Oh this is getting tedious!
Having read reams and reams on the subject of intermittent oil burner problems I THOUGHT I had narrowed my problem down.
I found that the capacitor on the motor had leaked a small quantity of waxy substance which I imagined would signify it was giving up the ghost. I wasn't able to buy a direct replacement from my usual supplier of heating parts and, in the end, bought a motor start capacitor from Maplins. Correct specification etc (but plastic bodied rather than aluminium). It says it's Ok up to 85 degrees C and is 3uf rated....just like the one I replaced.
All has been well for a week. Then, when I was just beginning to think it was a solved case....bang....another lockout.
It started immediately I pressed reset and has gone fine since.
I have done all usual service items. Namely, new nozzle, cleaning chamber, filter on tank outlet (which was quite grubby & I did that today), electrodes (cleaning and resetting).
I'm now wondering if it's the solenoid on the pump. Or the transformer....although the spark looks great. OR.......could it be the capacitor from Maplins. £3 instead of an expected £12?? A capacitor's a capacitor isn't it??
I have never actually managed to witness a lockout. So no clues there.
HELP???
Jim
Oh yes, it's a Sterling 40 ST108PL burner. 8 years old.
Having read reams and reams on the subject of intermittent oil burner problems I THOUGHT I had narrowed my problem down.
I found that the capacitor on the motor had leaked a small quantity of waxy substance which I imagined would signify it was giving up the ghost. I wasn't able to buy a direct replacement from my usual supplier of heating parts and, in the end, bought a motor start capacitor from Maplins. Correct specification etc (but plastic bodied rather than aluminium). It says it's Ok up to 85 degrees C and is 3uf rated....just like the one I replaced.
All has been well for a week. Then, when I was just beginning to think it was a solved case....bang....another lockout.
It started immediately I pressed reset and has gone fine since.
I have done all usual service items. Namely, new nozzle, cleaning chamber, filter on tank outlet (which was quite grubby & I did that today), electrodes (cleaning and resetting).
I'm now wondering if it's the solenoid on the pump. Or the transformer....although the spark looks great. OR.......could it be the capacitor from Maplins. £3 instead of an expected £12?? A capacitor's a capacitor isn't it??
I have never actually managed to witness a lockout. So no clues there.
HELP???
Jim
Oh yes, it's a Sterling 40 ST108PL burner. 8 years old.