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Burner won't fire up
- Thread starter rvagnoni
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Hotwaterwizard
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Here is a General Repair guide.
Probable causes are listed with most likely cause first. - Repairs should
be made by qualified technicians only.
Power System: Gasoline or Diesel Driven
ProblemProbable CauseRemedy
Engine will not start or crank over.Battery dead.Charge or replace
battery, add electrolyte if battery is new
Battery cables disconnectedConnect or replace damaged cables.
Engine, pump, or gearbox is seized.Replace or repair seized part.
Starter on engine defective.Repair or replace starter.
Engine will not start but will crank overEngine power switch is off
or defective.Check engine power switch.
Low oil shut down is activated.Add oil to engine, check more
frequently.
Low on fuel.Fill with the appropriate fuel, bleed injector pump on
diesel engines.
Fuel filter is clogged.Replace or clean fuel filter, bleed injector
pump on diesel engines.
Engine flooded or starved.Choke only as required (not diesel).
Engine bogs down under load, whenever spray gun is triggered.Engine
needs to be repaired or replaced.See engine manual or engine dealer.
Operating in high elevation.Lower the pressure on the unit and
check for correct engine speed (RPM).
Carbon deposits on cylinder head.Remove head and wire brush
deposits.
Power System: Electric Driven | Top
ProblemProbable CauseRemedy
Electric motor does not start.No electric power.Check cord, plug,
socket, and breaker.
Thermal overload in the motor/or starter has been tripped.Reset
manual overload by depressing the thermal switch on the outside of
the motor or starter after the motor has cooled. CAUTION! Automatic
overload will restart the motor automatically when it has cooled.
Power switch inoperative.Check power switch.
Electric motor or wiring failure.Replace or repair motor and/or
wiring.
Pumping System | Top
ProblemProbable CauseRemedy
Trigger gun leaks or will not shut off.Debris in gun valve
assembly.Clean valve assembly or replace gun.
Pump runs but there is no spray pressure.Water turned off.Turn water
on.
Nozzle is plugged.Clean or replace with proper size.
Inlet chemical injection valve is open, without the end of the
pickup tube inserted into detergent.Close soap valve or submerge
detergent pickup tube into solution.
Coil on hot water machines is obstructed.Clean obstruction or scale
deposits from coil with coil cleaner.
Pump runs but has low spray pressure.Nozzle not installed.Install
Nozzle.
Dual wand valve is open.Dual wand valve must be closed and high
pressure nozzle installed.
Leaky discharge hose or quick coupler.Replace hose, quick coupler,
or o-ring in the quick coupler.
Inlet strainer clogged.Clean and check more frequently.
Worn or wrong size nozzle.Replace nozzle of proper size.
Belt slippageTighten or replace with correct belt.
Unloader valve worn or improperly adjusted.Install pressure gauge
on pump head to adjust pressure. Check valve seat on Unloader.
Air leak in inlet plumbing.Reseal fittings and inspect inlet hoses
for air leaks.
Pump runs but there is erratic, fluctuating pressure.Inadequate
incoming water supply.Increase water supply flow.
Stuck inlet or discharge valves.Clean out or replace worn valves
Restricted inlet or air entering the inlet plumbing on the
pump.Check fittings and hose for air tight seal, clean inlet
strainer screen.
Leaking H.P. seals.Replace seals.
Leaking L.P. seals.Pressure feed the pump and replace L.P. seals if
water leaks from the pump head.
Excessive crankshaft play or loud, knocking noise in pump.Broken or
worn bearing or connecting rod in crankcase.Replace pump or bearing.
Oil leaking from pump.Loose drain plug or damaged seal.Locate point
of oil leakage and replace damaged O-ring or seal.
Inlet injection will not siphon chemical.Check valve in strainer
clogged.Clean or replace. Rinse after each use.
Chemical valve not open or clogged.Open chemical valve or clean.
Strainer not submerged in solution.Submerge strainer and replenish
chemical.
Detergent hose cut or kinkedInspect hose, replace as necessary.
Water is emitted from the chemical pickup tubeCheck valve
malfunctioning.Repair or replace check valve.
