Oil tank float gauge problem

Jamie Hall

Not really a steam problem -- until the oil runs out. And probably has a really simple solution.

I'm a building super and sort of handy, but I don't like to go where I don't know anything. The problem is this: one of the oil tanks (the one feeding the main boiler, naturally) has the usual idiot float gauge with a marker which is supposed to go from the top to the bottom as the tank empties. The problem is that it doesn't. When the tank is full, it reads -- sometimes -- as much as half; sometimes not even that. At the moment (10 F and a 40 mph wind) it reads well below empty, although I know there is some oil in the tank (but not how much; I'd like to, as I don't want to run out and I have my doubts about the accuracy of the oil company's 'automatic' delivery).

Any suggestions on how to make this puppy work? Somebody on the Wall must know how these things are supposed to work!

Leo

If this

If this is the stand alone vial type unscrew the vial and pull the plunger up, let it go and it should stabalize. If it does it can be hanging up in the vial, bend it slightly to keep it free in the vial. If this doesn't work get it replaced, the cork float may be for lack of a better term water logged, it happens.

As far as automatic delivery they should come out at any time if they make a mistake and let you run out.

Hope this helps,

Leo

Jamie Hall

Thanks Leo

I have a suspicion that the float doesn't...

I thought we were low, by the way -- and we were. It's getting chilly in here while we wait for the delivery...