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Boiler Keeps Cycling Gas Burner

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BrianT1077
BrianT1077 Member Posts: 108
edited April 2017 in Strictly Steam
Hello everyone! Please check out the video I attached with this post. I noticed tonight that my boiler keeps cycling the gas burner over and over within minutes. What would be causing this? If you need any more details, please just ask. Thank you again!

https://youtube.com/watch?v=OanYfRDTZRA&feature=em-upload_owner
Crown Boiler Bermuda Series model: BSI103, BTU output: 85,000, single pipe steam system

Comments

  • JUGHNE
    JUGHNE Member Posts: 11,062
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    First thing I would do is clean flame sensor and check wiring connections from the module to burner.
    MilanD
  • newagedawn
    newagedawn Member Posts: 586
    edited April 2017
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    take the front panel off so we can see the flame, could be roll out switch, could be gas valve, could be the ignition module, how old is the unit? the grey ignition module is ole they havnt been grey for a long time, flame sense could be dirty or weak
    "The bitter taste of a poor install lasts far longer than the JOY of the lowest price"
    MilanD
  • BrianT1077
    BrianT1077 Member Posts: 108
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    Thank you guys for your advice, of course it is not acting up now since I have been watching it, but I will get a more in depth video hopefully tomorrow that you can see.
    Crown Boiler Bermuda Series model: BSI103, BTU output: 85,000, single pipe steam system
  • BrianT1077
    BrianT1077 Member Posts: 108
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    Update! The boiler started cycling the gas burner again today when I got home so I was able to make a video with the flame. Check it out:

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eskd0k_AGdg
    Crown Boiler Bermuda Series model: BSI103, BTU output: 85,000, single pipe steam system
  • MilanD
    MilanD Member Posts: 1,160
    edited April 2017
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    By way of how quickly it's cycling, I'd check tstat wiring, tstat itself may also be bad. I had this same thing on the hot air furnace, changed tstat, problem solved.

    Then, check other wiring: ptrol, flame sensor, etc. If it isn't tstat, you have a loose wire somewhere, or a dirty/faulty flame sensor.
  • JUGHNE
    JUGHNE Member Posts: 11,062
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    I wonder if your main burner isn't knocking the pilot flame out or away from the flame sensor. The pilot almost looks to go out and then relight.

    I would clean pilot, spark, flame sensor and make sure ground from burner to module is good.
  • Steamhead
    Steamhead Member Posts: 16,845
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    What @JUGHNE said.. It's not the thermostat since the spark comes on when the flame goes out, indicating the thermostat is still calling for heat.
    All Steamed Up, Inc.
    Towson, MD, USA
    Steam, Vapor & Hot-Water Heating Specialists
    Oil & Gas Burner Service
    Consulting
  • JUGHNE
    JUGHNE Member Posts: 11,062
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    And if there was a vent damper motor, that might have to cycle if any other control was cycling.
  • MilanD
    MilanD Member Posts: 1,160
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    I'd still jump tstat to rule it out.
    rick in Alaska
  • j a_2
    j a_2 Member Posts: 1,801
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    MilanD said:

    I'd still jump tstat to rule it out.<
    Jump out the t stat...that will answer that...Check for loose or corroded wires....Test all the safety features...u can jump them out for testing purposes only...shake all the low voltage wiring when it's up and running....Best of luck....

    Neild5
  • BrianT1077
    BrianT1077 Member Posts: 108
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    Hi everyone! Thank you for the input. I am going to try some suggestions out. BTW it does have a vent damper motor but that does not close or attempt to close when the burner keep cycling.
    Crown Boiler Bermuda Series model: BSI103, BTU output: 85,000, single pipe steam system
  • BrianT1077
    BrianT1077 Member Posts: 108
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    I jumped out these 2 sensors one at a time and the problem still exists.





    Crown Boiler Bermuda Series model: BSI103, BTU output: 85,000, single pipe steam system
  • JUGHNE
    JUGHNE Member Posts: 11,062
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    If either of those sensors opened the spark would not continue to buzz. It is fairly clear that the flame sensor at the pilot is not transmitting presence of flame back to the ignition module.
    It needs to be clean and there needs to be a good ground connection back to the module.

    What is that dripping tar look substance above the burners?
  • BrianT1077
    BrianT1077 Member Posts: 108
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    @ Jughne, that tar like substance has been there since it was installed, it is like a sealant of some sort.
    Crown Boiler Bermuda Series model: BSI103, BTU output: 85,000, single pipe steam system
  • Dave0176
    Dave0176 Member Posts: 1,177
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    Hi Brian I've had this issue before and I cleaned the Flame sensor with nail polish remover (because of the acetone) and that works great. However if the issue returns then you have to replace the flame sensor.
    DL Mechanical LLC Heating, Cooling and Plumbing 732-266-5386
    NJ Master HVACR Lic# 4630
    Specializing in Steam Heating, Serving the residents of New Jersey
    https://heatinghelp.com/find-a-contractor/detail/dl-mechanical-llc

    https://m.facebook.com/DL-Mechanical-LLC-315309995326627/?ref=content_filter

    I cannot force people to spend money, I can only suggest how to spend it wisely.......
    BrianT1077
  • JUGHNE
    JUGHNE Member Posts: 11,062
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    Clean first and retry......if for some reason the flame sensor is not in the fire, as mentioned pilot too small when main comes on perhaps.
    It must have the flame of actual fire to conduct the electric signal back to the safety/ignition module to keep the gas on.
    BrianT1077
  • BrianT1077
    BrianT1077 Member Posts: 108
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    @Jughne, @Dave0176, Thanks guys, later on I am going to check the flame sensor and clean it. I hope it is just dirty, shouldn't need to be replaced, boiler was installed in 9/2015.
    Crown Boiler Bermuda Series model: BSI103, BTU output: 85,000, single pipe steam system
  • BrianT1077
    BrianT1077 Member Posts: 108
    edited April 2017
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    Hey everyone! Well tonight I cleaned the flame sensor with nail polish remover per @Dave0176 suggestion, and also found some junk on top of the burners, see pics below. So I took them out, cleaned and shop vacuumed them, then I also vacuumed out the combustion chamber. Note on the 1 burner there was a mound of junk fairly close to the flame sensor. Outside temps are warmer now, but I did crank up the t-stat for a bit and test ran everything, so far so good. We will see, I will keep you posted if anything happens with what little left heating season we have. Thanks for the advice so far everyone!










    Crown Boiler Bermuda Series model: BSI103, BTU output: 85,000, single pipe steam system
    JUGHNEMilanD
  • j a_2
    j a_2 Member Posts: 1,801
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    Good job

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