Downstream injector will not siphon chemical.Brass knob on injector
is closed.Open by turning counter clockwise.
Unit not in low pressure mode.Open dual wand or install low
pressure tip.
Detergent hose cut or kinked.Inspect hose, replace as required.
Strainer plugged or not submerged.Check screen on strainer pickup
tube.
Internal injector parts corroded or stuck.Disassemble, clean or
replace.
Outlet water temperature too high.Use with cold water (150º
Maximum)
Heating Burner System - Diesel Fired | Top
ProblemProbable CauseRemedy
Burner will not fire.
WARNING: High voltage on igniter can cause electrical shock.
Disconnect power before servicing.Burner switch not on.Turn switch
on; Thermostat on if equipped.
Diesel fuel level low.Fill burner tank with #2 diesel.
Trigger on spray gun not pulled.Squeeze trigger to fire burner.
Fuel filter plugged.Clean fuel filter.
Spray nozzle plugged.Clean spray nozzle.
Overload on burner motor tripped.Reset overload, locate source of
overload.
Nozzle not in wand.Install nozzle in wand.
Low water pump pressure.See pumping systems trouble shooting.
Fuel pump or nozzle stopped.Check fuel pressure, filter, fuel
lines. Replace fuel pump and/or nozzle.
Flow/Pressure or temperature switch faulty.Check electrical
continuity with pump spraying and burner on.
Fuel solenoid valve faulty.Replace fuel valve if it does not open
when power is applied.
Low generator voltage output.Adjust generator RPM for proper
voltage under full load conditions.
Burner relay faulty (12-V Burner only)Replace burner relay.
Burner will not fire, plus diesel fumes are emitted from the exhaust
port.
WARNING: Replace insulation. Unburned fuel can saturate it and cause
a fire.Fuel to air ratio out of adjustment.Set air band and fuel
pressure to specs.
Fuel nozzle partially clogged.Replace nozzle of proper size.
Ignition transformer not providing spark to fuel.Replace ignition
transformer, clean and adjust electrodes.
Burner fires and smokes.Fuel to air ratio out of adjustment.Set air
band and fuel pressure to specs.
Excessive soot on coils.Clean soot off to improve air flow.
Improper voltage at burnerAdjust RPM of generator (if equipped)
Discharge water temperature exceeds recommended operating
temperature.Burner input too high for conditions.Decrease fuel pump
pressure and/or fuel nozzle size.
Water flow restricted.Clean or replace nozzle of proper size.
Descale coil and clear obstructions.
High temperature limit switch faulty or set too high.Replace or
reset temperature limit switch.
Burner continues to fire even when trigger on spray gun is
releasedFlow/Pressure/Vacuum switch.Replace switch.
Discharge water temperature not reaching maximum operating
temperature.Burner input too low for conditionsIncrease fuel pump
pressure and/or fuel nozzle size.
Battery keeps losing voltage. (For 12 volt burner systems)Battery
voltage Low.Have battery checked and load test, charge if low and
replace if necessary. Allow water to cool 2 min. before shutting off
engine.
RPM too low.Engine RPM should be 3600 RPM w/no load.
Engine charging system faulty.Check engine charging system - Must
have 16 Amp output.
Electrodes misadjusted.Adjust electrodes to maximum 1/8" gap.
Fuel pump pressure too high.Fuel pump pressure should be
approximately 100 to 110 PSI.
Air band too far open.Adjust for proper burn.
Burner amp draw too high.Check amp draw of burner motor - should be
13 amp or less. Check amp draw of transformer should be 4.2 or less.
Heating/Burner System - Natural Gas or Liquid Propane Fired | Top
Problem Probable CauseRemedy
Pilot will not light, burner will not fire.Burner switch not on.Turn
switch on.
Trigger not pulled.Pull trigger. Burner should fire only when
trigger is pulled.
Gas valve turned off.Turn gas valve on.
No voltage to valve.Check for 24 VAC between pilot valve(PV) and
PV/MV. Valve will operate between 20.5 and 28.5 VAC.
Pilot orifice plugged.Remove orifice & clean.
Defective ignition module.Check for 24 VAC incoming @ 24v & 24v
ground. (If you get voltage to module, but not through module,
replace.)
