before you have a dangerous puff-back. It sounds as if you need a service call. I suspect a dirty nozzle, clogged filter &c. A loose connection can also cause intermittent operation but I'd not expect it to cause loud operation.

On 2015-01-03 by dan

burner runs loud cuts in and out

On 2014-12-300 by (mod) -

Joe
Start by checking for a loose or corroded electrical connection.

On 2014-12-30 by joe

i replace the primary ignition box on my oil furnace. fired up fine, then after about ten minutes, burner shut down, didn't trip breaker. after another ten minutes os so, burner re-lit and worked like normal.system works as usual, except for burner cycling. after room reached thermostat setting both fan and burner shut down until called on again. what's up?

On 2014-03-23 by (mod) -

Luis when I see intermittent oil flow I
First check for a dirty oil filter or filter screen at the fuel unit
Next check that oil flows freely from the oil tank to the fuel unit - if not I blow out or replace the oil line and if needed the valve.
If the oil tank has a lot of sludge and especially if the oil line pickup is off of the bottom of the tank, then intermittent clogging will be recurrent.

I sometimes get past this by installing a new larger diameter oil line and doubled or larger capacity oil filters at the oil burner, or better, by re-piping to pick up oil coming in from the top of the oil tank.

On 2014-03-22 by Luis

my oil fired boiler has intermittent oil flow. I found this out when bleeding the line to the boiler the flow would be strong then stop with no sound of air passing through. I have replaced the nozzle, pump, and motor I also have a hot water tank that shares the same oil line and it works just fine. Any ideas what this might be?

...

Continue reading at OIL BURNER WONT RUN - home, or select a topic from closely-related articles below, or see our complete INDEX to RELATED ARTICLES below.

Or see OIL BURNER WON'T RUN FAQs-2 - more-recent Q&A that help troubleshoot an oil burner that hums, buzzes, or just won't run

If the oil burner starts but does not run properly see these diagnostic articles

OIL BURNERS - home
OIL BURNER NOISE SMOKE ODORS - home

OIL HEAT TEXTBOOK - an online PDF of a complete oil heat service text book (albeit an old one)