Beckett oil valves , BAD

Rich_49

https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2017/RW-Beckett-Recalls-Fuel-Oil-Valves

STEVEusaPA

Isnt this the same recall from last October?

Steamhead

Appears to be a new one.

And look where these were made- same place as Beckett's burner motors.

STEVEusaPA

Yup. I really dislike them in general. I think it's ridiculous for code to say you must have one at the tank (really upstream of the filter, or if outdoor tank, one where the fuel line enters the building) & one at the burner. Sounds like to me the company who makes the valves lobbied and had that legislation pushed through.
I asked before in the other forum, but never received an answer, so I'll ask again...
Has anyone ever seen a situation where excessive heat (fire) cause a firomatic valve to to close and it was proven it prevented a catastrophe? I can't imagine a firomatic at the bottom of a tank, in a concrete/masonry basement, that a fire at the base of the tank closes the valve and saves the day, with fire all around the oil tank doing nothing.
I've replaced many failed firomatics over the years but cant recall every replacing a ball valve.

CTOilHeat

Steve,

I've never seen a situation where it's happened. My issue with these valves is they fail on both ends.

You walk into a no heat call and the wheel has dropped out due to faulty manufacturing, not too big a deal, the valve is doing it's job. But how many times do you spin off the wheel and have the valve not close? So you replace the valve and next job....same thing. A lot of guys just hit them with a wrench to close them and move on.

It's code so they are on every job we do but they aren't a "fail safe". They fail open which is an issue.

STEVEusaPA

Yup...simple service call turns into a big problem situation.

Jamie Hall

The only way one of those is going to activate in a fire at the tank bottom outlet is if it is a pool fire of oil... at the bottom of the tank... and if you have that you have big problems.