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tiny droplet leak from the oil tank firomatic shut off valve.

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Comments

  • CoachBoilermaker
    CoachBoilermaker Member Posts: 411
    https://forum.heatinghelp.com/discussion/comment/1863931#Comment_1863931

    Have not considered moving the tank. If I replace the tank, I would likely leave it in the same spot.

    The tank is around 1/8 full now. I am getting nervous about the whole thing. I can deal with no hot water for a week, if need be, but I am afraid it's not going to run out fast enough. Sept, Oct. Don't want to reach empty during winter heating season, and when oil techs are super busy by November. Maybe I should just run the steam heat now, to use up the oil, or just request they pump out the rest of the oil?

  • EBEBRATT-Ed
    EBEBRATT-Ed Member Posts: 18,533

    @CoachBoilermaker

    Don't obsess over it. When the tank runs dry the boiler will shut down. Then have the valve replaced and the tank filled and the burner primed.

  • EdTheHeaterMan
    EdTheHeaterMan Member Posts: 11,038
    https://forum.heatinghelp.com/discussion/comment/1864227#Comment_1864227

    With all the information you have received here, do you not know how to prime your oil burner yourself? When I first talked to you many moons ago, I thought you indicated that you had a mechanical background. Can you be more specific as to your mechanical experience? Or am I mistaken about the mechanical background?

    Edward Young Retired

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

  • CoachBoilermaker
    CoachBoilermaker Member Posts: 411
    https://forum.heatinghelp.com/discussion/comment/1864238#Comment_1864238

    I can do auto mechanics and have a full tool set. My boiler is 80 years old so I can't refer to any Youtube tutorials since it is unique. I watched the tech prime the boiler but didn't write down the steps. It was easy, but I don't recall. I should have filmed him.

  • EdTheHeaterMan
    EdTheHeaterMan Member Posts: 11,038

    That oil burner you have is not 80 years old. I know that because that burner model was not manufactured until the 1960s. The fuel pump that is on your oil burner is still manufactured today. The priming procedure for your burner is not at all different from this one.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wigyY_SQi8I

    Edward Young Retired

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

  • CoachBoilermaker
    CoachBoilermaker Member Posts: 411

    The tank was down to 1/8 full. I got tired of waiting for it to run dry so I called an oil company. The guy attached a vacuum to the fill spout to suspend the oil and he swapped out the valve. He then primed the burner. He also tested the low water cut off by draining, and it worked. He also tested the flame sensor shut off by detaching a yellow wire. 1/8 oil is still in the tank, and I have an oil delivery scheduled for this week.

    Thanks to the guys here for getting me through this one!

  • pecmsg
    pecmsg Member Posts: 6,458

    why are we debating with an 80 year old tank?

    The OP has time to correct it before it’s too late!

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