Thermo Products VC-BBP Spirit Series, Installation, Operation & Maintenance Manual

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NOTICE: A qualified heating contractor MUST inspect the heat exchanger in this
furnace at least once a year. If heavy deposits are found, immediate cleaning is
required.
All heat exchanger surfaces should be as clean as possible for the most efficient
operation of the furnace. The heat exchanger may require cleaning after every heating
season, as combustion of fuel oil tends to produce soot, particulate matter, and scale,
due to corrosion. These materials coat the inner walls of the heat exchanger. This
coating reduces the heat transfer effectiveness of the heat exchanger and can hinder
the flow of flue gases from the furnace.
NOTICE: Accumulation of heavy soot deposits over one heating season may
indicate the oil burner is out of adjustment.
The heat exchanger may be inspected and cleaned through an access, or cleanout, port
located in the burner compartment, on highboy and lowboy models, or immediately
behind the front casing panel, on the horizontal/counterflow model. The cleanout port
consists of a 4-inch diameter stamped steel cap. The cap is retained by a single T-bolt
through a circular opening located in the outside wall of the heat exchanger, refer to
Figure 8.
Figure 8: Location and Design of the Highboy Heat Exchanger Cleanout Port
Using a screwdriver, remove the screws retaining the trim panel covering the cleanout
port. With a wrench, or a ratchet with a deep-well socket, loosen the nut retaining the T-
bolt and the cap to the heat exchanger. Carefully, remove the T-bolt, nut, gasket, and
the cap from heat exchanger. With the aid of a portable light source, peer into the heat
exchanger. As much as possible, loosen all material and deposits clinging to the heat
exchanger walls using wire brushes, or any suitable tool. Collect and remove this
material by hand or with the assistance of a vacuum cleaner and a nozzle-type
attachment.