Question
I’m starting to wish I had a car that ran on diesel! Just a thought, but if
you
own a house, you could buy a tank (inside or out) and rather than hook it up
to
a furnace, instead just attach a tap where you can fill your gas cans at
Haha, having the oil company come and fill your oil tank would be a lot less
conspicuous then asking if you can have a couple gas cans worth… well, at
least until your getting your tank filled every month… They might wonder
then!

Answers
I wasn’t aware it (furnace oil) was dyed….there are road inspectors who
can and do stop vehicles and check for marked fuel being used for
unauthorized purposes.  They can also determine what percentage has been
“blended” if you have some “legitimate” fuel and some not.  I know someone
personally who was nailed – substantially – for using agricultural (marked)
gasoline in a road vehicle.

Associated Used Furnace Oil Question: Is there an acceptable comparison between natural gas used and furnace oil consumption?
I’m trying to figure out if i used x amount of natural gas per month what would be the comparable amount of furnace oil.

• Answer:It will depend upon the efficiencies of each of the units, but the easiest way to compare them is with $/btu. Your btu/$ comes on your energy bill already(if its in $/btu just put it over 1 ex. 1/ 0.01$/btu). If furnace oil $1.10 per gallon @ 140,000 Btus per gallon: Furnace oil cost= 140,000Btu / $1.10 = 127300BTU/$ There are lots of conversions out there. Energy per dollar is always your best comparison. You can also search your model number of your units online to determine their efficiencies. By multiplying each number by the efficency of the unit will give you your actual heating energy/dollar. Hope that helps!

Associated Used Furnace Oil Question: where can I find a used oil furnace induction unit?
I am trying to build a metal melting furnace. Any other advice is more than welcome.

• Answer:My guess is nowhere as it sounds like an oxymoron. Either it is an oil burning furnace or it is an induction furnace (electric). You have to consider how much metal you want to melt. If you don’t want to melt more than 2 or 3 pounds max, there are small induction pots available from jewelry supply stores. Though finding them used will be challenging, eBay and Craig’s list come to mind. In addition it depends what metal you want to melt. For lead a torch should be more than sufficient, but I don’t think you’ll be able to melt steel. If you want to melt large amounts of bronze for bronze casting occasionally I am sure it will be much more economical to attend a foundry class at an university with a foundry. If none is close you could also see if there is a local art foundry and if you either can pay them for their work or if you can work for them to pay for using the foundry as well. They only may consider the latter if you have a track record of good metal work (are you good with welding?)

Associated Used Furnace Oil Question: What are the pros/cons of heating a house with a used oil furnace?

• Answer:Cons are everything…oil is expensive. Oil furnaces require a lot of maintenance and cleaning. Oil is messy. Cons might be that in your area oil is not so expensive and you know somebody who is an oil furnace expert. I don’t recommend oil burning furnaces, but in some parts of the country they are very popular. Not in Missouri.

Associated Used Furnace Oil Question: Can a pellet stove be vented into a chimney that is also used for a oil burning furnace?
I would like to place a pellet stove on an interior wall. Behind the wall is a brick chimney. The house is about 100 years old and the chimney is also used to vent my oil burning furnace.

• Answer:No your pellet Appliance can only be vented on it’s own vent. A pellet stove can only have one possible exit for the exhaust because the stove uses a mechanical vent. This would give the stove the option to vent into your oil burning furnace. Also your stove would be plagued with problems and would not pass a code inspection. Even if you don’t need an inspection if you ever would sell your house it would have to be fixed.

Associated Used Furnace Oil Question: Were in S W ON can I find a used oil furnace burner?

• Answer:Like London/Sarnia? Call Petro-Home Partners. They service enough units that they might have something available.

Associated Used Furnace Oil Question: Can you burn used car oil in your oil furnace?
After changing the oil in my car, can I use it by putting the oil in my oil tank? Would it clog the burner nozzle with microscopic metal filaments or something similar?

