breaking couplers

molly

We've been getting a lot of no heat calls as a result of broken couplers. Usually the coupler is on a Beckett burner mated with a Fields cas-2b air boot for combustion air. I know that proper aliagnment of the pump shaft and burner motor shaft is important. But, even when I take great care to cut the new coupler the correct length and align the shafts, invariably I'm back there again next year or the year after replacing the broken coupler again. Is there a trick to getting these to last longer? I'm using a Nylo-flex #88, is there something better I could be using? I'm to the point now where I change the coupler along with the nozzle, pump strainer, and oil filter at time of c/s (on systems w/cas-2b). Anyone else have this problem? Any input is appreciated.

Mark A. Custis

Get with Beckett

They will want to know if they have a problem, and they will help you get it right.

Mark

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molly

I may have been misleading by mentioning the burner brand. This is the most popular burner in my area. It's on about 90% of new stuff here. I can't really compare coupler longevity on other burners as I can't say that I've even ever seen another brand with an air boot. I will check with Beckett though, just to see if they have any suggestions.

Mark A. Custis

As second thought:

Is it possible the cold air could be making the plastic brittle?

Mark

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[Deleted User]

Or, is there

any indication of the rubber breaking down due to overheating? Are the coupling ends still sharp and crisp?Any carbon on the nozzles or retention heads? Soot on the porcelains? Is the paint flaking or spalling on the observation port covers?

molly

that's an interesting thought. I'm going to check into that!

molly

No, definately not an overheating problem. Burners are running in tip top shape. We had 2 coulpers in 1 day break. The temperature was extremely cold for the last 2 weeks or so, I'm starting to think, as Mark suggested, there may be a connection to the cold air. It's the plastic ends that break. Shattered.

[Deleted User]

Pump end

or motor end?

canuckDale

Ron may have it

Could be like those Bell and Gosset bearing bracket assembly kits. Those motor mounts that some guys throw away???
And buy another bracket kit...and throw the rubbers away..
Maybe?

molly

pump

[Deleted User]

Inside

or outside tank?

molly

one was an inside tank and one was an underground

the one with the inside tank was 2 years old. The one with the underground was just over one year old.