How do I prime a pump?

gman_2

I changed the oil filter on a friends system, and now it won't light off. I cleaned the nozzle and all sensors, still nothing. I then opened the filter housing and the new filter was bone dry. I confirmed that the valve from the tank was open, still nothing. What can I do next?

tommyoil

Cleaned the nozzle???

And what sensors??? It would probably be best if you called a QUALIFIED service tech to have a look. It may seem like no big deal to you or it may seem like a simple fix(which it probably is). But accumulated oil and delayed ignition is NO JOKE ! Do yourself and your friend (if you want to keep him as a friend) a favor and call a pro. Theres alot that can go wrong when doing friends a favor.

lchmb

did you

I will agree with the other post. Although the system may be fine, without testing it properly you could do your friend and his system a great misdeed. But with that said did you purge the oil line's of air? Did you replace the strainer? Is the oil line plugged? Did you brush the unit and clean the squirrel cage? Alot more than just tossing in a nozzle to clean a system..:) If you have hit the reset a number of time's the chamber itself could be flooded. Before it get's worse it may be time to call someone in familier with oil systems..IMHO..

Mitch_4

get a pro

If you do not know how to bleed the line, get a pro because you will not be able to set up the burner properly.

It CANNOT be done by eye, you need instruments, and I know you do NOT have them.

If he's a friend, don't kill him.

Get a pro.

Also I ask this because it has happened a lot to me on no heat calls. If you say the tank valve is open, IS THERE OIL IN THE TANK???

David_15

Priming oil systems...

Well, you found the problem, the system isn't getting oil (no oil in the filter), that's the first step.

I assume you must be attempting to pull a prime off a system with a syphon tank (feed on top). It can be tricky. If it's a bottom feed tank getting the system to prime is very easy, just open the bleed valve on top of the filter assembly until fuel oil comes out.

If it's a syphon tank first off, go to a gas station that sells diesel and buy enough to fill the filter. This will help greatly with getting the pump to pull a prime. You have a fair shot of pulling a prime by just doing this.

2nd, if the burner has a bleeder valve (just like an automotive brake bleeder valve) go out and buy a hand operated vacuum pump. Pump until no air bubbles.