• Answer:It is possible to do this only in small quantities added to a full oil tank. You would also have to filter the oil well to prevent any sediment from clogging up the heaters filter. I would not do it however. The ease at which you can drop off the oil to places like Advance Auto for recycling is more than offset by the cost of furnace repair. There are special oil heaters available at Northern Hydraulics that are made for this though and perfectly legal to use in your garage.

Associated Used Furnace Oil Question: I need a little help someone wants to buy my used oil burning furnace i haven’t a clue how much to ask for ?
any help would be great thank you it’s in good condition ty true i’m not using it anyway can’t afford the oil lol 800 bucks at a time

• Answer:Sell it for whatever they want to pay for it. Is it doing any good for you at the moment besides taking up space?

Associated Used Furnace Oil Question: name of surfactant chemical used for furnace oil emulsification?

• tAnswer:HYDROFLAME is a combination of a surfactant, homogenizer and emission reducing catalyst that is used as an additive to create and stabilize the emulsion.

Associated Used Furnace Oil Question: Does an old furnace use more oil?
I am renting a 2 bedroom apartment, most of which is in a basement. I received my fuel oil bill today, and in the past 30 days, it says my furnace has used 228 gallons of oil. We’ve had some issues with the furnace not working earlier this year, could there be something wrong with the furnace that is causing it to use so much oil? It’s more than my parents consume with a whole house!

• Answer:It’s not as efficient as a new boiler On an average winter day (20-30 degrees) you can figure on using 5-6 gallons per day, ( 30 days X 5 gals= 150 gals X $3.30 =$495.00 per month) You can use less if you turn the thermostat down and tighten up the air leaks by insulating and covering windows. If it’s an old converted boiler I would say the oil companies love you. You burn almost 8 gals a day compared to a newer one

Associated Used Furnace Oil Question: How to sell a used furnace?
I have a used Rheem hot air oil furnace for sale and I was wondering what is the best way of selling it? Thank you.

• Answer:ebay a local furnace repair man place an ad in the paper we have local ads in my area that you can place an ad for free called the smart shopper. place ads on the bulletin boards at local stores

Question
I have a forced air oil furnace made by Thatcher Furnace Company,
formerly of Garwood NJ.  I’m not sure if they ever moved anywhere else.
I think it’s about 15 years old, maybe a bit older.  (it was here when I
bought the house 11 years ago, the oldest service date written on it is
1982)
It’s a model LHO-1112  90,000 BTU, 60 degree hollow, Series #6, firing
rate 0.80.
I need a blast tube and end cone for the oil burner.  The end cone has
fallen off and the tube is all deteriorated and warped.  Smoke is
leaking out and the service company red-tagged it.  It’s got to be fixed
within 10 days only they don’t know where to get parts.
He said a new furnace would be $1300 and up PLUS installation.  I really
don’t want to look at a $2000+ job if I don’t have to.

Thanks,

Answers
You are the first person other than myself that has a Thatcher
oil-burning furnace.  They went out of business many years ago.  Unlike
the furnaces of today where almost all manufacturers use somebody elses
oil burner unit (usually Beckett, Wayne, or a few others), it does
appear that Thatcher made their own.  If your furnace is in pretty good
shape, you don’t need a new furnace, just a new oil burner assembly.
These can be had for $500-$700 plus labor, I am told.

Associated Oil Furnace Parts Question: Where do I find parts to rebuild an old furnace? I need a 1950’s Lennox OHR4-80 oil furnace fuel pump?
I’m looking for a 1950’s Lennox OHR4-80 oil furnace fuel pump. It looks like I can use different parts: Sundstrand EV261 or EV-278, or Webster EV-250 or EV-249 Also looking for a manual for a OHR4-80

• Answer: This Question has not been answered yet! Send us Your best oil furnace parts Answer!

Associated Oil Furnace Parts Question:oil furnace makes hi pitch noise when igniting. what might be the cause?I have Beckett parts on Lennox oil furnace. It has been quiet when it ignites, but lately it is making a hi pitch whine as it pumps the oil into the fire box. I changed the filter, but maybe the nozzle is bad or the pump is going.

Answer:It may be the pump coupling slipping. It’s usually a rubber or plastic coupling with plastic end caps. It connects the pump shaft to the blower motor shaft. Inspect the end caps for wear. The pump would be removed to access.

