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Flame reset button randomly trips in the spring and fall.

LiveGreenApts
LiveGreenApts Member Posts: 5
in Thermostats and Controls
My flame reset button keeps randomly tripping, turning the boiler off, in the spring and fall. It did it on my old one-pipe steam boiler, and now my new Weil Mclain does it too. I am unable to recreate the issue. Any suggestions on possible issues that may be causing this, and ways to test and resolve these issue are appreciated. Thanks!

Comments

  • STEVEusaPA
    STEVEusaPA Member Posts: 6,505
    Oil system? One pipe or 2 for the oil line? Gravity or lift on the oil line?
    Probably not set up properly with combustion analyzer, especially draft & air settings
    Or
    Possible problem with air in oil line/oil losing it's prime when sitting idle for extended periods.
    As far as testing, you kind of have to see what happens when you reset the burner.
    You can test every component of the system.
    You can put an OnWatch or other type of data logger on the system for nuisance lockouts.
    How is/has your service company handled the situation?

    One problem unit I had, seemingly random lock outs over a winter. I checked every component, every call, couldn't find it. When I went back over the dates, found the lockouts happened on very windy days with the wind coming from the north-so not any component, but a venting issue

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  • LiveGreenApts
    LiveGreenApts Member Posts: 5
    It runs on natural gas from the local energy company.
  • STEVEusaPA
    STEVEusaPA Member Posts: 6,505
    Well disregard my last post...reset button usually means oil...my bad.

    There was an error rendering this rich post.

  • ChrisJ
    ChrisJ Member Posts: 16,267
    Where is this "Flame reset" button?
    Can you show us a picture?
    Single pipe quasi-vapor system. Typical operating pressure 0.14 - 0.43 oz. EcoSteam ES-20 Advanced Control for Residential Steam boilers. Rectorseal Steamaster water treatment
  • LiveGreenApts
    LiveGreenApts Member Posts: 5
    The button is labeled "lockout". On the wiring diagram it is labeled " red flame failure lamp". Pictures attached.

    <img src="https://us.v-cdn.net/5021738/uploads/FileUpload/75/00ed81358098e3d94b7944f0e5aeee.jpg" />
  • Abracadabra
    Abracadabra Member Posts: 1,948
    If t happened on previous boiler and happens on current new boiler, I would suspect gas pressure issue or venting.
    LiveGreenApts
  • Steamhead
    Steamhead Member Posts: 17,358
    edited March 2016
    First thing I'd do is make sure the flame detector electrode on the pilot light assembly is clean and properly grounded. The pilot flame should envelop the top 1/3 or so of the electrode (depending on the electrode design), and should not extend much beyond the electrode.

    Time for a pro to check this out.
    All Steamed Up, Inc.
    Towson, MD, USA
    Steam, Vapor & Hot-Water Heating Specialists
    Oil & Gas Burner Service
    Consulting
    LiveGreenApts
  • LiveGreenApts
    LiveGreenApts Member Posts: 5
    It seems the honeywell control board on the new boiler was bad.

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