Wallstar (in cavity) oil fired boiler CH system installed about 7 years ago, and has performed without a single problem until recently. I have to hold my hand up and admit that it hasn’t been serviced since 2000 (!).
Initial symptoms were that it would not restart after a period of shut-down, i.e. overnight. Once lock-out was over-ridden manually, it would restart and fun fine until next time. Everything pointed to oil starvation (air in clear burner feed hose). It should be noted that the boiler is mounted about 2.5m above ground level, and the tank is on the ground.
I have replaced the (extremely dirty) tank filter, one-way valve and nozzle. Also cleaned the photocell. Still the same, so I suspected the fuel pump (an Italian 'Delta' unit). After stripping down I noticed the small key that takes the drive from the motor shaft to the main pump inner rotor was extremely worn, allowing the rotor to slip. As a temporary fix (i.e. wanted to make this was the problem before I forked out on a new pump!) I made a new key, and reassembled the pump, having also cleaned the filter. Hay presto, within a second or two of starting, fuel sprayed out the bleed like I’d never seen before and the fuel hose was full – no air.
Sorted, or so I thought…. now, the burner ignites, runs for about 4 – 5 seconds, then flames out, followed by reigniting a couple of seconds later, and flaming out again after 4 – 5 seconds, then locks out. This happens exactly the same every time I try to start it.
Now I’m completely stumped and desperate! Any advice would be really appreciated.
Thanks in advance.
Initial symptoms were that it would not restart after a period of shut-down, i.e. overnight. Once lock-out was over-ridden manually, it would restart and fun fine until next time. Everything pointed to oil starvation (air in clear burner feed hose). It should be noted that the boiler is mounted about 2.5m above ground level, and the tank is on the ground.
I have replaced the (extremely dirty) tank filter, one-way valve and nozzle. Also cleaned the photocell. Still the same, so I suspected the fuel pump (an Italian 'Delta' unit). After stripping down I noticed the small key that takes the drive from the motor shaft to the main pump inner rotor was extremely worn, allowing the rotor to slip. As a temporary fix (i.e. wanted to make this was the problem before I forked out on a new pump!) I made a new key, and reassembled the pump, having also cleaned the filter. Hay presto, within a second or two of starting, fuel sprayed out the bleed like I’d never seen before and the fuel hose was full – no air.
Sorted, or so I thought…. now, the burner ignites, runs for about 4 – 5 seconds, then flames out, followed by reigniting a couple of seconds later, and flaming out again after 4 – 5 seconds, then locks out. This happens exactly the same every time I try to start it.
Now I’m completely stumped and desperate! Any advice would be really appreciated.
Thanks in advance.