Associated Oil Furnace Parts Question:How much labor cost to install oil furnace?
im interested in getting a oil furnace installed and i bought a 2 year old system from someone , no ductwork needs to be changed just the oil line and filter , he will be replacing the flue pipe and cleaning the chimney and basically hooking it all up . He estimated it at 1000 dollars around for labor and about $2-300 in additional parts. does this sound reasonable? I live in massachusetts if that helps the 1000 dollars is only for the labor , I already bought the furnace for another 1000, but yes he is removing the old furnace and not changing the oil tank

• Answer:It seems reasonable to me. I know it’s a lot less than a new one. I assume that you already have the oil tank.

Associated Oil Furnace Parts Question:Oil furnace nozzle size?
On my oil furnace I use a 1.00, 80*, A, nozzle. The guy at the parts store is only selling a 1.00, 80*, H. I know that the letter at the end has to do with the spray pattern of the fuel oil. My question finally: What is the difference in the nozzle? and, Will it work okay as a replacement part in my furnace? I know it is best to stick with the original part but they say this is pretty much the same. Thanks in advance.

• Answer:A and H are both hollow spray patterns, different manufacturers use different letters. You will not notice a difference between the two nozzles. Just make sure that you install the electrodes the proper distance from the end of the nozzle and from each other, as you can run the risk of putting out the spark if they are to far forward.

Associated Oil Furnace Parts Question::whats the name of the part that the nozzle screws onto in an oil furnace?
its also got the electrodes mounted to it. its like an L shaped tube with the wire harness also secured to it. i just need to know what its called so i can buy the replacement. if anybody has any ideas where to get it that would be nice too. thanks!! its the part that the nozzle screws into. its the same on all oil furnaces. i just dont know what the exact name of the part is. i know how to fix it, just not how to label it

• Answer:Are you referring to the Oil Atomizer?

Associated Oil Furnace Parts Question:Oil Furnace or Heat pump or both?
I live in north east part of Maryland. I need to replace my oil furnace. I have about 2,000 square feet. The house is a bi level. I want to ad central air. Would a heat pump by its self, be the right choice or a heat pump and furnace side by side. Or what about a just a furnace with an “A” coil? Thanks for your help

• Answer:a modern heat pump is good down to around 20 degrees outside. what you are looking for is called a “duel fuel” system….it uses the heat pump until it gets so cold outside that they become inefficient, then it switches to the oil or gas furnace. i recommend that you go with at least a 16 seer unit….get a r410a system ( r-22 systems will no longer be manufactured in a few years) the cost difference between a heat pump and a strait a/c system usually isn’t much more than $400. the duel fuel kits are another $100 at the most…..and you wont need emergency heat strips (unless you just want them) i honestly believe that you will be pleased with the money that you will save in 5 years by going duel fuel. hope this helps, possum

Associated Oil Furnace Parts Question:Why does my oil furnace keep shutting off?
I’ve bleed the system several times. It worked for a day then woke up with the house cold. Keep having to hit relay button. So, I’ve replaced the relay box, the flame sensor, the filter, the thermostat, and even cleaned the smoke stack. Now if u hit the relay button it turns on for a minute and shuts down. The pilot is lit. So we have all new parts and now it won’t even stay on longer than a minute. Please help. I’m cold. Thanks

• Answer:so it’s an oil furnace, but you have a pilot? usually these need an ignitor. is this a hot air or a hot water system? the relay will trip if the flame sensor doesn’t sense flame. it often does this by checking the light level in the flame box. no light, no flame, relay turn off. so the no flame part can have a few things causing it. the nozzle can be clogged, the chimney can be clogged, or the exhaust path could be clogged. nozzel is easy to change, chimney is easy to check, if it’s chimney related that when it does light you will get a heavy oil smell by the furnace. usually a furnace has the flame and heat passing over an exchanger, where the water or air passes through to pickup the heat. this often gets clogged with soot. check that and clean it out. most also have a small viewing hole whaer you can watch the ignition. open the hole cover and watch the flame, see if the flame does indead go out before the relay trips. last thing, are you out of oil? could the guage be stuck?

