Firebird Oil Boiler not firing

Murtimus

So we ran out of oil, got it refilled but the boiler won’t fire up. I’m assuming it is airlocked but want to make sure I’m doing the right steps first.

I have some pictures of the boiler here.

https://imgur.com/gallery/Bqv11ks

Through a search I found it should be the bit that I can open with an Allan key in the left.

Any help would be much appreciated.

Wearb

In the second pic it's the allen screw closest to the camera. It's in that cylindrical part that stands apart from the other 4 allen screws in that vicinity. Loosen it back a couple of turns and (assuming there is enough oil in the tank) oil will eventually come out around the allen screw.

From the first pic, your fire valve looks to be turned off.

There is also evidence of leaking "fumes". Whole lot looks like it need a good service.

Clean up that insulation before it gets into the air intake and causes lots of problems.

Murtimus

Wearb wrote: »

In the second pic it's the allen screw closest to the camera. It's in that cylindrical part that stands apart from the other 4 allen screws in that vicinity. Loosen it back a couple of turns and (assuming there is enough oil in the tank) oil will eventually come out around the allen screw.

From the first pic, your fire valve looks to be turned off.

There is also evidence of leaking "fumes". Whole lot looks like it need a good service.

Clean up that insulation before it gets into the air intake and causes lots of problems.

Thanks for the quick response. Perfect!

I will clear out the insulation and give that a go. Will it take a few minutes for the oil to come through? We just topped the tank up by about 300 litres so there is oil in the tank.

I’ve reached out to our usual plumber already but he is quite busy so I thought I’d see what I could do in the meantime to get it running. When he is available I’ll mention about the service.

Wearb

Murtimus wrote: »

Thanks for the quick response. Perfect!

I will clear out the insulation and give that a go. Will it take a few minutes for the oil to come through? We just topped the tank up by about 300 litres so there is oil in the tank.

I’ve reached out to our usual plumber already but he is quite busy so I thought I’d see what I could do in the meantime to get it running. When he is available I’ll mention about the service.

With just 300L - less than 1/3 rd full - it might take a few minutes for oil to come through. If airlocked it might not at all. Give it 5 minutes but don't walk away from it.
Have you checked the fire valve?

Wearb

Murtimus wrote: »

I’ve reached out to our usual plumber already but he is quite busy so I thought I’d see what I could do in the meantime to get it running. When he is available I’ll mention about the service.

A lot of plumbers are not properly equipped for servicing. You might be better getting a dedicated service tech. Just check -with whoever you ask- if they will give you a printed combustion report, if not then find one who will.

Murtimus

Wearb wrote: »

With just 300L - less than 1/3 rd full - it might take a few minutes for oil to come through. If airlocked it might not at all. Give it 5 minutes but don't walk away from it.
Have you checked the fire valve?

Took a picture of the valve, seems to be open

https://imgur.com/gallery/uexnQDs

Gave it a few minutes and no oil came through, will try again and give it a bit longer and see.

Wearb

Yes, that's most likely open.



300L might not be enough to clear the airlock without help. As I said, give it about 5 minutes.

Wearb

If you're still stuck...

In your first pic there is a shiny hex bolt at 5 o clock from the Allen you are working on. Tighten the Allen screw. Loosen the hex about a turn and see if you can get the pump to clear the air lock by pressing the reset button a few times.

Murtimus

Wearb wrote: »

If you're still stuck...

In your first pic there is a shiny hex bolt at 5 o clock from the Allen you are working on. Tighten the Allen screw. Loosen the hex about a turn and see if you can get the pump to clear the air lock by pressing the reset button a few times.

Gave the Allen screw about 10 minutes but nothing coming through. So I will give that a shot in the morning and see.

John.G

Those fire valves can be a bit deceiving because when shut (unlikely, I know) the spindle will still protrude a few mm, shut it (clockwise) and then reopen it, it only takes ~ 2 full turns.
Also remove the flexible hose where it is connected to the pump body, that will prove at least, that you have oil as far as the pump.

Wearb

John G could be right about the fire valve. Though if you are certain that no one interfered with it since boiler last working, then it's most likely ok.

Those spindles often spin with the wheel and spindle sometimes need to be gently grabbed with pliers while turning the wheel.

Murtimus

So, loosened the hex, and also closed and opened the fire valve. And lo and behold it fired up! Can’t thank you guys enough! I will be following up with the plumber to make sure it gets serviced and sorted. But at least for the moment we’ll be warm.