Cleaning the furnace (oil) and a question

**Roadking** · #1 02/18/15, 04:19 PM

I goofed and forgot to get our oil furnace and that chimney done this year (usually every other year and I was off).

I've done the chimney before and I watched them do the furnace...a bloody filthy mess of a job, hence I usually have someone else do it.

My HVAC guy is pretty much done due to health issues, and referred companies are back logged. Guess it's up to me (got soot landing in the snow) to do it tomorrow.

I don't have the propper shop vac type filter, so just going to "sweep and scoop". That should at least tide us over until we get the propper vac and filter...which leads to my question...

Recommend a brand of vac? I know they run from $300 to $1000, but looking for a homeowner friendly version that will be used once a year and eliminate the need to call a service. I used a shop vac with really expensive filter before and came out looking like a 30's movie star in black face.

Will be using the fireplace tonight and tomorrow until done to bolster the heat. Planning for 3 hours as worst case scenario, i.e. running to city for a part if I forgot something.

Thanks in advance.

Have karate and a scout meeting this evening, so won't be back for a bit.

Matt

Sawmill Jim · #2 02/18/15, 05:32 PM

Ah hook you a hose on your leaf blower and let it rip .

The suction side that is .

motdaugrnds · #3 02/18/15, 06:14 PM

Cleaning an "oil" furnace? The company that put mine in told me there would be "no maintenance" and "no cleaning" needs...just keep the filter in front washed once a year and keep the oil drum filled. (This furnace is in a 65x12 trailer and has been working like a charm since 2005.) Thus, my ignorance is sure showing here when I wonder why you're needing to clean your oil furnace...

**Roadking** · #4 02/18/15, 09:33 PM

Oil fired hot water boiler is a better definition.
Soot builds up and accumulates. It's only 8 years old, and needs cleaned out every other year.
Not fun, but a necessity.

Matt

nosqrls · #5 02/20/15, 09:00 AM

It sounds like it is burning rich. Does it have a blower on the burner? the soot is is from incomplete Burn. I have seen people set them up wrong so they have to come out more often.

**Roadking** · #6 02/20/15, 01:17 PM

Yes, seems rich. Last time, they adjusted the nozzel. Need to find a new HVAC guy. He is having health issues.
And our maintenance with him was included in the price of the furnace...not a bill for the cleanings.

Matt

nosqrls · #7 02/20/15, 06:14 PM

Here is a tip for those of you with oil fired furnace/boilers pick up some lucas or power services diesel fuel cleaner or severe cold cleaner / anti gel. about a gal 30$ and pour it in your heating oil tank. Be prepared with one or two filters. it will clean the crude out of the system and injector.

HuskyBoris · #8 02/21/15, 10:52 PM

you could just use a shop vac and a bag filter like you would use for sucking up drywall dust.
last time I cleaned one (last year)that worked ok for me,,the soot is so fine just breathing disturbs it so I also recommend a respirator or at the very least a dust mask,I don't really remember how to adjust the nozzle spray pattern but i am sure you have a manual and can figure it out.
if you want it more fine or more heavy,I prefer fine for "better mileage" sometimes if our oil tank got low my boss would put 5 gallons of kerosene in it to clean everything out and I think it thinned the gunk enough to not clog up the nozzle.

**Ross** · #9 05/03/15, 05:22 PM

Nozzles are not adjustable, they are replaceable and not really much beyond spec. At least not without messing with pump pressure. A .75 80 deg A can be replaced with a .65 80 deg A nozzle if pump pressure is adjusted the burner set up. You don't adjust (change with a new nozzle) spray angle or type just the GPH and pressure. That and air intake are your main adjustments there is a Z adjustment for the drawer assembly but it only has one setting right and wrong. Unless the whole burner was not installed right. You can have a draft issue which is another adjustment, but only if there is too much draft. Too much = flame lifting, too little = back drafting. Well too little is a chimney issue so technically fixable. A dirty furnace usually means poor air adjustment, but could be pump pressure, as a second most likely issue or pump cut off failure or other issues as mentioned but in descending order. Could be a weak ignition too. It's not really that tricky to do just you need the right tools and a good working knowledge of whats supposed to happen. Really not a DIY job.