Defective transformerCheck for 24v output. If no voltage, replace.
Defective flow switch.Replace.
Defective thermostat.Replace.
Faulty rocker switch.Replace.
Igniter not working.Test for spark. Test for continuity between
ignition wire and ground.
WARNING: High voltage igniter can cause electrical shock.
Pilot lights, but burner will not fire.Check for 24 VAC between main
valve (MV) and PV/MV.If no VAC @ valve, replace module. If you get
voltage, replace valve.
Burner fires, but goes out.Check for continuity between ignition
cable and ground wire.Assure good ground.
Faulty ignition module.Replace module.
Excess draft.Protect from windy conditions.
NG or LP odor is present.
WARNING: Check all NG / LP connections with soap solution before
operation.Gas leak ahead of valve.Turn gas off. Call gas supplier.
Lockout not working.Replace module.
Valve stuck.Turn main gas valve off. Replace valve.
Discharge water temperature to high.Faulty thermostat.Replace.
Water restriction.Clean or replace spray nozzle, descale coil,
remove obstructions.
Incoming gas pressure to high.Lower gas pressure.
Discharge water temperature not reaching maximum operating
temperature.Worn spray nozzle.Replace spray nozzle with proper size.
Gas pressure too low.Increase gas pressure or install additional
jets.
Draft under burner manifold.Prevent down draft with installation of
down draft diverter. Prevent side draft with non-flammable barrier.
Burner continues to fire even when water is not being sprayed.Faulty
flow switch.Replace.
Main gas valve stuck open.Replace main gas valve.
Valve has had water sprayed on it. Has been submerged in water and
does not work.Flood or accidental spraying.Replace valve: Do not
attempt to repair or clean out.
Ignition module has been subjected to water or moisture.Flood or
accidental spraying.Replace module: Do not attempt to repair.
Here is a General Repair guide.
Probable causes are listed with most likely cause first. - Repairs should
be made by qualified technicians only.
Power System: Gasoline or Diesel Driven
ProblemProbable CauseRemedy
Engine will not start or crank over.Battery dead.Charge or replace
battery, add electrolyte if battery is new
Battery cables disconnectedConnect or replace damaged cables.
Engine, pump, or gearbox is seized.Replace or repair seized part.
Starter on engine defective.Repair or replace starter.
Engine will not start but will crank overEngine power switch is off
or defective.Check engine power switch.
Low oil shut down is activated.Add oil to engine, check more
frequently.
Low on fuel.Fill with the appropriate fuel, bleed injector pump on
diesel engines.
Fuel filter is clogged.Replace or clean fuel filter, bleed injector
pump on diesel engines.
Engine flooded or starved.Choke only as required (not diesel).
Engine bogs down under load, whenever spray gun is triggered.Engine
needs to be repaired or replaced.See engine manual or engine dealer.
Operating in high elevation.Lower the pressure on the unit and
check for correct engine speed (RPM).
Carbon deposits on cylinder head.Remove head and wire brush
deposits.
Power System: Electric Driven | Top
ProblemProbable CauseRemedy
Electric motor does not start.No electric power.Check cord, plug,
socket, and breaker.
Thermal overload in the motor/or starter has been tripped.Reset
manual overload by depressing the thermal switch on the outside of
the motor or starter after the motor has cooled. CAUTION! Automatic
overload will restart the motor automatically when it has cooled.
Power switch inoperative.Check power switch.
Electric motor or wiring failure.Replace or repair motor and/or
wiring.
Pumping System | Top
ProblemProbable CauseRemedy
Trigger gun leaks or will not shut off.Debris in gun valve
assembly.Clean valve assembly or replace gun.
Pump runs but there is no spray pressure.Water turned off.Turn water
on.
Nozzle is plugged.Clean or replace with proper size.
Inlet chemical injection valve is open, without the end of the
pickup tube inserted into detergent.Close soap valve or submerge
detergent pickup tube into solution.
Coil on hot water machines is obstructed.Clean obstruction or scale
deposits from coil with coil cleaner.
Pump runs but has low spray pressure.Nozzle not installed.Install
Nozzle.
