Greetings!
In trying to sort out my burner lockout issue, I've stumbled into your forum and, since you all seem like a helpful bunch, let me give a stab at describing my problem. I'll try to be a thorough as possible.
I have a Burnham V8 hydronic boiler with a Riello 40F5 burner installed in Oct 2001. Recently (end of last heating season), it's started to lockout after running for (5 or so) minutes when heating after a setback ended (a long cycle). Last years (Oct 2007) regular maintenance was done professionally.
During the summer, the system is off (except for a once a month run). In the fall, prior to startup for the new heating season, I do a regular maintenance to include changing the nozzle, pump screen, and filter, checking for motor or pump binding by rotating a couple times manually, and other boiler related maintenance (heat exchanger brushing and chimney trap cleanout) so I decided to wait and see if this had an effect on the problem. It didn't.
As part of the process of changing the filter, I have to purge the air in the (rather large Fram P1101A) filter. I have the install manual and after a number of lockout resets didn't purge things, I, using the pump purge instructions therein, loosened the bleeder valve and started up the burner, when the solenoid valve engaged after 10 seconds prepurge, shone a light on the photocell until oil ran from the bleeder. Next, turned off the burner, closed the bleeder and started up okay.
My describtion of what's happening follows. When coming back from a thermostat setback, the boiler appears to startup normally. There is a 10 sec prepurge, then the solenoid responds and the electrodes spark, I see a spray of fuel in the combustion chamber and the burner ignites. The circulator pump pumps continuously during the entire time and the appropriate zone (2 total) receives heat. After a period of time measured in minutes, the flame goes out but the blower motor continues to run. After about 10 seconds, I hear the electrodes attempt an ignition but there doesn't appear to be any fuel spray this time and lockout occurs. After a short period of time (est >30sec?) the lockout can be reset and the burner will restart. Once the zone is heated as demanded the burner will shut off normally.
I've looked at the following after the maintenance as troubleshooting attempts. Replace the nozzle a second time. Clean the photocell sensor. Inspect the electrodes, measure the gaps, clean the tips. Check turbulator and air plate settings. The burn doesn't appear sooty.
At this point I'm feeling it's a solenoid or control box issue? Any feedback is appreciated.
Kevin
In trying to sort out my burner lockout issue, I've stumbled into your forum and, since you all seem like a helpful bunch, let me give a stab at describing my problem. I'll try to be a thorough as possible.
I have a Burnham V8 hydronic boiler with a Riello 40F5 burner installed in Oct 2001. Recently (end of last heating season), it's started to lockout after running for (5 or so) minutes when heating after a setback ended (a long cycle). Last years (Oct 2007) regular maintenance was done professionally.
During the summer, the system is off (except for a once a month run). In the fall, prior to startup for the new heating season, I do a regular maintenance to include changing the nozzle, pump screen, and filter, checking for motor or pump binding by rotating a couple times manually, and other boiler related maintenance (heat exchanger brushing and chimney trap cleanout) so I decided to wait and see if this had an effect on the problem. It didn't.
As part of the process of changing the filter, I have to purge the air in the (rather large Fram P1101A) filter. I have the install manual and after a number of lockout resets didn't purge things, I, using the pump purge instructions therein, loosened the bleeder valve and started up the burner, when the solenoid valve engaged after 10 seconds prepurge, shone a light on the photocell until oil ran from the bleeder. Next, turned off the burner, closed the bleeder and started up okay.
My describtion of what's happening follows. When coming back from a thermostat setback, the boiler appears to startup normally. There is a 10 sec prepurge, then the solenoid responds and the electrodes spark, I see a spray of fuel in the combustion chamber and the burner ignites. The circulator pump pumps continuously during the entire time and the appropriate zone (2 total) receives heat. After a period of time measured in minutes, the flame goes out but the blower motor continues to run. After about 10 seconds, I hear the electrodes attempt an ignition but there doesn't appear to be any fuel spray this time and lockout occurs. After a short period of time (est >30sec?) the lockout can be reset and the burner will restart. Once the zone is heated as demanded the burner will shut off normally.
I've looked at the following after the maintenance as troubleshooting attempts. Replace the nozzle a second time. Clean the photocell sensor. Inspect the electrodes, measure the gaps, clean the tips. Check turbulator and air plate settings. The burn doesn't appear sooty.
At this point I'm feeling it's a solenoid or control box issue? Any feedback is appreciated.
Kevin
