Starting a Conversion Oil Burner
Before attempting to start the oil burner, you should first carefully read the manufacturer’s instructions. Unfortunately, these are not always available on older heating installations. If this is the case and you do not possess the necessary expertise to operate the burner without an instruction manual, it is strongly recommended that you call a professional for services.
Always test the oil lines for possible leaks and make the necessary repairs before starting the oil burner. Consult the manufacturer’s instructions for bleeding the fuel pump. The bleed valve on the fuel pump is designed to facilitate air purging, cleaning, and priming. See Chapter 1, “Oil Burners” of Volume 2 for additional information about fuel pumps.
Check the electrical wiring diagram (if one exists) to make cer- tain that the burner is correctly wired. Problems with an oil burner can often be traced to incorrect wiring. All wiring must be in accordance with the National Electrical Code as well as local codes, standards, and regulations.
It is important to make certain that the primary and limit controls are operating properly. Test the primary control by first removing the motor lead from the burner and then energizing the ignition circuit by throwing the switch. If the primary control is operating properly, the ignition will shut off within 2 minutes after the switch is thrown. If the ignition fails to shut off after 2 minutes, the primary control should be replaced.
Check the fuel level in the oil storage tank. There must be enough oil to operate the burner. Open both oil valves (at the oil storage tank and at the boiler or furnace).
You must have an adequate air supply for efficient combustion. The basic ventilation requirements (see Ventilation Requirements in this chapter) must be provided for when installing the oil burner. It is also important to determine whether the secondary air setting is correct. If smoke or soot is present when the oil burner is operating, the air setting must be corrected.
If all the suggestions in the previous paragraphs have been followed and the necessary adjustments or repairs made, the oil burner can now be started. The procedure for doing this is basically as follows:
1. Make certain that all controls have been set in normal starting position.
2. Make certain that the oil valve in the oil supply line is open.
3. Set the room thermostat 10° above the room temperature.
4. Check the reset button on the primary control to make certain it has been reset.
5. Open the air control band on the burner to about half open.
6. Throw the main electrical switch to ON. The burner should now start, ignite, and burn. If it does not, recheck steps 1 through 5. If you still experience difficulty in starting the burner, consult Troubleshooting Oil Burners in Chapter 1, “Oil Burners” of Volume 2.
7. Allow the oil burner to operate for about 15 minutes, then shut it down and give it time to cool off. After it has cooled off, restart it to be sure it operates properly on a cool start.
While the oil burner is operating (step 7), you should take the opportunity to make a number of tests. Check the fuel-pump pres- sure with an oil pressure gauge. These should be factory set. Adjust the air control band on the burner until 0+ smoke is obtained with a smoke tester. Adjust the draft control (if necessary) to obtain at least 0.02 in W.C. of draft over the fire.