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Naddie · Joined: 19 Jan 2004 Posts: 10 Location: Belfast

ok this is probably too vague a question but here goes.
my heating was on boost today from 3.30 to 4.30 and it was definitely working. then i noticed tonight that radiators were stone cold and as the timer is set to come on at 5 until 8.30 i thought uh oh! i checked and we definitely have oil! but the pump wasn't making any noise - i pressed the red button on the pump and it sort of started but then died out it didnt fire up. i wondered whether the oil was getting through so i unscrewed the little nozzle (that you unscrew to bleed the pump) and nothing came out - no air no oil nothing.

any ideas or is that much too vague and stupid a question - but i'm very cold and would appreciate any help!

thescruff · Moderator Joined: 03 May 2003 Posts: 4758 Location: Bath

first thing to do is check the oil level, have you any or not, don't rely on the gauge.

Naddie · Joined: 19 Jan 2004 Posts: 10 Location: Belfast

yeah - i stuck a stick in and theres about 6 inches left.

thescruff · Moderator Joined: 03 May 2003 Posts: 4758 Location: Bath

Is it a steel tank with a 2-3" slope on it towards the back, outlet is 2" up from the base so you have an 1" of oil left possible sludge and water.

Best to order some more and let it settle first, then check the filter on the tank and the one at the boiler whichever you have.

Check the fire valve is on, left hand thread normally.

Disconnect the flexible hose and run oil through into a vessel for re-use later, re-connect and try it

AlanE · Posted: Mon Apr 03, 2006 7:12 pm Post subject:

Make/model of boiler would help also make of burner fitted.

No oil/air when bleeding the pump would suggest:

No oil!!
Defective oil pump/pump solenoid
Broken coupling between pump and motor
Control box defective

If you disconnect the oil line into the pump do you get oil. Allow some to flow into glass container NOT MILK BOTTLE is it clear oil or is there a layer of water?

It is at times like this that a pressure guage is essencial to check oil pressure reaching nozzle. Also vacuum guage to check input to pump it can also tell much.

Naddie · Joined: 19 Jan 2004 Posts: 10 Location: Belfast

all fixed!!
thanks for your suggestions people!

AlanE · Posted: Tue Apr 04, 2006 5:51 pm Post subject:

Would be interested to know what the problem actually was though it all helps the learning curve for all (that includes me!!)