Dunkirk PVWB, Installation Instructions Manual

Page: 19 / 24

19
Maintaining Your Boiler
BURNERS
A visual check of the pilot end main burner flames should be
made at least once each year, preferably at the beginning of
the heating season. See page 21
RELIEF VALVE
This valve should open automatically if the system pressure
exceeds the pressure rating (usually 30 psi) of the relief valve.
Should it ever fail to open under this condition, shut down your
system. Drain the system until system pressure is reduced
below the relief valve pressure rating. If valve discharge oc-
curs, or if valve fails to open as described above, contact an
authorized contractor or qualified service technician to replace
the relief valve and inspect the heating system to determine
the cause, as this may indicate an equipment malfunction.
This valve should be tested every month during periods of boiler
operation, and at the beginning and end of any extended non-
service period. Prior to testing, make certain discharge pipe is
properly connected to valve outlet and arranged so as to con-
tain and safely dispose of boiler discharge. Test at normal sys-
tem operating pressure. Hold the trip lever fully open for at
least five seconds in order to flush free any sediment that may
lodge on the valve seat. Then permit the valve to snap shut.
EXPANSION TANK
As previously noted, this tank may become waterlogged, or
may receive an excess of air. Frequent automatic opening of
the relief valve indicates water logging. A high boiler tempera-
ture accompanied by unusually low radiation unit temperature
(and “knocking”) indicates excess air in tank.
To correct either condition, close the valve between the boiler
and the tank. Drain the tank until it is empty. Check all the tank
plugs and fittings. Tighten as necessary. Open the valve be-
tween the boiler and tank. Water will rise to the normal height
in the tank if you have an automatic fill valve (otherwise, manu-
ally refill the system).
BOILER FLUE PASSAGES
Under normal operating conditions, with the burners properly
adjusted, it should not be necessary to clean the boiler flue
gas passages. However, to assure trouble-free operation, we
recommend that you have the flue passages, burner
adjustment, and operation of the controls checked once each
year by a competent Service Technician.
Before the start of each season (or whenever system has
been shut down for some time) recheck the whole system for
leaks ... and recheck the boiler and vent pipe for leaks. Replace
or patch any boiler seals that are faulty.
VENT PIPE
The venting of this unit is very important and the piping
should be checked at least once a season. If the vent piping
shows any sign of leaking, replace it immediately.
WATER SYSTEM
If system is to remain out of service during freezing weather,
always
drain it completely (water left in to freeze will crack the
pipes and/or boiler).
CLEANING YOUR BOILER AND BURNERS
Flue passages between sections should be examined yearly
and cleaned if necessary. To clean, remove burners, pilot, and
vent pipe, Remove top and front jacket panels. Remove the
two screws attaching the intermediate front panel to the left
and right side jacket panels. Remove the draft diverter and
intermediate front panel as a unit. Carefully remove the cerafelt
gasket strips. Clean passageways between sections with a
flexible handle wire brush. Remove dirt from bottom of boiler
and from between sections by vacuuming. Make sure all flame
ports in burners are open and clear. Shake out or blow out all
loose dirt in burners. Reseal seams between adjacent sections
as necessary with 400
° F RTV silicone sealant. Reassemble
all parts. Be sure to check tightness of pilot connections and
condition of burner flames after reassembly (see Figures 17
and 18). Be sure vent pipe connections to chimney are secure
and no obstructions are present.
CIRCULATOR PUMP ISOLATION VALVES
The isolation valves in the circulator pump flanges should be
operated manually once or twice per year to prevent the valves
from becoming stuck in the open position Rotate the valves
from the open position to the closed position and back to the
open position.