Katerina Swanson
If your oil furnace won't start, there may be air in the fuel line. To fix this, you'll need to bleed the furnace by removing the air. This can be done by placing a bucket under the bleed screw and loosening it with a wrench or pliers. You'll then need to push the reset button on the furnace, which will start the bleed process. Once the furnace pushes out all the air from the line, tighten the screw and let the furnace run.
How to Bleed a Fuel Line Furnace
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Step 1 | Place a small bucket or pan under the bleed screw to catch any fuel that sputters out. |
| Step 2 | Use a small crescent wrench or pliers to slightly loosen the bleed screw. |
| Step 3 | Push the reset button on the furnace to turn it back on. As the furnace starts to suck fuel in, air and fuel will spit out of the bleed screw. |
| Step 4 | Keep your pliers or wrench on the screw ready to tighten it. |
| Step 5 | If the furnace cycle ends before the air and fuel mixture stops sputtering, push the reset button again to continue the bleed process until the furnace pushes out all the air from the line. |
| Step 6 | Tighten the screw as soon as the air stops sputtering out and a steady stream of fuel pours out. |
| Step 7 | Let the furnace continue to run. |
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What You'll Learn
Place a bucket under the bleed screw to catch any sputtering fuel
Bleeding a furnace, also known as "bleeding the lines" or "purging the system", is the process of removing trapped air and old oil from the heating system. This is necessary when there is reduced heating efficiency or even complete HVAC system failure. It is important to note that furnace equipment gets extremely hot and is connected to electricity, so safety precautions must be taken.
Now, placing a bucket under the bleed screw is a crucial step in the process of bleeding a fuel line furnace. This is because, as you loosen the bleed screw, a mixture of air and fuel will sputter out. The bucket will catch this sputtering fuel, preventing it from spilling onto the floor, which could create a slipping hazard. Oil spills can be dangerous, so it is important to have a bucket or tray in place to catch any spills or splashes.
If the bleed screw is in an area where it is not possible to place a bucket directly underneath, you can use flexible tubing. Simply attach one end of the tubing to the bleed screw and place the other end in a bucket or tray. This will direct the sputtering fuel into the bucket, ensuring it is safely contained.
It is also important to note that you should only slightly loosen the bleed screw. This is to ensure that excess oil does not drip out. A small amount of oil spillage is normal, and this is what the bucket is for. However, you want to avoid excess oil spilling out, as it can be a hazard and create a mess. Keep your pliers or wrench on the screw, ready to tighten it once the air is out of the lines and a steady stream of fuel pours out.
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Loosen the bleed screw with a wrench or pliers
When bleeding a fuel line furnace, it is important to keep your pliers or a wrench on hand to loosen the bleed screw. This process is simple but can be forgotten if not performed regularly. Before you begin, place a small bucket or pan under the bleed screw to catch any fuel that may sputter out. If this is not possible due to space constraints, use flexible tubing that fits over the bleed screw and direct the fuel sputter to an area where you can place a bucket or pan.
Once you have the necessary tools and protection in place, use a small crescent wrench or pliers to slightly loosen the bleed screw. Be careful not to loosen it too much, as you want to ensure that the screw remains on the pump. Keep your pliers or wrench on the screw, so you are ready to tighten it once the air stops sputtering out, and a steady stream of fuel pours out. Tightening the screw at the right time is crucial to prevent it from being too tight, which can lead to costly replacement projects.
If you accidentally over-tighten the bleed screw and it won't seal, you may need to replace the pump. This is because the screw threads may be stripped, and trying to seal it with alternative methods like Teflon tape is not advisable as it could lead to a disaster if the seal breaks when you are away. Therefore, it is recommended to consult a reliable oil burner service person or a furnace outfit to address any issues with the bleed screw or pump.
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Push the reset button to turn the furnace on
To turn on your furnace by pushing the reset button, you must first identify the location of the reset button. The location of the reset button on a furnace may vary depending on the make and model of the heating system. Generally, the reset button can be found inside the air handler, which is either next to or above the furnace. It is usually located inside the blower compartment on the side of the blower motor. The reset button is typically red or yellow.
