InspectAPedia®   -   Search InspectApedia

Photograph of  a modern oil-fired heating boilerOil Burner Operating Problems
Defects observed when the oil burner is running

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

Oil burner operating problem summary:

Here we summarize the common problems you can observe when the oil burner is actually running, or trying to run to heat a boiler, furnace, or water heater. These valuable clues can often diagnose an oil burner problem.

This article series describes 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.

InspectAPedia tolerates no conflicts of interest. We have no relationship with advertisers, products, or services discussed at this website.

- Daniel Friedman, Publisher/Editor/Author - See WHO ARE WE?

Signs of Trouble at the Oil Burner - During Operation: Odors, Noises, Soot, Goes Off on Reset

Oil burner schematic (C) Carson Dunlop Associates

Here we will describe a series of oil burner operating problems that you can observe when the burner is running - or trying to run.

For a very detailed explanation of how an oil burner and oil fired heating equipment works, see BOILER OPERATING STEPS, 39 steps in how a heating boiler works.

The oil burner parts sketch shown here is courtesy of Carson Dunlop Associates, a Toronto home inspection, report writing tool, & home inspection education company. [Click to enlarge any image]

The following oil burner noise clues are taken from our more complete article:

OIL BURNER NOISE SMOKE ODORS.

Also see COMPLETE COMBUSTION, STOICHIOMETRIC for an explanation of complete fuel combustion and boiler or furnace maximum efficiency.

Oil Burner Smoke Test - Indicates Proper Combustion Air, Draft, Burner Adjustment

Oil burner smoke test equipment, Bachrach Kit (C) Daniel FriedmanThe basic measurements made by any competent oil heat service technician include the stack temperature, draft, smoke level, and carbon dioxide level. These data tell us whether or not the equipment is properly adjusted and operating safely and economically.

One of these most basic tests performed by an oil heat service technician is the "smoke test" using a strip of filter paper and a pump to sample the oil burner exhaust, measuring the level of smoke in the exhaust.

Details of how to measure the oil burner smoke level, a key measure used in setting the combustion air level, and links to other oil burner measurement and asjustment procedures are now

at OIL BURNER SMOKE TEST

Our photo (above left) shows a traditional smoke testing pump (the black cylinder with a handle at its right end) used for decades. This equipment was produced by Bachrach, an oil burner test equipment manufacturer.

Oil Burner CO2 Test - Carbon Dioxide Level Indicates System Efficiency

The second common test performed by an oil heat technician evaluates the oil burner efficiency by measuring the carbon dioxide level or CO2 level in the oil burner exhaust. While there are electronic sensors used by some technicians for this purpose, many oil heat service tech's continue to use the time-tested Bachrach Fyrite™ oil burner tester.

Details of measuring the carbon dioxide level for oil burners, a second key measurement needed for proper setting of oil burner combustion air & operating temperature are now

at OIL BURNER CO2 TEST

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

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.

 


...

Continue reading at OIL BURNER INSIDE TROUBLE or select a topic from the closely-related articles below, or see the complete ARTICLE INDEX.

Or see these

Recommended Articles

Suggested citation for this web page

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


Or see this

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

Or use the SEARCH BOX found below to Ask a Question or Search InspectApedia

Ask a Question or Search InspectApedia

Try the search box just below, or if you prefer, post a question or comment in the Comments box below and we will respond promptly.

Search the InspectApedia website

Note: appearance of your Comment below may be delayed: if your comment contains an image, photograph, web link, or text that looks to the software as if it might be a web link, your posting will appear after it has been approved by a moderator. Apologies for the delay.

Only one image can be added per comment but you can post as many comments, and therefore images, as you like.
You will not receive a notification
when a response to your question has been posted.
Please bookmark this page to make it easy for you to check back for our response.
Our Comment Box is provided by Countable Web Productions countable.ca

Comment Form is loading comments...

Citations & References

In addition to any citations in the article above, a full list is available on request.



ADVERTISEMENT