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Oil smell after Tiger Loop installation?

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Don_175
Don_175 Member Posts: 150

About 3 weeks ago, we had a Tiger Loop system installed for multiple issues with our overhead single oil line. I noticed a bit of an oil smell in basement but thought it was due to spillage from install and tune up. It was cool today and heat came on. I noticed the smell again in basement. There are no leaks or seepage. Is this smell from the Tiger Loop venting air laden with oil fumes into basement? If so, is there any way to mitigate it? Thank you.

IMG_6791.jpeg

Comments

  • Miata
    Miata Member Posts: 48

    I also a have a tiger loop that will sometimes have a faint smell when it vents. Look at the fuel level in the unit when it running. If you see bubbles in the fuel, then the unit should vent. The unit I believe only vents when burner is on as the fuel circulates through the pump.

    EdTheHeaterMan
  • EdTheHeaterMan
    EdTheHeaterMan Member Posts: 10,766

    @Don_175 seems to have a Tigerloop that does not have the clear plastic top. That one is solid metal, so looking at the fuel level is not at all possible, because you can't see thru the metal.

    Edward Young Retired

    After you make that expensive repair and you still have the same problem, What will you check next?

  • Don_175
    Don_175 Member Posts: 150

    Yes. The metal one is compatible with Biofuel which we have here. So the oil smell is normal? I thought it was a little strong.

  • EdTheHeaterMan
    EdTheHeaterMan Member Posts: 10,766
    edited May 10

    I cant stand the smell of chicken fat. If I go past a restaurant that specializes in chicken and happen to park near the back kitchen door and get a whiff of some chicken fat, I almost gag from the odor. But the chicken is good eatin'

    I grew up in the retail fuel oil business, I would have that smell on my clothes all the time, from the first fuel delivery of the day or first burner service call… until the end of the day, where mom made us disrobe in the garage before entering the house. So an oil odor is like going home, a fond memory

    So i can understand an insignificant fuel oil odor may be very offensive to some, while a fish monger or poultry farmer may not be so offended by raw food odors, as am I.

    Edward Young Retired

    After you make that expensive repair and you still have the same problem, What will you check next?

    Intplm.
  • HVACNUT
    HVACNUT Member Posts: 6,865

    If there's enough venting being done that there's an odor, then there are leaks to address. The fact that the line is overhead doesn't make it "air prone". The Tiger Loop is fine, but fix the leak(s). Filter is at the tank? Pics of the tank?

  • Miata
    Miata Member Posts: 48

    I read that In England a tiger loop is often installed outside. If inside it must have a dome that allows for a small hose to vent fumes outside. It would appear that a tiger loop venting inside as mine and yours and almost all in America will have an occasional oder but should only do this when oil pump is circulating the fuel.

  • Intplm.
    Intplm. Member Posts: 2,675

    @Don_175 Depending on how much oil got on the floor, the smell can last a while. It could be that more of it needs to be cleaned up.

  • EBEBRATT-Ed
    EBEBRATT-Ed Member Posts: 18,228

    @EdTheHeaterMan

    The oil smell. #6 oil was worse…well maybe not #2 is pretty bad. What I used to hate is after you live with it a while you get used to it.

    I remember going into a diner to eat and everyone moved away. One old lady said "where is that smell of gasoline coming from" After that I brought my lunch and ate in the truck. Soaked my hand in bleach with water to try and get the grime off. The boilers with the oily wet soot were the worst. They have it easy now in comparison.

    I won't post any more TL opinions no one wants to here it.

    LRCCBJEdTheHeaterMan
  • EdTheHeaterMan
    EdTheHeaterMan Member Posts: 10,766

    I remember standing in line at a fast food place on more than one occasion when the people around me would ask about that gas smell. LOL. I would reply "I hope the gas ovens are not going to blow up like the one in Chicago last week". Onetime the people in line in front of me left and I would get to the front of the line faster.

    (There was no such story about an oven blowing up in Chicago… but I got my order faster)

    Edward Young Retired

    After you make that expensive repair and you still have the same problem, What will you check next?

    EBEBRATT-EdCLamb
  • Don_175
    Don_175 Member Posts: 150

    I went back down to the basement and put a paper towel under the filter near the tank. The safety valve or the connections were dripping. I shut off the valve before the filter, and dripping stopped. I also shut off the safety valve. I then went back later and turned everything back on. I even ran the boiler. No leak. Very strange. Not sure if exercising the valve did something. I’m keeping an eye on things. In the photo, I had moved the paper towel. The leak was under the right side of the brass valve.

    IMG_6796.jpeg
  • EBEBRATT-Ed
    EBEBRATT-Ed Member Posts: 18,228

    Could be the nipple between the valve and the filter or the filter gasket. Not serious but I am sure the smell is annoying.

  • HVACNUT
    HVACNUT Member Posts: 6,865

    Could be the canister. Tiger Loop getting a bad rap again.

    Vacuum test the oil line. Make sure it holds.

  • Don_175
    Don_175 Member Posts: 150

    I think it is that nipple between filter and Firomatic valve. Is it just 3/8” brass?

  • EBEBRATT-Ed
    EBEBRATT-Ed Member Posts: 18,228

    You can use brass but most use steel.

  • Don_175
    Don_175 Member Posts: 150

    OK. Was just worried about using dissimilar metals. The valve is brass but oil filter housing is steel.

  • Don_175
    Don_175 Member Posts: 150

    just wanted to update and thank you guys. The leak was at the threaded section of the brass fitting on the left. Not the flare part. Removed it, applied some dope compatible with heating oil, and no more leak. Thanks again.

    GrallertRobert_H
  • EBEBRATT-Ed
    EBEBRATT-Ed Member Posts: 18,228

    Glad it worked out.

  • EdTheHeaterMan
    EdTheHeaterMan Member Posts: 10,766

    oil dripping on the floor… I would never have guessed that would have an odor.

    Edward Young Retired

    After you make that expensive repair and you still have the same problem, What will you check next?