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TANK BURNER TROUBLESHOOTING:
Oil burners that are designed for use on road maintenance equipment are built to take temperature
extremes, vibration, and rough handling. When performing the following troubleshooting steps, we
assume that the oil burner motor and ignition transformer operate continuously and the oil solenoid
valve, which controls oil flow, is cycled by the equipment controls. We also assume that there is
power to the burner and fuel in the tank.
MA4 Maintenance - Tank Burner
Symptom
Possible Cause
Fuel Not
Igniting
If the burner is not igniting, the burner motor, drive coupling, and fuel pump are operat-
ing and fuel is flowing to the nozzle through the solenoid valve, check the following
possibilities.
Check the air shutter adjustment. If it is opened too far, the flow of air may prevent the arc
from reaching the fuel spray. This may appear as a white vapor exhaust from the heater.
The ignition system may have failed to supply an adequate arc to ignite the fuel. Check the
battery and charging system to insure a continuous supply of 11 to 16 volts DC (15 amps).
Check the electrodes for wear and damage. Insure that the electrodes are adjusted properly.
No Flame
If there is no flame, the burner motor and igniter operate continuously and the oil sole-
noid valve is functional, check the following possibilities.
Check for a plugged fuel nozzle.
If the coil on the solenoid valve is actuating, insure the valve is opening and closing properly.
Check for sufficient fuel pressure. Pressure is 140 psig with valve energized.
Check the pump pressure. Check for air in fuel lines.
Check burner for broken motor coupling. If the coupling is broken check pump rotation prior to
replacing the coupling.
Check for contaminated fuel and/or partially plugged fuel filter.
Motor Not
Operating
If the blower motor is not operating, check the following possibilities.
Check voltage at the motor to insure that switches and relays, in line with the motor, are
operating properly.
Check pump and motor shaft operation. They should work freely without binding.
No Fuel
Spray
If the blower motor is operating, there is fuel in the tank, but oil does not spray out the
end of the nozzle, check the following possibilities.
Check for a broken or stripped coupling between the pump and the motor.
Check the pump output for fuel.
Check operation of the fuel valve.
Check for a plugged fuel nozzle.
Check for air in the fuel line.
Check for fuel contamination or plugged filter.
Fluctuation
Or No Pump
Pressure
If the pump pressure, as determined by a pressure gauge, is erratic or does not exist,
check the following possibilities.
Check motor rotational speed. Low rpm can cause erratic or no pump pressure.
Check for a broken or worn motor coupling.
Check that the pump turns freely.
Check for air leaks in the lines.
Check for fuel froth at the bleed point.
Check voltage at the motor.
Check for fuel contamination or partially plugged filter.
Slow Motor
Rotation
If the blower motor is not operating at the rpm’s listed on the nameplate, check the fol-
lowing.
Check the supply voltage to the motor.
Check for free operation of the motor shaft and pump assembly.