Associated Oil Furnace Parts Question:I live in MA, and we have steam heat oil furnace in our apartment/house.?
Part of the heat the goes to the common hallway area. Also, the people upstairs (landlords) have gas to heat their place, while we have oil. I am kind of upset about this, since we are going to spend more than double to heat our place this year. Does anyone know if the landlord is responsible for paying some of the oil heating costs if we are heating the common hallway? there is nothing about it in our contract. she didn’t even give us a lead form, and i am pregnant.

• Answer:first of all the landlord is responsible for heating the hallway and any areas outside of your apartment. if i were you i would shut the radiator valve in the hall and let it get cold. i would also tell the landlord that at these high oil prices i cant afford to heat up their hall.

Associated Oil Furnace Parts Question:I have an oil furnace, and when I turn the heat on I just hear a clicking noise but the furnace does not star?
room temp in my hose is 55 on the thermostat, I turn heat on to 61, then the click happens downstairs like it wants to start, but it isn’t starting, when I turn the themostat from auto to fan the fan part works so I don’t know what to do? Help?

• Answer:The burner may be locked out. Usually attached to the side of the burner motor there is a control with a reset button. This control shuts the burner down if it does not see a flame in the combustion chamber. Do not reset more than twice. Call a qualified person to diagnose. If ignition does not take place fuel could be building up in the combustion chamber.

Associated Oil Furnace Parts Question: have a Duel Fuel furnace burns oil and wood, wanted to upgrade thermostat to digital?
:What or is there a thermostat that will work. I was thinking of just a regular one with heat and cool and hook up the wood part to the cool when i want to use it.

• Answer:you can also get a t-stat that will say 2-heat it may cost a little more but will work with a more desired result.

Question
As it says FREE.. older use oil furnace, not sure how old it is or what btu
but if you want it its yours if you come and get it.  Its stored in my shed
and I need the room.

Answers
OK, no too silly question here, is that forced air or a hot water boiler?
TIA.

Associated Oil Furnace Home Question: New oil tank for home furnace?
I had a new oil furnace installed in the crawl space under my mobile home. Now I need a new tank, which is now outdoors. A rep for Irving Oil recommended that I put it in the garage, which is under a new addition. The problem is that the tank would be about 8 feet lower than the furnace. How will the oil get to the furnace without a pump ? They say it will work without one. Anyone know for sure ? Thanks

• Answer:An oil pump in a oil furnace is used to pressurize the oil that exits the nozzle at the right spray and angle. It does pump oil ,but is not meant to PULL oil from 8ft. below it. Oil furnaces are designed to be GRAVITY fed. What oil rep worth his salt doesn’t know that!! Pick an area that allows a level or higher flow of oil for oil furnace… And consider this.. When its winter and the temp is 0 degree and the oil is as thick as Karol syrup, do you think that oil rep is going to come out . nope!!!!!

Associated Oil Furnace Home Question:When is it time to change the oil filter on my home oil furnace?
I have an old Valiant oil furnace with a Sid Harvey XF-25 canister and wool filter. I bought the house in Nov. 2006 and there was little information about the furnace. I’m going to change it now, but is there a definite time between changes?

• Answer:once a year

Associated Oil Furnace Home Question:Anyone replace their oil or gas fired home furnace with a dual fuel (wood/oil or gas/oil) unit?
My dad is planning to replace his oil-fired furnace. Someone had mentioned to him the existence of a dual fueled unit, one that can use wood or oil. He has a good amount of firewood available, so, the only cost associated with it would be harvesting the dead wood and splitting it. Does anyone have any experience with such a unit? How well does it heat when using wood vs. using oil? Can you run it for extended periods on oil (say, if you are on vacation for a few weeks)? Compared to replacing with an oil-only unit, would a dual-fuel unit have a positive,negative or no effect on the value of the home (ie. is having a dual fueled unit viewed negatively by potential buyers, since he is also considering putting his house on the market in another year or two)? Thanks!

