PROBLEM
POSSIBLE CAUSE
SOLUTION
Steady fuel flow at bleed
valve but none in
combustion chamber
Solenoid valve not energizing
Remove the solenoid cover and place blade of an insulated screwdriver in the coil with the
system operating in hot water mode. A good working solenoid will hold the screwdriver in the
solenoid. If not it may need replaced.
Oil pump may have debris, replace as necessary.
Boiler controls activating
Solenoid valve coil not energizing
If boiler controls work properly, the pressure or vacuum on the fuel pump may be misadjusted.
Check solenoid coil again.
Solenoid valve energizing
Debris in internal fuel pump valve
Check for clogging in the solenoid valve inside fuel pump.
Fuel nozzle clogged
Check fuel nozzle for clogging and clear if necessary.
Restriction in fuel outlet line
Check fuel line from pump to burner for any restriction.
Fuel pump piston frozen closed
Check piston in fuel pump to see if it will travel. Free piston or replace fuel pump.
Air and fuel flow proper
No power reaching transformer
Ensure the proper voltage is reaching the ignition transformer with a volt meter.
Ignition transformer bad
Using a volt meter, ensure that the transformer is supplying the proper voltage.
Electrode gap improperly set
Check the gap and readjust if necessary, taking care that the proper distance is maintained from
the fuel nozzle.
Electrode caps cracked
Down fired, multi-pass boiler systems have a cap on the top of each electrode. Examine caps
for cracks or carbon build-up and replace if there problems are evident.
Electrode wires loose or damaged
Applies to down fired, multi-pass boiler systems - Check the wire to each electrode to ensure
there is a good connection.
Electrodes arcing to fuel lines
Electrodes should not be arcing to fuel lines or nozzle. Check electrode for cracking or carbon
build-up.
Transformer bus bars not lining up
Applies to gun type burners - Bus bars on the transformer should line up and connect properly
with the electrode terminals
Burner or electrode
assembly fires when
removed from housing
Improper air delivery
Check air delivery to combustion chamber. Down fired; check air damper and air bag. Gun type;
Check air bands.
Ignites with air bands closed
down
Excessive electrode gap
Ensure electrode gap is properly set.
Ignites with air bands
opened up
Choked down
Open air bands to proper setting.