Dual wand valve is open.Dual wand valve must be closed and high
pressure nozzle installed.
Leaky discharge hose or quick coupler.Replace hose, quick coupler,
or o-ring in the quick coupler.
Inlet strainer clogged.Clean and check more frequently.
Worn or wrong size nozzle.Replace nozzle of proper size.
Belt slippageTighten or replace with correct belt.
Unloader valve worn or improperly adjusted.Install pressure gauge
on pump head to adjust pressure. Check valve seat on Unloader.
Air leak in inlet plumbing.Reseal fittings and inspect inlet hoses
for air leaks.
Pump runs but there is erratic, fluctuating pressure.Inadequate
incoming water supply.Increase water supply flow.
Stuck inlet or discharge valves.Clean out or replace worn valves
Restricted inlet or air entering the inlet plumbing on the
pump.Check fittings and hose for air tight seal, clean inlet
strainer screen.
Leaking H.P. seals.Replace seals.
Leaking L.P. seals.Pressure feed the pump and replace L.P. seals if
water leaks from the pump head.
Excessive crankshaft play or loud, knocking noise in pump.Broken or
worn bearing or connecting rod in crankcase.Replace pump or bearing.
Oil leaking from pump.Loose drain plug or damaged seal.Locate point
of oil leakage and replace damaged O-ring or seal.
Inlet injection will not siphon chemical.Check valve in strainer
clogged.Clean or replace. Rinse after each use.
Chemical valve not open or clogged.Open chemical valve or clean.
Strainer not submerged in solution.Submerge strainer and replenish
chemical.
Detergent hose cut or kinkedInspect hose, replace as necessary.
Water is emitted from the chemical pickup tubeCheck valve
malfunctioning.Repair or replace check valve.
Downstream injector will not siphon chemical.Brass knob on injector
is closed.Open by turning counter clockwise.
Unit not in low pressure mode.Open dual wand or install low
pressure tip.
Detergent hose cut or kinked.Inspect hose, replace as required.
Strainer plugged or not submerged.Check screen on strainer pickup
tube.
Internal injector parts corroded or stuck.Disassemble, clean or
replace.
Outlet water temperature too high.Use with cold water (150º
Maximum)
Heating Burner System - Diesel Fired | Top
ProblemProbable CauseRemedy
Burner will not fire.
WARNING: High voltage on igniter can cause electrical shock.
Disconnect power before servicing.Burner switch not on.Turn switch
on; Thermostat on if equipped.
Diesel fuel level low.Fill burner tank with #2 diesel.
Trigger on spray gun not pulled.Squeeze trigger to fire burner.
Fuel filter plugged.Clean fuel filter.
Spray nozzle plugged.Clean spray nozzle.
Overload on burner motor tripped.Reset overload, locate source of
overload.
Nozzle not in wand.Install nozzle in wand.
Low water pump pressure.See pumping systems trouble shooting.
Fuel pump or nozzle stopped.Check fuel pressure, filter, fuel
lines. Replace fuel pump and/or nozzle.
Flow/Pressure or temperature switch faulty.Check electrical
continuity with pump spraying and burner on.
Fuel solenoid valve faulty.Replace fuel valve if it does not open
when power is applied.
Low generator voltage output.Adjust generator RPM for proper
voltage under full load conditions.
Burner relay faulty (12-V Burner only)Replace burner relay.
Burner will not fire, plus diesel fumes are emitted from the exhaust
port.
WARNING: Replace insulation. Unburned fuel can saturate it and cause
a fire.Fuel to air ratio out of adjustment.Set air band and fuel
pressure to specs.
Fuel nozzle partially clogged.Replace nozzle of proper size.
Ignition transformer not providing spark to fuel.Replace ignition
transformer, clean and adjust electrodes.
Burner fires and smokes.Fuel to air ratio out of adjustment.Set air
band and fuel pressure to specs.
Excessive soot on coils.Clean soot off to improve air flow.
Improper voltage at burnerAdjust RPM of generator (if equipped)
Discharge water temperature exceeds recommended operating
temperature.Burner input too high for conditions.Decrease fuel pump
pressure and/or fuel nozzle size.
