reillo oil pump jamming?

johneym

Hello folks,

started up the boiler after the renovation. It was out about a year, horsed from here to there. New tank also and oil line. After getting started it was very very smoky and was not heating properly. Cut out a few times and I had to bleed it a few times. Eventually I noticed the oil pump on the side was very hot and soon after no oil at all was being sucked through. Removed pump and discovered little plastic coupling not able to hold around shaft so was probably allowing shaft to remain motionless. Shaft was hard to turn by hand but did eventually free up, but probably not enough. Maybe a new pump is in order but my question is what might have caused such a rapid decline in the pump? Could contaminated oil do this? Dont want to replace anything without first checking the cause. Its an rdb burner.

agusta

johneym wrote: »

Hello folks,

started up the boiler after the renovation. It was out about a year, horsed from here to there. New tank also and oil line. After getting started it was very very smoky and was not heating properly. Cut out a few times and I had to bleed it a few times. Eventually I noticed the oil pump on the side was very hot and soon after no oil at all was being sucked through. Removed pump and discovered little plastic coupling not able to hold around shaft so was probably allowing shaft to remain motionless. Shaft was hard to turn by hand but did eventually free up, but probably not enough. Maybe a new pump is in order but my question is what might have caused such a rapid decline in the pump? Could contaminated oil do this? Dont want to replace anything without first checking the cause. Its an rdb burner.

DO you mean he shaft on the oil pump was stiff to turn?,i dont know what you mean by "little plastic coupling not being able to to hold around shaft"
Yes contaminated oil can do this or water in the bottom tank.this can be checked by checking the filter in the pump.
If a burner is parked up the pump on the burner should be capped with kerosene in it.if not moisture can get into the pump and seize it or make it stiff

DGOBS

Sounds like the pump has had it, if it feels even slightly 'gritty' to turn just replace it. Assume he's talking about the coupling was worn, but this will be caused by the pump sticking.

You will need the correct knowledge to replace, as pump oil pressure will need to be set along the the flue gas analysis to set up the appliance correctly (if not you do place yourself in danger with carbon monoxide) if you do not have the skill set and the right equipment, please get a qualified person to do this for you.

johneym

thanks Dgobs,

yes the pump shaft I was talking about. The coupling was indeed worn and as you say the shaft was sticking. My only priority at the moment is to sort out the cause. Can water seize the pump so quick? I have a feeling the tank may need checking for water or sludge.

Many thanks again,

agusta

thought you have a new tank,yes water will seize the pump pretty much straight away.your correct in finding the cause.you will need to know this before a new pump is fitted

johneym

thanks agusta,

yes tank was newish last feb when fitted and filled with oil on a freezing wet day. Left idle since then and a lot of site messing about since. Especially the line which had to be moved later.

DGOBS

open the pump, you will see inside if water damaged and brown scum in the filter

Tom44

Oil is a lubercant and prevents internal rusting.
A pump left dry and idle often seizes. And damages center pin.

johneym

lads,

ye know ye're stuff. Appreciate the help.

John