Oops run out of oil, advice please

[regsmyth]

This morning I noticed the boiler was stopping and starting a lot, and smelled a little oily. Took out the RDB1 and noticed drips from the nozzle, and some discoloration where it had dripped and dried for a while.
The nozzle was replaced fairly recently - maybe four months ago.

Then I pulled the stop thingy on the tank gauge and the oil level went right down to the bottom.

Plumber who can't come till next week mentioned fitting extra filter (though there is a filter bowl at the tank outlet), and solenoid, as possibilities.

Any advice to help please?

 

[Burnerman]

Presumably the oil tank is topped up now?
Turn the tank valve off (boiler off too) and take the bowl out of the filter. Clean the gauze or replace the element, depending on the type.
Put it back together.
Do the same with any other filters that may be in the line.
Unscrew the flexy oil pipe that connects to the burner, have someone turn the oil back on whilst you bleed fuel through the line into a bottle.
Reconnect to the burner, and try for start up.
The Riello pump filter is accessible by taking the end plate off - its a gauze one behind - this may need cleaning too.
John

 

[regsmyth]

Thanks John, useful info - will hopefully stop me making things worse.

Oil on it's way tomorrow ish.

So in your experience are the symptoms consistent with a running out of oil scenario?

 

[Burnerman]

Pretty much so, Reg - depending how old the tank is depends on how much sludge and water there could be in the bottom.
However, let the new fill stand a while for stuff to settle, and make sure the stuff that you draw off is clear and clean.
John

 

[Boilerman2]

You need to fill up with oil ASAP, you may find that the Boiler will fire up OK at this point, however if much air has collected in the fuel pump, then this will need venting, it can take up to 1/2hr if the fuel line is full of air but it is not a BIG job, you only need ONE filter in the oil line, this is best placed at the oil tank outlet, apart from a filter element, I wouldn't expect to need any other parts on this occasion

 

[regsmyth]

Ok thanks, well, whether it's needed or not, I have now fitted a filter before the fire check valve. So now there's three, one at the tank valve, one new in-line one, and the gauze one at the pump, which I cleaned out too. And I replaced the nozzle, so I will have faith that all will be well when the oil man comes.

Thanks for the advice.