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Re: Problems after using Biofuel for the first time

I'm not sure if this is any indication, but it's a positive sign for me. I haven't done anything since I changed the filters myself. It was rocky at first, but seems to have settled in. Obviously, I don't heat during the summer, but the boiler still fires up intermittently on its own, I assume to heat the water in the coil.
But I don't plan to use BioFuel any more.

mitchxy

1

Problems after using Biofuel for the first time

I filled my 275 gallon tank for the first time with B20 fuel. The very next day, the heat did not turn on automatically. I pressed the reset on the Riello 40 F5 and it started and worked fine the whole day. Same routine the next day. And the next. For the next few weeks, it might have worked on it's own a few times. But usually would start right up once reset. Another thing I noticed was that the smell of oil was stronger than I ever noticed.

I was told by an oil dealer that since Biofuel has different chemical properties that makes it cleaner and it also has solvent properties, it probably dissolved some of the built in sludge on the walls of my very old oil tank. This in turned may have clogged the oil filter that was just changed a few months prior. So I changed both filters on my own and saw that the first filter was much dirtier than the second filter. If it was dirtier than normal, I don't know since I've never changed the filter myself before. The next day, it started on it's own. I did it! Patted myself on the back. Was fine for the next few days, then back to mostly NOT working. I also noticed that pressing the reset button now resulted in a 20-30 delay in spraying, and it got worse a couple of days later where it took 2-3 minutes before spraying.
As I said, the filters and nozzle were changed a few months prior by an HVAC tech. Is he qualified to diagnose the situation? Any clues as to what is happening?
Thanks!

mitchxy

2

Re: Boiler condensation

It's recirculating flue gas to the intake which is causing a good portion of this condensation you're seeing. I'd cut the intake (the one with the elbow on it) back as far as you can comfortably reach and reinstall the elbow pointing down. Those UFT boilers often benefit from having a small hole drilled in the bottom of the rubber intake boot inside the boiler, for any accumulated condensate to drain out.

GroundUp

2

Re: (Updated with pictures.) Likely gas leak after installing new thermocouple?

https://forum.heatinghelp.com/discussion/comment/1837239#Comment_1837239

Fantastic video, thank you.

guzzinerd

1

Re: (Updated with pictures.) Likely gas leak after installing new thermocouple?

I'm not an expert, but I agree with what everyone is saying here. I have one thought.

Your local hardware store likely sells some "Gas Leak Detection Liquid". It is typically vibrantly colored and is somewhat thick like liquid dish soap. It is very cheap, probably less than $10 and some versions come with a cotton swap tip to allow you to brush it onto gas lines.

This may help you identify where exactly the leak is coming from or if there is a split in the gas line to the thermocouple. It will create bubbles if gas is leaking. It tends to be messy so you'll want to wipe it off when you are done.

Lastly, as others have asked…where are you located? We don't need your address but what state or perhaps city are you closest too? I understand you want your privacy but for all you know one of the experts lives the next town over and would be willing to take a look in exchange for a case of beer or something. Maybe if your lucky it will only take a trained hand to tighten and adjust a few things.

AdmiralYoda

1

How does a hydronic reset control work? This week's video

This weeks video talks bout how a reset control works and how to set the reset ratio.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G-lzA1i1N2s

RayWohlfarth

2

Re: How well is my heating working at lower water temps?

Initial glance on that graph, you can go down on the supply temp if you so desired. Even at the coldest part of the morning (6F?), your system not only maintains but brings up the temp. It doesn't seem to be struggling at all in that 24 hr period. Lowering the supply temp will minimize the cycling frequency but won't necessarily improve your overall energy efficiency as those air handlers can use a good amount of energy for delivery. I've seen many at 500 watts or more. Do you know how much your's pulls?

Do you know your btu/h output during that long 0400 run?

What design temp you are targeting?

This is from ecobee Thermostat? What equipment settings do you have it set for?

bjohnhy

2

Re: Main vent recommendation?

I added the antler and the #1 last night. I think it's about 30 seconds faster. The last radiator vents a little quieter and seems to be heating up faster.