Oil burner isn't starting...

Barrington White

You can try T.F. Obrien in New Hyde Park. 1516-488-1800

Theresa

Help please - oil burner

I just moved into a new home that is heated by steam fueled by oil. It got very cold in the house yesterday but I was unable to turn the heat on. The boiler is very old (maybe 25 years) and I know that the oil tank was just filled. There is a switch on the burner, which is in the on position. There is a wall-mounted thermostat in the house that has been turned to "heat" and has been set at 66 degrees. Still, no heat can be detected near the radiators. I tried turning the valves on the individual radiators as well, but that didn't get it going either. Any advice would be appreciated! I don't know what I'm doing...

Weezbo

sometimes after a fuel delivery some condensed water may

mix with the fuel and be drawn up by the pump and clog the oil filter. on older systems it is somewhat of a common occurence, it is also possible with a one pipe system to get an air lock in the fuel supply.

you could go to the boiler and looking at the burner (gun looking thing } posh the little red button ,...just once.

if it doesnt go in a couple min.....turn the power off then back on...wait a min..push the red button again. if it doesnt Go it would be best to call an oil tech.

Theresa

What does the red button do? I'm very nervous that I'll break something or start a fire or something.

Is there a pilot light that I need to light?

Weezbo

the red button makes it go.

*~/:)

and , no you positively do not want to start an oil burner with a fire ..there is a transformer within the burner that has a heck of a jolt to it, and if the fire box became loaded earlier , the boiler can behave badly.

Theresa

Thank you... I'll give it a look when I get home.

massrookie

no heat

There may be an emergency switch that is off, if the unit is in the basement it could be at the top of the stairwell or upstairs by the door to the basement. Also check the fusebox, the oilburner should have its own cicuit

massrookie

a little more

Definitely would be a good idea to have a service technician check out the system and also show you the ropes of a dealing with a steam system, it does need a bit of regular inspection/attention from the homeowner. And check out the books on this website pertaining to steam heat, loads of good info for consumers and professionals as well....
Pat

Theresa

Thank you. I think I am going to call a local company to help us. I want to understand how the system works and be able to use it properly. I appreciate all the advice!

[Deleted User]

no start steam boiler

> Thank you. I think I am going to call a local

> company to help us. I want to understand how the

> system works and be able to use it properly. I

> appreciate all the advice!



You might also check to make sure there is enough water. Not enough and no start

Theresa

It seems to be all set now - the motor was cracked. Other than that, the technician who came out to fix it just showed my husband how to operate it and it seems to be working. Thanks!