• Answer:Dual fuel furnaces are very inefficient when using the oil or gas burners and can be a maintenance problem for these components.Some where poorly designed and when throwing wood in you could do damage to the burner chamber for the oil and gas side and one I worked on the oil burner was below the wood door so it was often damaged when wood fell on it.If you are going to burn mostly wood and only oil once in a while and the oil burner is up high and out of the way of the wood it might be a good choice.If not you are going to burn a lot of oil compared to a single fuel furnace.I would say to install a wood furnace next to an oil furnace but that would require a second chimney because a duel fuel furnace is the only way to burn wood and oil in one chimney by code.

Associated Oil Furnace Home Question:can I burn green diesel fuel in a home oil furnace?
I know I can burn the red diesel in my furnace but I cannot find anyone close who sells it

• Answer:yes it’s basically the same

Associated Oil Furnace Home Question:how do you ajust a thermostat for mobile home oil furnace it goes from 70 to 60 before it kicks back on?

• Answer:You need to adjust the anticipator. It is a little wire or dial that can slide with some values on it. The heat anticipator shuts off the heater before the air inside the thermostat actually reaches the set temperature. Often, some parts of the house will reach the set temperature before the part of the house containing the thermostat does. The anticipator shuts the heater off a little early to give the heat time to reach the thermostat. If this is set wrong it can cause problems if that does not fix it get a new one. You can install it yourself and you can get one for under $20.

Associated Oil Furnace Home Question:Is it possible to run a home furnace on Vegetable oil or Biodiesel?
Oil hit $100/barrel today, my oil bill was outrageous (I live in the Northeast) before the price was this high. Since home heating oil is essentially diesel, and you can run Biodiesel/refined vegetable oil in a diesel powered automobile with virtually no modifications. Would it be possible to heat your home with these?

• Answer:As long as the system is set up to burn it, no problem. Fuel oil is about the same viscosity, so I doubt that ther would be a lot of changes, if any. Consult a home-heating company, or better yet, ask a company that sells biodiesel if they know what adjustments you need to make, and if they do them. You may have to have your fuel tank emptied and cleaned, again ask the biodiesel company.

Associated Oil Furnace Home Question::I have and oil home furnace that emits soot why?
the furnace is a neil-mclain 68v

• Answer:The emission of excess soot is an indication of an improper air/fuel mixture. Maybe there’s something that needs to be cleaned out. Have you had it serviced recently?

Associated Oil Furnace Home Question:how much does it cost ot have an home oil burner (furnace) cleaned out?
it burns oil, and it needs a cleaning due to “blow back”, looking for a ball park cost to have a service company come out for a clean out….thanks

• Answer:I always end up paying around $100.00 if it’s just a cleaning.

Associated Oil Furnace Home Question:Home oil furnace is not starting up? Anyone know about them?
This is all we know so far: Electrodes are not receiving any electricity It is Suntech model J

• Answer:Sorry but oil burners are not very consumer service friendly. There are a few things the consumer can do if they are careful not to change any of the settings or positioning of the components when they fool with it. Or if they return them to exact way they were. No spark can have a number of causes. Yes, it can be a faulty primary control. But it also can be an open or weak transformer, a grounding of the spark, or a bad photo eye that is telling it that there is already flame there. The spark can ground out easily because it is such high voltage, you can get a carbon bridge between the electrodes preventing a spark, or even wet (oil) or carbon tracks can provide a path for grounding. And the old transformers were wired directly to the motor power so if the motor ran, then the transformer was powered. If it is a flame retention then the trans is wired separately to the control. Not sure how the Sentech is wired without looking at it. If you test with the unit open, the transformer flipped back be aware you have to cover the photo sensor with something so it is in the dark or it will think the unit is lit if if “sees” light. And may not run or won’t spark depending on the wiring previously mentioned. I can not teach you to be an oil tech in answers. sorry. What I would do is open the trans, cover the eye, run the unit briefly and see if I could get the spark to jump the trans with a screwdriver. And because of experience, I can also tell how strong the trans. is by the spark. But one has to be very careful because it is very high voltage and can jump and bite you and it hurts and is dangerous. It is not a way of doing things for the inexperienced. The main way you do electrical diagnosis is with a meter. If the transformer has power and no spark it is bad unless it is wired separately and you need to know the eye is good and covered. I say call for service for this kind of problem. Good Luck.

