Annual Boiler Tuneup Checklist

Here’s what your technician should be doing when he services your boiler. ers and boilers that also produce
domestic hot water require other
VISUAL INSPECTION checks not mentioned here.) An
1 Check for significant corrosion on the boiler’s outer
sheetmetal, its cast-iron sections, flue, electrical inspection this thorough would like-
9
controls, nearby piping and components. ly cost between $200 and $250. A
1
2 Check above-ground oil tanks and lines for leakage. basic burner inspection and adjust-
3 The boiler should have an oil shutoff valve positioned
before the fuel filter cartridge. Install one if needed, ment may be half that amount.
2
5
preferably one that cuts off fuel flow in the event of
3
4 7
6 9
a fire. Replace compression fittings on oil lines with Fading Fiberglass
flare fittings.
8 1
4 Make sure the burner’s air inlets and shutters are free
I have an old, crimson-colored
9
of lint and dust. fiberglass football stadium bench
9 1 5 Open the boiler top or look through the inspection that is starting to fade. What can
2 1 port to check for cracks in the firebox or on the target
5
3 wall (the fire clay box or wall that the burner fires into
I use to protect it from further
6
7
4
8 or against). sunlight damage?
2 1
5 6 Remove the burner electrode assembly. Check the STEVE ELLIS
32 5 6
electrodes and their porcelains. Adjust the electrode Euless, TX
34 7 6
4 7 8 spacing.
8 7 Check the transformer bushings, springs and ignition I contacted The Flood Co. (flood
2
wiring. .com) to answer your question
8 Check the burner motor shaft for end play. Lubricate
3 41 because it makes a variety of paint
the burner motor and circulators if they are not
permanently lubricated types. additives and liquid surface-treat-
1
9 Check the draft regulator for free movement. ment products that protect wood,
1 2 CLEANING fiberglass and vinyl. The company
1 Remove the boiler flue sections. Brush and vacuum recommended a two-step process.
3 4 them clean.
2 2 Brush clean the surfaces of the boiler sections.
First, you should clean the bench
2 8
7 3 Clean the cadmium-sulfide flame sensor (the cad-cell with Dekswood Deck Cleaner and
3 4 eye), check its alignment and check its wires. Brightener and then apply Penetrol
3 4 3 4 Clean the burner air tube.
Oil-Based Paint Additive.
OPERATION (ADJUSTMENT AND ANALYSIS)
1 2 I was surprised to learn that
1 Remove the limit control housing and check the
7
5 8 temperature settings of the high-limit and low-limit although Penetrol is used primarily
4
6
controls. to make oil-based (alkyd) paints
2 Fire the boiler and check gauge readings for correct
3
8
easier to apply, it also can be used
7 boiler water temperature and pressure. Adjust the
7
1 2
8 boiler controls to produce correct gauge readings. by itself to restore and improve the
3 3 Measure flue gas temperature and use a combustion luster of fiberglass.
5 gas analyzer to read the percentage of combustion
4
3 Flood recommends a yearly
6 1
2 chemicals (carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide).
1 2 Adjust the burner if needed. application of the products when
5
4
4 Check the burner’s flame shape. Again, adjust the needed to protect fiberglass in harsh
5
6 4 burner to correct if necessary. environments.
5 Check the pressure and the oxygen content of the
PHOTOGRAPH BY ZACH DESART (HAND GRIP, OPPOSITE PAGE)
6
combustion gas over the fire.
6 Check the oil pump for leaks and perform a pressure Toilet Leaks at Base
test. Our toilets seem to leak around
1 2 7 Flip the boiler’s Emergency Switch while the boiler
is firing to check that it cuts off the boiler.
the base where they are attached
8 Adjust wall thermostat settings to check that the to the floor. What type of sealant
boiler responds to them. can I use to stop the leak?
PARTS REPLACEMENT DONNY DAVIS
1 2 1 Replace the fuel filter. Auburn, AL
2 Replace the burner nozzle.
First, you have to be sure that
DOCUMENTATION
1 2 1 Present the homeowner with a service sheet that what you are seeing is a leak and
1 2
lists the chemical contents of the combustion not merely condensation running
gas, temperature and pressure readings, parts down the outside of the bowl. Cold
replacements and the boiler’s efficiency number.
2 Install a hang tag on the boiler with basic efficiency water in the toilet and high indoor
and operation data and date of the tuneup. humidity will result in condensation

94 FEBRUARY 2006 • POPULAR MECHANICS