Empty tank overflowing through vent

jrawson78

Im having an issue and need some guidence. My home oil heating tank is in the basement of the house. I went to fill my tank with 20 gallons of fuel yesturday, I was able to get 7 gallons in and then it started to overflow from the vent pipe. I know the tank only had about 15 gallons in it at the time so it want full. I am very confused on how this can happen as the the pipes are completley seperate. Any advice would be helpful. Its getting colder and I need to get it fixed.

Jamie Hall

Pictures? Also, is there any type of gauge on the tank, or a way to get a dip stick into it to gauge it?

How big is the tank?

HVACNUT

Is there a gauge on the tank? If so, is the gauge correct?

In any event, what goes in, must come out. And it's not air. Did you hear a whistle from the vent alarm?

EBEBRATT-Ed

sounds like you gauge is bad and the tank is full.

BDR529

To overflow thrrough vent it needs to be pumped in. if it comes out the vent tank is over filled. Nothing was said about a whistle..?

EdTheHeaterMan

Adding 20 gallons sounds like a couple of 5 gallon cans were use to put that oil in the tank.   In my experience 5 gallon cans do not always make the vent alarm sound.  And even if it did that tank is filled above the vent whistle if only 7 balloons caused an overflow.   I am wondering how @jrawson78 determined the tank was empty!   

I have noticed some Old Vets banging on the tank to take a “sounding”.  I think it’s a Navy thing.  You might want to see if the fuel line to the burner might be clogged.  That will act like an empty tank. You know, like no fuel coming out of the pipe.

Just sayin'

OR… is there two tanks, one full and one empty???🙄 🤯 🤪

EBEBRATT-Ed

Probably a spare plug on top of the tank. Pull that out and stick the tank or use a folding ruler.

Pumpguy

Is there any chance some other fluid (water maybe?) got inadvertently added to the tank?