Associated Oil Furnace Home Question:Can you use diesel fuel in place of heating oil in a home furnace?
If you get into a pinch and run out of heating oil to heat your home, is it OK to substitute diesel fuel for a couple of days until regular fuel can be delivered? Diesel is always available at the local gas station.

• Answer:Because of the additives in highway diesel it would probably foul the pilot and burners in a fuel oil heater.

Question
The original mercury tstat works with no problems.

I failed to mention that last year I had gotten some condensate backup
from the drain which had dripped down onto the fan control module. Could
something have shorted?

Good possibility.  Did you take one stat off and put the other on and presto
the problem or is there a long interval between stat changes?

Answers
Is the Honeywell stat a power robbing stat? Another words do you have a
terminal for a common wire?  If not you will need to either use
isolation relays or change to a stat with battery power or that uses a
common wire.  Some electronic controls on gas furnaces will not work
with power robbing stats.  Had the same problem on a Tempstar gas
furnace last week.  A battery powered Honeywell stat took care of the
problem.

Associated Janitrol Gas Furnace Question: I am working on a Janitrol Gas Furnace Cant get power to The Induction fan motor?
Replaced fan motor already and still not working.

• Answer:And what car is that booger installed in?

Associated Janitrol Gas Furnace Question: I have a Janitrol GMNT120-5 gas furnace with a bad ignitor.. what model number of ignitor do I need?
Also, does anyone know where’s a good place to buy one? Online, or in the Cincinnati area?

• Answer: This Question has not been answered yet! Send us Your best janitrol gas furnace Answer!

Associated Janitrol Gas Furnace Question: Janitrol 20-125 gas furnace will not fire?
I have moved into a rental home and the previous tenant had turned the gas supply off to the furnace, a Janitrol 20-125… old monster. I attempted to run it for the first time this year and it will not fire, I turned the gas supply on and lit the pilot and the signal from the thermostat can be heard, but no gas or blower. I also noticed that the pilot is almost shooting with a slight hiss from the end of the tube….it is rated for 1/2 psi pilot. Is this a regulator/valve issue? Could the diaphragm failed? This is a Honeywell V800A 1476 standing pilot gas valve. There is a manual switch on the blower control, or limiter, and the blower is operational when switched. Also the pilot adjust screw on the valve has no effect. Any help would be great!

• Answer: This Question has not been answered yet! Send us Your best janitrol gas furnace Answer!

Associated Janitrol Gas Furnace Question: have older janitrol furnace will come on by putting the gas valve. in manual control prosition.?

• tAnswer:has the unit be cleaned or serviced recently?? If not perhaps it should be

Associated Janitrol Gas Furnace Question: JANITROL FURNACE PROBLEM?
HELP !!!!!!!! I have a Janitrol natural gas furnace. It’s approximately 11 years old. I noticed a malfunction in the furnace but I don’t know what’s wrong. When the thermostat calls for heat the inducer motor run. Then the burners ignite and run for 5 seconds and then shut off. At that time, the blower motor is still off. After a while, the burners re-ignite and blower motor is on (sometimes it’s still off). Even the blower motor is on or off, the burners also shut off after 5 seconds. They keep doing so couple times and the whole thing shut down (inducer motor, burner, blower motor). Please help me. I’m in the winter now.

• Answer:flame sensoe is dirty its a small rod in the burners clean it with sand paper and it will work

Associated Janitrol Gas Furnace Question: Janitrol Furnace troubles?
I have an older Janitrol GU050-2 gas furnace with a standard gas pilot. The unit fires up OK then after anywhere from 1 to 5 minutes later the system shuts down and the pilot goes out. I’ve monitored the voltage on the gas valve, no change, 24vac. I’ve jumped out hi temp switch, (temporarily for troubleshooting), same problem exsists. I’ve watched the fan limit switch turn on the fan at about 150 and off at 75 or so, burner stays on during this cycle. If I lite the pilot and turn the tstat off, the pilot stays on. no problem. Just got to be something simple, right?

