Burner wont turn on

[digitaldrv]

Hi all,
I have a Columbia Boiler Type LB, the burner is also made by Columbia, Model: GST Style: UP Size: 150-.35.

On the coldest day of winter my boiler refuses to turn on. I have fuel, I just bought 200 gallons this week. The pump will turn on if I manually reset it but not otherwise. Also when the pump does turn on no fuel is making it to the pump. I tried to bleed the pump to no avail, am I doing it wrong perhaps? Ocassionally when I try to bleed the valve I get a small gurgle but thats it. I cannot for the life of me figure out whats wrong, could you please help.

To make matters worse I have 2 kids, no heat, no hot water and it is currently about 45 degrees in my house(because of this problem). Please HELP.

 

[oilman]

.......it is currently about 45 degrees in my house.....

That's ok, just put another layer of clothing on.


Are you using gas oil? What's the temperature it's stored at? (in degrees "outside" is not enough info).

To check operation, turn off the oil valve nearest the burner. disconnect the oil line from the pump, and run some oil into a container. (I hope your tank is above the burner) it should flow freely. If it doesn't, clean the filters first, then try again. If it still doesn't get some form of pump to suck the oil through the pipe, it might be a blockage in the tank, but for this, check the flow at the tank filter.

Have you got a remote fire valve that's tripped?

Now tell me you have two pipes going to the oil pump.

Can we have some details about where your tank is in relation to the burner, what oil connections you have, what type of oil you use? I am a long way away, and though I would be quite happy to come over and fix your problem, I would have to charge for travel costs and time.

 

[digitaldrv]

I use type 2 kerosene. The tank is located outside my house about 35' away from the burner, if you went in a straight line. The tank is stored outside and the oil is not climate controled. There is one 1/4" copper supply line and one 1/8" line that leads to the burner itself.

The 1/4" supply line flows freely and doesnt need any encouragement.

Also on the pump air bubbles are now leaking out of the top of the pump.

 

[oilman]

In that case it sounds like the pump. It's not worth repairing IMO so replace it. You will then need the equipment to set the pump pressure and check the air setting.