Finding cracks in furnace heat exchanger

Jim Mueller

This a gas Olsen dualmatic 80,000 btu furnace, and could you explain what kind of damage this can cause.

Jim Mueller

Explain if this is the right way to check a heat exchanger

I would like to know what are all the proper ways to check a 20-year-old furnace heat exchanger for cracks? Consumers Energy sent a company (Greater Detroit Heating & Cooling) to check my furnace for a noise it was making from my blower motor. When he was looking at it, he decided that he wanted to check my heat exchanger for cracks. He poured a large amount 4(64oz.) bottles of cold water into a running, hot heat exchanger. Is this the correct way? Do you think doing this would damage or crack the heat exchanger? If you think it would cause a crack please explain WHY or HOW. Your response and any help in this matter would be deeply appreciated.

James M. Mueller
jimmueller@wideopenwest.com

Weezbo

Huh?

My thought on the matter is use a smoke bomb and or pepermint oil. if you just want to find out in a hurry and inexpensively.....a tech will have mirrors and tools that leave no question in thier mind wether or not you have a crack in the heat exchanger.
The method you saw employed i must say i am unfamiliar with....perhaps you could further explain the out come of the techs actions....it would suprise me if it didnt land him on his back one day , there is little armour that holds up well to 11,000 volts. you are refering to a oil fired furnace correct?

Weezbo

Jim,it is an unconventional use of testing heat exchangers.

Mitch_4

Olsen

Mr. Mueller.

My name is Mike Breault and I work in technical Support at the Olsen Division of ECR International. Please feel free to give me a call and we can discuss your problem. I can be reached toll free at 888-270-8324 ext 228

Mike Breault