No product is created perfectly. Although a Clean Burn waste oil furnace is made to last, it can run into a few problems during its service life. To ensure its 100% performance, we have compiled a simple and compact waste oil furnace troubleshooting guide.
With this helpful guide, you will not only be able to restore the full functionality of your waste oil furnace but will also be able to save quite a lot of money. Repair costs can be expensive and cost hundreds of dollars. Moreover, fixing a furnace is a very safe procedure, and you can carry out most of the repairs yourself.
So read on as we discuss some of the common problems related to these units and the troubleshooting steps that will help you isolate the problem and effectively address it.
How Does a Clean Burn Waste Oil Furnace Work?
Waste oil is simply petroleum-based or synthetic oil that is no longer useful for its intended purpose. These include motor oil, transmission fluid, fuel oil, or hydraulic oil. This fuel becomes waste if it begins to break down, gets exposed to different elements, or has impurities. Although homeowners can contribute to waste oil, for example, used motor oil from trucks and cars, the primary culprits are industrial-related, like big farms, automotive shops, greenhouses, and others.
Clean Burn waste oil furnaces are designed exclusively to burn waste oils produced by trucks, cars, heavy equipment, and other vehicles. Waste oil is used in these furnaces to turn waste into energy, thus allowing users to save money on disposal costs and utility bills. However, this versatile unit can also burn standard fuel oil.
The Burner on My Clean Burn Waste Oil Furnace Won’t Run
The following are some of the reasons why your Clean Burn waste oil furnace won’t run. Some of these have a simple and quick solution. If the green light on the unit fails to turn on, then first, you should go through the following checklist:
- Make sure that the main switch or the circuit-breaker is not open. If either of these is open, then simply close them.
- Check the burner cable’s condition and make sure that it is plugged in properly. If the cable is damaged, order a new one.
- Check if the circuit breaker or the fuse is blown. In such a case, get a professional to check the electrical system.
In some cases, your power light may be on, but still, the burner may not run. In such an instance, you will have to check out a few possibilities:
- The oil primary control may have closed because of a safety reset. Simply reset the control to get your furnace running again.
- Make sure that the wall thermostat is working and is in tip-top condition. In case the wall thermostat or the attached cable is damaged, call for professional assistance.
- If your oil is too dirty, the siphon pick-up tube will become clogged, and there will be no ignition. Allow your oil to settle for at least 10-12 days before use. Avoid drawing oil from the bottom of the tank where all the water and dirt settle.
The Burner Ignites But Doesn’t Stay Running
If your burner ignites but does not stay running, then here’s what you should do:
- Make sure that the cad cell is not dirty and is in perfect condition.
- Check the wires of the cad cell to ensure that they are connected properly.
- In case the cad cell or its wires are damaged, you will need to replace them. If the damage is due to the furnace heat, then you will have to clean the entire furnace.
- Make sure that the primary control is receiving the correct ohm signal. If not, then disconnect the yellow wires. Now start the burner and check the ohm reading. If this reading is more than 500 ohms, then you might need to reposition the retention head and cad cell.
Help, My Pump Won’t Prime on Clean Burn Furnace
If your pump does not prime even when the motor is running, you don’t need to worry. Simply do the following:
- Check if there is a leak in the suction line. Also, ensure that it is properly installed with completely airtight fittings.
- During the priming process, your pump may fill with oil if it is not installed properly. Make sure that your pump head is filled with oil before starting the pump.
- Make sure that the pump seal is not damaged. With your finger, check the cylinder’s bottom at the pump shaft. If your finger becomes oily, then it is a sign that the pump seal is damaged.
The Fan Motor on My Clean Burn Waste Furnace Runs Constantly or Won’t Turn on at All
Fan motor problems typically happen due to the following reasons:
- The circuit of the blower motor is not wired correctly
- The blower/fan switch is faulty
- The blower relay will not close or becomes fixed in the closed position
- The blower motor has closed on thermal reset after becoming overheated
It is best to contact a waste oil furnace technician for any fan motor issues, no matter what is causing the problem. Such problems can sometimes become highly technical, so it is best to call in experts to deal with them.
None of These Worked, What Now?
Keeping your waste oil furnace well-maintained and caring for your oil tank are two important things that can keep your furnace working optimally and help to keep you and your family warm during winters. However, even with regular care, your furnace may run into some problems.
In some cases, it would just require a little bit of furnace troubleshooting. However, you should not try to attempt fixing something you are not comfortable with or sure about. If the issue seems more complex or concerns motor, wiring, or fuse, then it is best to call in a reputable and professional technician to get your furnace repairs done in a timely and correct manner.
Conclusion
To avoid costly heating system replacement and to maintain an excellent working furnace, regular professional maintenance is vital. Checking fuses and switching out air filters can help resolve a number of common issues with the heating system. An efficient furnace will keep you comfortable in the cold winter months.
In case of a problem, you should first check the instruction booklet or the manufacturer’s website. If you are unsure about the cause or not confident about the solution, then you should not attempt a repair yourself. Call in a professional to ensure an effective heating system to keep you warm.
People Also Ask
It is possible for your Clean Burn waste oil furnace to run into a few problems, which is why it is best to have complete knowledge about them. In addition to the above information, answers to the following questions will help you with some of the common complaints regarding these furnaces:
If you do not hear a sparking sound when you turn on the burner, then you should check the ignition transformer or the primary control as they could be bad.
The reset button on the furnace is connected to the sensor that keeps a check on your burner flame. In case the flame goes out, this sensor trips the reset button, thus shutting down the system to prevent damage. There are a number of reasons that can cause the burner flame to go out:
1. Closed Valves – Make sure that the valves on your fuel line are not clogged, and nothing is preventing the fuel from reaching the burner.
2. Lack of Fuel – You might have run out of heating oil. Failure to have a full oil tank can cause the burner flame to go out. Moreover, filling the empty tank would require professional help to prevent your burner from damage.
3. Dirty Flame Sensor Rod – Wipe off the sensor rod regularly to prevent it from getting dirty and turning off your furnace.
