Burner Shuts On And Off

Jeanne S.

Hello,

I have a steam boiler, we just had the burner unit replaced on it this past Spring but this year, when it gets to be very cold, it has been stopping and starting, stopping and starting. It starts up, starts to fire and then stops. Then it will start up again in about 2 minutes, do the same thing, etc. It is taking forever to heat the house and I noticed that the low water shut off part is clicking quite a bit, does that cause it to shut off? There is plenty of water so it should not have a problem with wanting to shut off. Any help or ideas would be greatly appreciated. Thank you, Jeanne

Al Letellier

steamer short cycling

Could be any number of things. First check your thermostat. If it's a round mercury type, make sure the mounting plate is level. You could jump the thermostat connections at the burner and see if the short cycling continues. If it does, you have a control problem. If it doesn't the problem is at the stat. As always, if you're not handy or knowledgeable enough, call in a pro. Should be an easy find.

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scrook_2

find a pro...

at the top of the page, or call your regular service guy. Could be a Low Water Cut Off problem, could be something else, maybe even a gas main pressure problem, but get it checked out! How old's the boiler and how old's the LWCO? All your other gas appliances working properly?

Jeanne S.

Hello,

Thanks for all the information. The steam boiler is very old, I would say it dates to the 1940's. It is a two pipe system and uses oil. When I added water the other day, it does not have an automatic water feed but rather manually, it seemed to help to keep it running in its cycles, but it is already requiring more water today. Is it normal to have to add water daily? I do not see a leak as far as I can tell. Thanks again for all the info. Jeanne

Dale

No, not every day

First check boiler water level when the boiler has been off for at least 1/2 hour, that way even the poor draining condensate should have had time to return, then check again tomorrow. If you need water every day you have a leak. When the boiler is running is your smoke at the chimney whiter than everyone elses? If so, the leak is in the boiler and it must be replaced.