Oil fired AGA. Oil control valve issue

[PaulC1976]

Any help appreciated.

On the top of the oil control valve I have the electric component that plugs into transformer. As the temp rises, the lever above the pin (which is attached to the float in the reservoir I guess) rises. However. There is a gap between the pin and the lever. I think this is preventing it from increasing flow. Although I have to admit never checked it when it was working fine.

Should the lever be magnetic so it pulls the float up when it rises?

Symptoms are that current thermostat is on 5. Main oven only reaches around 210.

Some times when it's kicks in and send fuel on high burn it's rises to over 250 but this isn't regular, to a pattern, or predictable. So just trying to find out if it's because the lever isn't pulling the pin up to increase flow when thermostat demands.

I was led to believe that around 4 on the thermostat should achieve 240 in the middle part of the roasting oven but I've never seen it sit at that..

Thanks. novice.

 

[PaulC1976]

Just to add. Roasting oven generally sits at 200. Thanks

 

[Terrywookfit]

Not a job for DIY !!

 

[PaulC1976]

Great Terry. Thanks for your help.

I was simply asking how it works.

If you don't know, maybe put something on a thread where you can help someone?

 

[Steelmasons]

Not a job for DIY..

 

[PaulC1976]

Ironic name for your site then lol.

Thanks anyway.
Paul

 

[Terrywookfit]

Great Terry. Thanks for your help.

I was simply asking how it works.

If you don't know, maybe put something on a thread where you can help someone?

I will tell you that the lever is not magnetic !!

 

[PaulC1976]

Thanks. I've read clearance should be 1-2mm. Mine is much more which would add up. If my AGA installer would just pick up the phone I'll get them to come and sort. Lack of them helping was the reason for the post.

 

[oilhead]

Probably needs decarbonising. They should be done every 6 months.

 

[PaulC1976]

Thanks. Not had it five minutes (2 months) fully refurbished. Going to persist with the supplier.

 

[muggles]

The electronic control is simply a bi-metallic strip connected to a heater. The heater heats the strip, causing it to bend and actuate the valve pin. This is controlled by a thermostat to regulate the temperature.

Hope that helps as an explanation of how it works. I really wouldn't recommend attempting a DIY fix though, as it's very easy to get it wrong and make a terrible mess

 

[PaulC1976]

Many thanks. Will take your advice.

 

[John Dayman]

Hi Paul - did you ever manage to sort out this problem? If so, what was the problem? Cheers,John

 

[oilhead]

I don't know whether the OP sorted his out, but I would think that the above posts answered his question. If you have similar, and the thermostatic top lever is clear of the pin, then this will be down to fuel blockage which can be anywhere from the oilways in the burner, the oil inlet nipple, the connecting elbow, the metering column in the OCV, the filter in the OCV, a blockage in the remote fire valve, or a blocked filter in the oil supply pipe or tank outlet. Take your pick.

 

[John Dayman]

Thanks, OH - looks like partial fuel blockage somewhere along the line, or maybe sticking metering column. I'll have to wait till next service to check it all out - Winter not being the best time to let the brute out! John