Viessmann Vitola flame out

veriobill

I have a Viessmann Vitola oil burner (for radiant floors and water heater). Had the local service company attempt to repair when it would no longer continue running. The tech messed with it for awhile, put in a trouble ticket with Viessmann, and left pretty much stumped. He ordered a cad cell & pump for it (not really knowing if that’s what it needed), but failed to expedite the shipping and said it would be a week before parts arrived. Meanwhile, with temps in the teens and me having to leave for work for a few days, I’m very worried about potential damage to pipes once it freezes inside house. Does anyone know of a good Viessmann parts supplier that will overnight a cad cell? I figure I’ll start there and hope that fixes it. The tech was able to pull the cad cell out and with an LED flashlight on it, the burner would continue running. Once he reinstalled cad cell in burner, it would shut off after a few seconds. Any help would be appreciated, including a part number for cad cell!

DZoro

You need to get a different tech. ASAP That guy doesn't have a clue on what he is doing.
Your cad cell is fine.
Your pump is fine.
Your tech not so fine.
D

veriobill

Thanks DZoro.....I was hoping for some suggestions or potential issues?

Jamie Hall

Look. @DZoro gave you the only suggestion which makes sense -- find a tech. who can actually find and fix the problem. This is not a project for an inexperienced tech.

Paul Pollets

consult the Viessmann-US website for locally trained specialists or call the company and ask Tech services for a recommendation

SuperTech

If the cad cell can't see the light it could be something simple like a dirty flame retention head. He might be suspect of the pump because Riellos can be a pain to prime, especially if not gravity fed from an indoor tank.

veriobill

Thanks guys.....I’ll let you know what we find.

DZoro

Sorry for the brutal honesty but, everything the tech did and said tells me he doesn't have a clue what he is doing.

He, himself proved the cad cell works by putting a light on it, and the burner stayed lit.... but yet he is ordering another one....
The burner stayed lit....pump is on and working... but yet he is ordering another one....
I'm going to bet after you wait a week to get the parts and get the pipes unthawed your tech will still be wondering....

What are his combustion numbers?
Cad cell resistance?
Draft numbers?
Smoke number?
All these numbers should be known values before ordering parts
IMO find a competent tech, soon.
D

SuperTech

@DZoro is absolutely correct. Any time any changes to the burner settings are made the Technician should perform a combustion analysis and either record the readings on your invoice or leave a print out from the analyzer. Draft over fire and in the breech, Stack temperature and smoke number, %O2 and CO2, PPM CO and efficiency.

The technician that touches your heating equipment is responsible for the safety, reliability and efficiency of the equipment. You don't want someone not qualified being responsible for the safety of everyone in your home.

Please find a better technician.

veriobill

Update: They decided to replace the burner assembly. When I asked the owner of the company what that would cost his reply was "I don't know". System is now working. Replacement burner was a Riello (in Viessmann box) model number VB2-22. I just received a bill in the mail, with no breakdown of costs, just "time and material" for OVER $5,000!!! It took the technician 2.5 hours to replace the unit. From what I can find, these burner assemblies are no more than $700. Can anyone here recommend an online source for pricing so I can go back to these guys and negotiate a reasonable price? Thanks.

STEVEusaPA

I do empathize with your troubles. But to put it sort of nicely...
"What would you be if you are attached to another object by an inclined plane wrapped helically around an axis."
(Big Bang fans know the answer).

Pricing is not allowed on this site. But you better call them back make them explain it to you and get a better price...like 1/4.
If that doesn't work, contact a lawyer. Most states won't allow work like this without a signed contract before work begins.
In my state there's even a 3 day right of rescission, which can be waived in writing for emergency work.
If it had to go to court, an expert witness would testify the tech didn't know how to properly troubleshoot your system.
I've heard of hacks replacing almost all the parts on a burner to get it right, but never swapping a Riello for a new Riello.

SuperTech

I told you that you need to find a better contractor....

The blame does fall on you to some extent. I would never perform a repair without giving a price first and coming to an agreement, but a homeowner should never allow any work to be done without knowing the exact cost. Don't deal with anyone who doesn't provide up front pricing. I don't mean to rub it in, I'm sure you realise that you got screwed. I wouldn't pay them.

Grallert

I sure hope you kept the old burner.