burner problems

[Stateline P/W]

Went to do a job yesterday and when I turned the burner on and pulled the trigger it wouldn't fire. When I stopped to change tips and pulled it again it fired. It wouldn't fire everytime, maybe every 5 or 6 pulls of the trigger. It's on an alkota unit, and it's a suntek burner. Anyone have any ideas......

 

[Mark]

Depending on what model Alkota you have it may use a vacuum switch
as opposed to a pressure switch or flow switch, if the nozzle you are
using is undersized it may not fully activate the vacuum switch.

A dirty fuel filter could also give you similar problems. Feel free to call me
and I will help you diagnose the problem.

If you call for help with diagnostics, we will need to know: what model
machine, flow switch, vac switch or pressure switch, 12 volt 115 volt?

You can instant message me with AOL Instant Messenger: "easyclean"

 

[Stateline P/W]

Thanks for the reply Mark. The nozzels are the ones that came in it. I'll check the fuel filter tommorow afternoon. If that's not it I will get all the info and give you a call.

 

[Stateline P/W]

Ok, sorry it took me so log to get back. My week has went all to pieces. I got a filter and that didn't help. What would be the next step to figureing it out. At least that I could do and not take it in to a shop. It is an Alkota 4305 2T 4gallon per minute, 3000psi hot water. It is 12 volt, with a pressure switch. Thanks for any help..

 

[Mark]

I am assuming that when it does not fire it is not getting fuel,
and that you are running the engine at 3200 - 3400 RPM,
if it was getting fuel you should smell the diesel coming out
of the stack. There is no 12 volt blower motor here, but it is
very important for combustion that the engine is running at
proper RPM. The 4305-2T uses a belt driven blower wheel and
fuel pump, we can look at fuel solenoid and ignitor next.

If it was the ignitor (very unlikely to have intermittant problem)
it would load up with fuel & then ignite with a roar like a freight
train. You might take the cover off of the pressure switch and see
if the plunger is engaging the microswitch every time you trigger the gun.

I am also asuming you are getting good pressure through the gun.
(If the pressure is too low it would not activate pressure switch.

Call me Monday morning if you need further assistance.

 

[Stateline P/W]

The motor is running at full throttle. I've never noticed a deisel smell out of the burner, but I have a house to do this afternoon and I will check it then. As far as pressure, I don't have a gauge, but there is not a noticeable loss. I will also take the switch apart and see if it is triggering when the gun is opened.

 

[Mark]

I will check back later and see what kind of progress
you have made with troubleshooting.

[hand]

 

[Stateline P/W]

Hey Mark, I took the cover off the pressure switch and it was working the little mechenism. So I took off the fuel line to the burner and checked it. It would not squirt fuel every time I opened the trigger. Maybe every 8 or 9 tries......

 

[Mark]

Steve,

Looks like we are narrowing things down here.
I am not ready to rule out the pressure switch yet. Using
a pocket knife depress the switch mechanism several times,
does the burner fire every time?

My hunch is that the pressure switch is at fault here.

The solenoid could be bad, but I think it is unlikely, fuel solenoids
usually either work or don't work. When power is sent to the fuel
solenoid, from the pressure-switch the fuel solenoid coil is energized
(electro magnet)this opens up the valve allowing fuel to flow to the
burner nozzle.

(We are assuming the battery has a full charge and we have good connections)

 

[Stateline P/W]

<marquee> Thanks for your help Mark.......... </marquee>

 

[Mark]

Glad to be of service!