• Answer:May be simple, but may not be good. It is very possible that your heat exchanger is cracked and that the burners are getting a direct blast of air from your blower. You should have it checked as that model was prone to bad exchangers. On the other hand, if you have 24 at the valve when the flame goes out, it is you gas valve. Good luck Note: If it were your thermocouple, the pilot would not stay lit, as you stated it does. I would check to be sure the pilot is burning strong and that the orfice is clear of debris.

Associated Janitrol Gas Furnace Question: Gas Furnace Problem No Heat?
I have a 8 year old Janitrol Natural Gas Furnace, when it comes on the glow plug works, the gas gets ignited, it stays ignited for about 30 seconds, then everything stops with the exception of a small possible fan I here humming for about 2 minutes then everything is quite for about 5 minutes then the cycle starts again? The main fan or hamster cage looking thing never spins. Could it be the thermal switch? Any suggestions? thanks!! SORRY actually the hamster cage does operate, I just paid better attention…but the house only warms up about 2 degrees, then the small fan above the burner spins about 2 minutes and everything shuts sown for about 15 minutes then the cycle starts again?? I noticed a small copper piece 3inch long (about width of a pencil) a few inches infront of the flame, could that need replacing? Thank You Again Everyone

• Answer:try cleaning the flame sensor,its a 1/8 in rod about 3 in long that sits in the main bnr flame,,clean it with a 3m green scrubbie or polish with a dollar bill,1st of course shut power off to furnace

Associated Janitrol Gas Furnace Question: Is the bi-metallic pilot-flame sensing switch in my gas-fired gravity furnace replaceable?
My natural gas-fired gravity furnace was installed in the 1950s. It is a Janitrol model GDS100-15, Type S, serial number 1252B0111, manufactured by Surface Combustion Corporation, Toledo, Ohio. It uses a bi-metallic switch mounted on the pilot burner to sense the presense of the pilot flame. The switch is wired in series with the solenoid valve for the main burner and prevents the valve from opening if the pilot flame is extinguished, an obviously necessary safety feature. I would like to find either an exact replacement for the switch, or an electronic infrared flame sensor that doesn’t require direct contact with the pilot flame. Suggestions please, but don’t suggest that I replace my inefficient gravity furnace (100,000 btu in, 75,000 btu out) with a new forced-air furnace/air conditioner. I can’t afford to do that right now.

• Answer:I must begin by saying that gravity furnaces don’t come with fans, Kevin! Here’s your sign…. Finding an exact replacement for your pilot safety would compare to GWB finding the WMD’s. You can update your old system by installing a modern pilot flame assembly with either a new 24V gas valve or a millivolt-powered gas valve. Such conversions are possible, if you get an inventive tech, but you’re going to have to spend some money. Call your local heating company and pay for an evaluation and estimate. This would be MUCH cheaper than a new furnace. Good luck.

Associated Janitrol Gas Furnace Question: When our furnace goes on the whole unit rattles, we changed the filter and vacuumed the unit what can be?
causing the whole unit to vibrate. It’s a forced air, natural gas furnace its only 5 yrs old made by Janitrol.

• Answer:The blower motor would be the place to check first. It is the only “moving part” on the system. Could be a loose or missing bolt in the base that holds it in. Could also be a belt with a notch out of it.

