heat exchanger problems

stevieb

The heat exchanger in my horizontal Reznor furnace must be cracked at one end because I can see the flame on two of the burners is being blown down by the fan air.  Because they are individual chambers with individual burners why can't I just block an orifice or two with brass bolts and allow the other burners to fire. The pilot and other heat sensor is situated between the second and third orifice so it should function. I realize this will reduce btu output but it will be cheaper than replacing the unit. This is an area that only needs heat 2-3 nights a week. Will this increase the burner output through the other orifices and create too much heat in those chambers of the heat exchanger causing short cycling? Or does the orifice size regulate that? I know that the standard remedy for a heat exchanger problem is to replace the furnace. Easier said than done in a recession. 

Mark Eatherton

Not recommended...

It is illegal to attempt to repair or modify a gas fired furnace, regardless of whether it is yours or someone else's, and for good reason.



My suggestion would be to contact your local county and ask for monetary assistance in replacing the appliance. It constitutes an immediate life health safety hazard, and needs to be replaced before someone gets sick, or worse. There are funds available exactly for this reason. Do not take a chance with you or your families lives by attempting this repair. If it is cracked there, it is cracked in other places you can not see, and will eventually come back to bite you HARD.



I understand your predicament, and wish I had a better idea, but you have to swallow your pride, and move forward. Some day, you will be better off and will give back to those that helped you get out of a jam.



ME

Mark Eatherton

Not recommended...

It is illegal to attempt to repair or modify a gas fired furnace, regardless of whether it is yours or someone else's, and for good reason.



My suggestion would be to contact your local county and ask for monetary assistance in replacing the appliance. It constitutes an immediate life health safety hazard, and needs to be replaced before someone gets sick, or worse. There are funds available exactly for this reason. Do not take a chance with you or your families lives by attempting this repair. If it is cracked there, it is cracked in other places you can not see, and will eventually come back to bite you HARD.



I understand your predicament, and wish I had a better idea, but you have to swallow your pride, and move forward. Some day, you will be better off and will give back to those that helped you get out of a jam.



ME