Setting Fuel Pressure: Suntec Oil Pump Guide

If you're experiencing issues with your Suntec oil pump leaking oil, you may need to adjust the fuel pressure. This can be done by locating the oil pressure adjusting screw and turning it to obtain the desired PSI. The correct PSI for your pump will depend on the specifications of your boiler/burner combination, and it's important to make adjustments gradually and with caution, as incorrect pressure can lead to improper combustion.

Locate the oil pressure adjusting screw

To locate the oil pressure adjusting screw on a Suntec oil pump, follow these steps:

Firstly, refer to the manual or instructions that came with your Suntec oil pump. This should provide a diagram and detailed instructions on how to locate the oil pressure adjusting screw.

If you do not have access to the manual, you can attempt to locate the oil pressure adjusting screw by following these general steps, as described by users of Suntec oil pumps:

• The oil pressure adjusting screw is typically located on the upper side of the pump, facing away from the boiler.
• Look for a 'big ole nut' with a screw adjustment in the center.
• The screw adjustment in the center is the oil pressure adjusting screw.
• You can attach a pressure gauge to the port on the top of the pump, which is usually 1/8" NPT. Alternatively, you can attach it to the nozzle port, but the top port is generally easier to access.

Once you have located the oil pressure adjusting screw, you can proceed to adjust the oil pressure to the desired setting, as specified in the manual or by a professional. It is important to exercise caution and follow the appropriate safety procedures when working with oil pumps and boilers.

Turn the screw to obtain 140 PSI pressure

To obtain 140 PSI pressure on a Suntec oil pump, you must first locate the oil pressure adjusting screw. This screw is usually found on the upper side of the pump, facing away from the boiler. It is accompanied by a large nut with a screw adjustment in the centre.

Once you have located the screw, you can attach a pressure gauge to the port on the top of the pump. This is a 1/8" NPT port. Alternatively, you can attach the gauge to the nozzle port, although attaching it to the top port is generally easier.

After attaching the gauge, start the burner and adjust the screw until the desired pressure of 140 PSI is reached. It is important to note that the pump pressure should correspond to the specifications of your boiler/burner combination.

Additionally, when making adjustments to the pump pressure, it is crucial to also make the necessary air adjustments to ensure proper combustion. The use of instruments is recommended to obtain accurate final results.

Check the boiler/burner specs

Checking the boiler/burner specs is an important step in setting the fuel pressure for a Suntec oil pump. Here are some detailed instructions on how to do this:

First, determine the type of tube system you have. If you have a one-tube system, ensure the internal bypass plug is removed. For a two-pipe system, the plug must be installed. This is important because it affects the internal pressure and the integrity of the seals.

Next, find the boiler manual. Most older systems operate at 100 PSI, but it's important to confirm this in the manual. Additionally, check the GPH nozzle specification and the BTUH INPUT rating of the boiler. With this information, you can deduce the required pump pressure.

If your system requires a higher pressure, such as 140 PSI, you'll need to make adjustments. Refer to the boiler manual and any available technical information for specific instructions on how to adjust the pressure for your particular boiler model.

It's important to note that changing the pump pressure is just one aspect. As mentioned by one user, "It's the air adjustments that must be made to accommodate that pressure for proper combustion." Therefore, ensure you have access to the right instruments to make these adjustments and obtain final results.

By carefully checking the boiler/burner specifications and following the necessary adjustment procedures, you can ensure your Suntec oil pump is set to the correct fuel pressure for safe and efficient operation.

Use a Snap-on automotive style pressure gauge

If you have a Snap-on automotive style pressure gauge, you can use it to set the fuel pressure on a Suntec oil pump. Here's how:

First, check if your system uses one or two tubes between the tank and the pump. This is important because Suntec pumps have an internal bypass plug that must be removed for one-pipe systems and installed for two-pipe systems. The new pump will come with the plug not installed and packed separately in the box.

Next, locate the pressure adjustment screw on the upper side of the pump, facing away from the boiler. There will be a large nut with a screw adjustment in the centre. You can attach the Snap-on gauge to the port on the top of the pump, which is 1/8" NPT. Alternatively, you can attach it to the nozzle port, but the top port is much easier to access.

Once the gauge is attached, start the burner and adjust the pressure to the specified level. For most older systems, this will be 100 PSI, but you should check the specifications for your particular boiler/burner combination. If you have a Burnham PV74WBT boiler, the pressure should be set to 140 PSI.

It is important to note that changing the pump pressure is just one part of the process. You will also need to make air adjustments to accommodate the pressure for proper combustion. Instruments should be used to obtain final results.

Adjust the pressure with an Allen wrench

To adjust the pressure with an Allen wrench, you will need to first remove the bleeder and put a gauge in its place. Then, remove the appropriate plug and adjust the pressure with the Allen wrench.

It is important to note that you should find out what your current pump pressure is before making any adjustments. Changing the pressure is easy, but air adjustments must also be made to accommodate the new pressure for proper combustion. Therefore, it is recommended to use instruments to obtain final results.

Additionally, when checking the strainer in your fuel pump, you can remove the four screws on the front cover with a 5/32 Allen wrench.

Frequently asked questions