How Good Are Probe LWCOs At Cleaning Themselves?

Chris M_2

I have an oil fired Burnham Megasteam, 3 yrs old, and just had it serviced for the beginning of the heating season. The LWCO probe hasn't been removed and inspected/cleaned since the installation. While the service technician was doing his thing servicing the burner and vacuuming the chamber/flue, I asked about the probe. He said it's not necessary to remove the probe and clean it because it's a "self cleaning probe", and pointed to the label on the side of the LWCO cover to back up his statement. It did in fact state that on the label, and I didn't push any further, but what's the real scoop on these "self cleaning" LWCO probes? (McDonnell-Miller is the manufacturer). 

Jean-David Beyer

"Self Cleaning" LWCO probes.

I have an M&M RB-122-E probe type LWCO.



Its I&M sheets say, in part,



Test the LWCO annually or more frequently

Remove and inspect the self-cleaning probe every 5 years

Replace the probe every 10 years

replace the LWCO every 15 years.