Oil Pump making a Squeal / Whistling sound?

Nabu

Hey all, /mp4 video file types aren't allowed, so I had to add the video to a zip file, attached.

I'm sometimes awoken from my slumber, because my newly installed Olsen & Beckett oil furnace is making this squealing / whistling sound It's like nails on a chalkboard to me

The technician has been over a few times already -- he replaced the copper fittings for the inlet, and re-flared the line a few times, and tightened some things --- and said that should do it --- but unfortunately the squealing didn't happen when he was here. But when he left, it's happening somewhat consistently again.

Anyone have any ideas what the issue is and how I (or he?) can address it?! It's driving me nuts! Thanks so much!!!!

EdTheHeaterMan

I was unable to open your video file to listen to the noise, however there is a noise that a fuel pump will make if there is a partial blockage in the fuel line, or if the fuel line is restricted for any reason. Yhe fuel pump squealing noise is a result of operating under a high vacuum. The maximum vacuum a standard single-stage fuel pump is capable of operating under is about 12" Hg. If there is a clogged filter, or the fuel is more than 10 feet below the fuel pump or if there is a kink in the fuel line, these can all cause high vacuum, resulting in a squealing noise.

Your oil burner mechanic should check the vacuum while the pump is operating. During the test, the vacuum can be increased by slowly closing the valve until the noise starts. Once the noise starts record the vacuum gauge reading then open the valve back to full. If the squealing noise that happens during this test is the same as the noise you hear, then the noise is a result of fuel line restriction.

Is your fuel tank outside, above ground? If yes, what is the outside temperature? Very cold oil can contribute to fuel line restriction.

To post a video you can upload it to YouTube or Facebook and post that link

Let me know if this info helps.

Respectfully Submitted,
Mr.Ed

Big Ed_4

Thats a new noise to me ??

Nabu

Thanks for the reply! I uploaded the view to youtube here!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=umKisoTMHcc (Sometime it does short squeals like in the video, sometimes long sustained squals for 10-30+ seconds)

Additional info:
- 2 pipe system
- Fuel tank is outside, underground (although there's a few feet of river rock, not dirt, ontop of it, so maybe not as insulated from the cold as if it was dirt)
- My oil furnace kicks on when its 20*F and under, or, when my heat-pump is defrosting and its in the 30's or higher. I think it happens then too? Ill pay closer attention to the temperature and squeal
- Filter was replaced the same time as the furnace, a few months ago in October. Can it get clogged again that fast?

Thanks again!

STEVEusaPA

I've never heard that before either. I'd do everything Ed said. A vacuum gauge would tell you all you need to know if it's a restriction.
What could happen is a small clump of goo or ice (you mention 20°) could be blocking the inlet to the oil line. Then after the burner shuts off, and the vacuum breaks (or melts), it drifts away a little. Then when the burner runs again, it pulls it back it.
Just to double check, are you sure it's the pump and not either the burner motor or it's blower wheel, or your blower motor?
If it is a restriction, you should probably try to draw as much crap off the bottom of the tank as you can, then start putting in additives which each delivery.

EdTheHeaterMan

Not a fan of that fuel pump. Made by Danfoss for Beckett. I prefer the Suntec model clean-cut pump. I believe that pump may even have a note on it that reads Replace with PF20322

But I may be mistaken about that note.

You have a restriction or kink in the fuel line. Perhaps when the tank was being covered a stone bent the fuel line that comes out of the tip of the tank. Now, this is going to start a huge debate but, a Tiger loop will solve our problem. The 2 pipe system will draw more fuel from the tank and return the unburned oil back to the tank. 15 to 25 Gallons Per Hour (GPH) depending on the gear set. That is a lot of hard work for that pump. if you use a Tiger loop at the burner, the flow rate thru the partially restricted fuel line will be reduced to less than 10% of that flow rate. Only the firing or burn rate of fuel will be drawn thru that fuel line. A slight kink will have no effect on the lower GPH flow rate. The noise will go away.

You could dig up the ground around the tank and expose the fuel lines, find the restriction, figure out how to repair it with a 90° fitting of some sort, hope the flare is completed without any leaks, leave the ground open for a few days or a week or more to make sure the problem is resolved, then carefully backfill the opening and cover the new fittings that are now underground with no way to monitor them. Then schedule an inspection every 5 years or so to make sure there are no leaks that have developed over time from settling/shifting ground, caused by groundwater and the like.

Or you could just put in a Tigerloop

Have at it, Wallies!

Respectfully submitted,
Mr.Ed

Nabu

Thanks for the replies!

I actually have a spare brand new 20322 that I got from Olsen, because I told them I had a leak and they sent me this one. Turns out the leak was just from a fitting that wasnt as tight as it should be. So I have a spare pump now Should it be installed? Whats its benefit over the current one I have?

"Just to double check, are you sure it's the pump and not either the burner motor or it's blower wheel, or your blower motor? "

- Im not sure about anything! The pitch of the noise is so high, that it's hard to triangulate where it's coming from. Ill try to listen more carefully and get back to ya!

Also, my house was exterior waterproofed 2 years ago, so they totally had to dig around my outside oil tank. Possible they kinked the line? However, at that time, I had a Rheem oil furnance. And It didn't make any noises after the waterproofing. I had to replace the Rheem a few months ago because the transformer blew. Only when the new Olsen & Beckett was installed did this squealing start. Maybe It's a kink in the line inside the house, not outside?

Also, How much would a Oil Technician typically charge for installing your aforementioned Tigerloop?!

EBEBRATT-Ed

Tiger Loop is a band aid in that situation. Fix the problem

Nabu

What do you think the problem is?

STEVEusaPA

You were already told the possible problems. It's your job to find someone to fix them.
I agree with @EBEBRATT-Ed The Tiger Loop doesn't solve your problem.
And you can just replace the pump unless you know the pressure the current pump is set, and you have a pressure gauge to set the new pump to the same pressure.
Then you'll need a full combustion test for safe/reliable operation.

Steamhead

@Nabu , where are you located? We might know someone who can help.

Nabu

"You were already told the possible problems. It's your job to find someone to fix them."

But The fuel lines, orientation of the lines, and tank have not changed since the problem appeared. Only the oil furnance. I have a hard time believing a kink is the issue. But, Im only looking at the delta of changes, Im not the expert

Big Ed_4

Doesn't the Danfos use a built in o ring instead of a bypass plug ... I never had the pleasure seeing that model pump out here . . Are they low volume like the older Danfos ?

Nabu

I increased the pressure screw by a very very tiny amount, and havnt heard squealing yet. It's also much warmer (30*) outside compared to the times when it was happening (20* and below)

SuperTech

Big Ed_4 said:

Doesn't the Danfos use a built in o ring instead of a bypass plug ... I never had the pleasure seeing that model pump out here . . Are they low volume like the older Danfos ?

That new clean cut pump uses the same bypass plug.

SuperTech

It would be really easy to determine if the noise is coming from the pump or the burner motor.  Remove the two 3/8" screws that hold the burner motor to the burner chassis and remove it. Turn the burner back on and see if the motor makes the noise when it spins. When you put it back together check for any obstructions. Make sure the wheel spins freely and easily without rubbing against the motor. 

I still think its more likely that you have a restriction in your oil supply line. But you would need a vacuum gauge to confirm that.  

With the information provided in this thread you should be able to direct the technician from the company who installed the furnace in the right direction to get this resolved easily.