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Where does oil leak in a furnace?

DovBer
DovBer Member Posts: 4
edited December 2024 in Gas Heating

Recently, a technician from a heating/cooling contractor observed an “oil leak” inside the furnace and suggested replacing the furnace as it is old anyway.
After he left, I removed the front panel, saw a dark spot on the floor. It was bone dry to the touch.
Oil does not evaporate. Moreover, I failed to ask the tech which components of the furnace may contain oil and be source of the leak. The fan blower motor which I assume is self-lubricating, must contain grease, not oil and does not leak.
Is my thinking faulty? Any suggestion or advice is greatly appreciated.
The furnace is Bryant 395CAV, installed in 1997. Works fine, no strange noises.

mattmia2

Comments

  • LRCCBJ
    LRCCBJ Member Posts: 659
    edited December 2024

    ^^^^^^

    THIS!

    But, it is easier said than done.

    DovBermattmia2
  • SuperTech
    SuperTech Member Posts: 2,492

    Where are you located? Perhaps someone on here might know a good company to call in your area.

    Real service technicians are still available. At my company we take pride in the fact that we do everything we can to repair systems instead of always pushing replacement equipment on customers.

    DovBermattmia2
  • HVACNUT
    HVACNUT Member Posts: 6,442

    I was going to play Devil's advocate and explain the possible areas where oil could come from on an oil burner. Then I looked and saw its actually an induced draft gas fired 80+% furnace.

    Its probably nothing, but can you post a picture of the "oil"?

    mattmia2
  • EdTheHeaterMan
    EdTheHeaterMan Member Posts: 9,677
    edited December 2024

    I was going to tell you about where oil might come from on an oil fired furnace… But I stopped to look up a 395 CAV only to find it is a Gas Furnace.

    So where does oil come from on a 395 CAV? … From the technicians tool box…. Honestly, that is the only place I can think of.

    GET ANOTHER CONTRACTOR

    After you find one that is reputable and get squared away go on google and post a review with only 1 star and explain your experience with that company. Post he paperwork that explains the reason you need a new furnace and then post the paperwork from the new company that explains that you don't need a furnace

    Something just like this happened to one of my former customers' by the company that I sold my business to:

    I sent this letter to the oil companies that used to tell their customers to call me for service. I gave them permission to make copies and include it with other correspondence they share with their customers. 


    Screenshot 2024-12-30 at 5.28.02 PM.png

    I see another Oil Guy had the same idea as I did… @HVACNUT …Great minds think alike!

    Edward Young Retired

    After you make that expensive repair and you still have the same problem, What will you check next?

    bburdmattmia2
  • pecmsg
    pecmsg Member Posts: 5,471

    I’d be calling there Boss and screaming **** !

  • SuperTech
    SuperTech Member Posts: 2,492

    The only thing I can think of is that maybe the permanently sealed and lubricated blower motor bearings are no longer permanently sealed. I've seen that happen before. But it's no reason to replace the entire furnace if it just needs a replacement PSC blower motor.

    mattmia2
  • DovBer
    DovBer Member Posts: 4
    edited January 9

    Belated thank you to all who responded and a Happy New Year to all!
    I discovered in our files that the fan blower motor was replaced in 2017 (just forgot about it) and it was done by the same company, just a different tech.
    So, the furnace will live for a few more years (fingers crossed). When the time comes, I will collect several estimates. This company sent me an estimate of about $. Searching the new furnace number on the web, I discovered it sells for $1,400. I know enough about sheet metal work and value of quality. Still, $ for installation is a bit too generous. We live in the greater Washington DC area which is considered “affluent” so many contractors treat their customers as if they print money. It does present a problem at times...

  • mattmia2
    mattmia2 Member Posts: 11,113
    https://forum.heatinghelp.com/discussion/comment/1830903#Comment_1830903

    Or lubricate the "permanently lubricated" bearings. Usually there is a plugged hole somewhere to add oil. I have seen oil migrating out of the felt on most "permanently lubricated" motors after a while. If the bearings are already bad then it is new motor time, but it is easy enough to check if there is enough play to be a problem in the bearings.

    DovBer
  • DovBer
    DovBer Member Posts: 4
    https://forum.heatinghelp.com/discussion/comment/1833274#Comment_1833274

    I will look at the motor bearings to see if oil can be added. In the meantime, I listen to the furnace noises carefully every time it kicks in. Hopefully, a different level or a tone of noise will be an idcation of a coming problem. Thank you.

  • Intplm.
    Intplm. Member Posts: 2,275

    Oil stains floors. Concrete, wood etc. If there is a stain on the floor but is dry as you say then there is no leak. There was only a small spill a long time ago that shouldn't be of any concern.

    DovBer
  • DovBer
    DovBer Member Posts: 4
    https://forum.heatinghelp.com/discussion/comment/1833335#Comment_1833335

    Thank you, I thought so. I'll post a picture.

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