Once you have located the reset button, it is important to exercise caution when pressing it. Make sure that you have addressed the underlying issue that caused the furnace to shut down in the first place. This could be due to a variety of reasons, such as a dirty flame sensor, a dirty air filter, or a loss of fuel. For example, if you have an oil furnace, check the oil gauge to ensure that the furnace has enough fuel. If the needle or line on the gauge is in the red, you need to refill the oil tank.
After addressing any potential issues, you can proceed to press the reset button. If the button is popped up, press it down. Give the unit a few seconds to reset and begin running again. If the furnace doesn't start up, you can try pressing it one more time. However, if the furnace turns on and then shuts off again, do not repeatedly press the reset button as this can cause further damage by pumping excess oil into the furnace.
If the furnace continues to shut down after pressing the reset button, it is recommended to call a professional furnace repair service. They will be able to diagnose the issue and provide the necessary repairs to ensure the safe and proper functioning of your furnace.
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Tighten the bleed screw once air stops sputtering out
Bleeding a fuel line furnace is a relatively straightforward DIY task that can save you time and money. It involves removing air from the fuel line to ensure a smooth oil flow to the burner. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide on tightening the bleed screw once the air stops sputtering out:
Locate the Bleed Screw: The bleed screw is typically located where the fuel line connects to the burner. It is often a small, hexagonal or slotted screw. Before beginning the process, refer to the manual to determine if you need an Allen key or a wrench to fit the bleed screw.
Prepare the Work Area: Place a small bucket or pan under the bleed screw to catch any fuel that may sputter out during the process. If the screw is in an inaccessible location, use flexible tubing that fits over the bleed screw and direct it to an area where you can place a bucket or pan.
Loosen the Bleed Screw: Using a small crescent wrench or pliers, slightly loosen the bleed screw. Ensure that the screw remains on the pump and is only slightly loose, so it doesn't fall off when you bleed the furnace.
Initiate the Bleeding Process: Push the reset button on the furnace to turn it on. As the furnace starts to draw fuel, a mixture of air and fuel will sputter out of the bleed screw. Keep your pliers or wrench handy to tighten the screw as soon as the air stops sputtering.
Tighten the Bleed Screw: Once you observe a steady stream of fuel without air bubbles, it's time to tighten the bleed screw. Carefully turn the screw clockwise until it's snug. Be cautious not to over-tighten the screw, as replacing a stripped bleed screw can be costly.
Complete the Process: After tightening the bleed screw, turn the furnace back on and let it run for a few minutes. The burner should now operate smoothly, without any sputtering or hesitation. If the furnace runs normally, you have successfully bled your furnace.
Remember, if you are uncomfortable with any part of this process, it is best to contact a professional for assistance.
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Override lockout by holding the reset button if the furnace doesn't kick in
If your furnace is locked out, it will most likely remain in that state until it is manually reset. Modern furnaces are equipped with safety sensors that monitor the entire heating cycle to ensure safe operating conditions. If an unsafe condition is detected, the furnace will shut down to prevent safety hazards or damage to the unit. This is known as an ignition lockout, and it can be caused by a number of different sensors in your furnace.
Some furnaces may have a lockout system that won't allow you to reset more than once or twice. If this happens, you can override the lockout by holding the reset button until the furnace kicks in again. This is the only time you should hold the reset button down for an extended period of time—if you are not bleeding the line, do not hold the reset button down for more than a couple of tries.
Before performing a lockout reset, it is important to identify and remedy the problem that caused the lockout in the first place. For example, if the furnace vents are obstructed, you can use a shop vacuum to clear the blockage. However, in many cases, it is best to call an HVAC company to replace the clogged section of the pipe.
If you are unable to identify the cause of the lockout or are uncomfortable performing the reset procedure yourself, it is best to call a licensed HVAC technician to inspect your unit and perform the necessary tests and repairs.
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Frequently asked questions
Check that the furnace is on and that there is fuel oil.
Place a small bucket or pan under the bleed screw to catch any fuel that sputters out.
Use a flexible tube that fits over the bleed screw and direct it to an area where you can fit a bucket or pan.
Loosen the bleed screw with a small crescent wrench or pliers. Make sure the screw remains on the pump and is only slightly loose so that it doesn't fall off.
Push the reset button again to continue the bleed process until the furnace pushes out all the air from the line.