Water flow restricted.Clean or replace nozzle of proper size.
Descale coil and clear obstructions.
High temperature limit switch faulty or set too high.Replace or
reset temperature limit switch.
Burner continues to fire even when trigger on spray gun is
releasedFlow/Pressure/Vacuum switch.Replace switch.
Discharge water temperature not reaching maximum operating
temperature.Burner input too low for conditionsIncrease fuel pump
pressure and/or fuel nozzle size.
Battery keeps losing voltage. (For 12 volt burner systems)Battery
voltage Low.Have battery checked and load test, charge if low and
replace if necessary. Allow water to cool 2 min. before shutting off
engine.
RPM too low.Engine RPM should be 3600 RPM w/no load.
Engine charging system faulty.Check engine charging system - Must
have 16 Amp output.
Electrodes misadjusted.Adjust electrodes to maximum 1/8" gap.
Fuel pump pressure too high.Fuel pump pressure should be
approximately 100 to 110 PSI.
Air band too far open.Adjust for proper burn.
Burner amp draw too high.Check amp draw of burner motor - should be
13 amp or less. Check amp draw of transformer should be 4.2 or less.
Heating/Burner System - Natural Gas or Liquid Propane Fired | Top
Problem Probable CauseRemedy
Pilot will not light, burner will not fire.Burner switch not on.Turn
switch on.
Trigger not pulled.Pull trigger. Burner should fire only when
trigger is pulled.
Gas valve turned off.Turn gas valve on.
No voltage to valve.Check for 24 VAC between pilot valve(PV) and
PV/MV. Valve will operate between 20.5 and 28.5 VAC.
Pilot orifice plugged.Remove orifice & clean.
Defective ignition module.Check for 24 VAC incoming @ 24v & 24v
ground. (If you get voltage to module, but not through module,
replace.)
Defective transformerCheck for 24v output. If no voltage, replace.
Defective flow switch.Replace.
Defective thermostat.Replace.
Faulty rocker switch.Replace.
Igniter not working.Test for spark. Test for continuity between
ignition wire and ground.
WARNING: High voltage igniter can cause electrical shock.
Pilot lights, but burner will not fire.Check for 24 VAC between main
valve (MV) and PV/MV.If no VAC @ valve, replace module. If you get
voltage, replace valve.
Burner fires, but goes out.Check for continuity between ignition
cable and ground wire.Assure good ground.
Faulty ignition module.Replace module.
Excess draft.Protect from windy conditions.
NG or LP odor is present.
WARNING: Check all NG / LP connections with soap solution before
operation.Gas leak ahead of valve.Turn gas off. Call gas supplier.
Lockout not working.Replace module.
Valve stuck.Turn main gas valve off. Replace valve.
Discharge water temperature to high.Faulty thermostat.Replace.
Water restriction.Clean or replace spray nozzle, descale coil,
remove obstructions.
Incoming gas pressure to high.Lower gas pressure.
Discharge water temperature not reaching maximum operating
temperature.Worn spray nozzle.Replace spray nozzle with proper size.
Gas pressure too low.Increase gas pressure or install additional
jets.
Draft under burner manifold.Prevent down draft with installation of
down draft diverter. Prevent side draft with non-flammable barrier.
Burner continues to fire even when water is not being sprayed.Faulty
flow switch.Replace.
Main gas valve stuck open.Replace main gas valve.
Valve has had water sprayed on it. Has been submerged in water and
does not work.Flood or accidental spraying.Replace valve: Do not
attempt to repair or clean out.
Ignition module has been subjected to water or moisture.Flood or
accidental spraying.Replace module: Do not attempt to repair.
Hey Mark & Wiz,
Thought I would let you know with the help of Andrew Wheatley who is new to the board...I found the problem with my burner not firing. Turns out it was the burner switch that was bad. Replaced it today along with a new dummy light that went bad months ago.
Thanks a bunch Andrew! [flag]
Thought I would let you know with the help of Andrew Wheatley who is new to the board...I found the problem with my burner not firing. Turns out it was the burner switch that was bad. Replaced it today along with a new dummy light that went bad months ago.
Thanks a bunch Andrew! [flag]