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Upgrading My Oil Pump

CaptPaul
CaptPaul Member Posts: 14
I have an older Beckett AFG with a Suntec A2VA-7116. It works fine but the boiler short cycles due mainly to being oversized. I would like to upgrade to a pump with a fuel cutoff (Cleancut?) to minimize excess fuel from numerous cut-ins.
Am I able to do that without changing my current Honeywell R8284G 4009 or do I need to change the controller also?

Comments

  • STEVEusaPA
    STEVEusaPA Member Posts: 6,506
    If your existing pump cut off works fine, putting another pump on isn't going to change anything. You could just add a solenoid cut off between the pump and the nozzle line, and wire it right to orange (120v from primary) and white. It's only giving you a little better cut-off.Keep in mind that costs almost as much as a pump with a cut-off. The only upside is you wont need a pressure gauge, and you won't need to do a combustion test. If you change the pump you'll need to do both.
    Better is to change the control, one that has pre-purge and post purge-and that's for any oil burner. Plus newer controls have 15 second lockout, not the 20 or 45 on the 'G'.
    Even better is a buffer tank for the short cycling.

    Methinks you have other issues, or you'd be better served by having a competent professional come over.
    steve
    SuperTechHVACNUT
  • Steamhead
    Steamhead Member Posts: 16,796

    ...........you'd be better served by having a competent professional come over.

    This. Depending on what boiler you have, it might be possible to reduce the firing rate as well. Where are you located?
    All Steamed Up, Inc.
    Towson, MD, USA
    Steam, Vapor & Hot-Water Heating Specialists
    Oil & Gas Burner Service
    Consulting
  • CaptPaul
    CaptPaul Member Posts: 14
    @STEVEusaPA Thanks for your input. I know I have problems. I’m trying to sort out how and when to deal with them. We may end up switching to a heat pump system while keeping the steam system as backup which complicates things. If we do that I will likely stick to improving what I have. Either way, once the heating season is over, the system will get a good cleaning, probably a new Pressuretrol and a good inspection / combustion test by a professional. If we nix the heat pump idea I will look at optimizing the system.

    @Steamhead I am in Southeastern Massachusetts. I am looking into downfiring the unit in the Spring as part of my inspection. The boiler is a circa 1960’s American Standard A3 rated for .95 GPH. I have 167.5 sp ft of EDR and the boiler is rated for 313 sq ft. It currently has a .85 nozzle. I’m thinking I may be able to go one step down depending on what the current pressure is. Does that make sense?
  • pecmsg
    pecmsg Member Posts: 4,775
    Heat pumps are great for 1/2 - 3/4 of the season. When the winter storms hit, you'll want that steam.

    Forget derating, you need to drop 50% not 10%. Just get a properly sized and piped boiler.