Associated Janitrol Gas Furnace Question: Gas Furnace Failure HELP!?
The natural gas furnace is a 10 year old Goodman Janitrol model GMP075-3 Rev.B When it starts up everything appears normal, the induced draft fan starts for about 30 seconds, the glow plug gets red hot, the gas ignites, about 30 seconds later the main blower wheel spins. The hot air comes out of the registers and everything works great but only for about 5 minutes, then for some reason the main blower wheel stops?? the flame stops and about 2 minutes later. The only thing running is the small draft motor for about 2 minutes or so then it finally kicks off. All is now quite for about 15-20 minutes and the whole cycle starts up again. I cleaned the flame sensor and it did no good. Now this portion is very difficult to explain, but when everything stops there is a very slight “hint” of odor coming from the registers (almost unnoticeable unless you put your nose right next to it)….smell like maybe something electrical burning out or failing? My guess is maybe the main blower wheel giving out? The furnace filter gets changed regularly. This all started a few days ago but it has quickly gotten much worse (now I can not warm the house up at all). One thing I now realize I did wrong is I closed about half the registers thinking I could save money, now all the reg. are open but whatever damages were done I do not know (I have been closing certain reg. for years, about half in the house). Perhaps the over labored the blower motor? I would greatly appreciate some good advice here, I’m unemployed at the moment. If it is the blower motor where can I order one and what part number would it be? I live in Northern KY. Thank You Everyone I took it upon myself and carefully took out the blower motor, it is made by GE. The part number appears to be 5KCP39FGV064AS. I could sure use some help finding a replacement! Also on the motor it shows 1/3hp and 1050RPM (if that helps any) UPDATE: I just ordered a replacement motor as well as a capacitor and it should be here tomorrow ~ crossing my fingers that will remedy the problem. Callipygenous I have a six year old daughter who happens to be ill today which prevented me from taking your advice and going to an appliance bone yard otherwise I would have gladly done that. Funny how single digit temperatures outside can act as a motivator when one is in my situation! I will keep you posted, thank you again. PROBLEM SOLVED! I have an additional thought that may help anyone experiencing similar issues ~ I learned that if the shaft of the blower motor has any play whatsoever then it is likely the motor, the shaft should be 100% solid and not shift (even slightly as mine did) from side to side when you try to move it. Also I mail ordered my replacement part from a company named Shorty’s located in Indiana, an absolute first class outfit with incredible prices and the next day it was at my doorstep, KUDOS to them. Lastly thank you to everyone who helped me!!! Tom

• Answer:What an excellently written question! Wow, information! I wish everyone on Yahoo! Answers could dissect and describe a problem so competently. You could get a job as a writer! Anyways, first guy is right, it’s almost certainly a high limit switch, but I have no idea what’s actually causing the problem. ————– You took it upon yourself to remove the shroud/squirrel cage/motor assembly? Well, you are half way there if it’s the motor. A good writer AND handy! Your wife must be a very happy woman. Unfortunately I’m still not convinced that you have a problem with your blower. It seems that you are though, so who am I to stand in your way? Changing out a motor is pretty simple work and the CHEAPEST way to do it is to go to an appliance boneyard and find one that roughly matches the amperage draw of the original. They all have the same spindle and body design (well, mostly) so fitting it to the squirrel cage shouldn’t be a problem. Speeds don’t matter when you’re poor, nobody gives a damn if it’s 1 or 2 or 3 or 5 speed. One speed is enough, “ON”. You probably have a plastic modular connector on both the fan side and the furnace side of the electrical connection to the motor itself. If you are going to a boneyard, that thing won’t be on the motor you buy and won’t just plug in like the old motor. Just clip the modular off and wire up white (common) and red (this should be low speed for heat) with wire nuts. Not much to it, good luck! BTW I could be wrong about red being low speed. If it doesn’t work, try black, but remember that the motor is 110V, not 220V or some kind of multiphasic. All those wires coming out of the motor (and the furnace) are speeds, not additional live wires or phases. White is always common and is necessary for ALL speeds. ——————– Take care of the kid, that’s job one. I have to agree. With a sick little one, I wouldn’t be rummaging around a boneyard looking for a motor that may or may not be there. Toss in some single digit temps and…yeah, call the distributor. You have this situation on lock down. If you need any further assistance (I seriously doubt you do), just IM or e-mail me.

Question
I’m sure you’ve all heard something to the effect that Questar is making =
some change that requires your furnace be modified and given a green =
sticker to accommodate their new gas.

What’s the skinny on this? Do I really need to comply with this? Is =
there an actual physical modification that needs to be made to my =
furnace? Can I do it myself or do you have to hire someone? How muchy =
much?

Answers
Its due to the fact that they are using cheaper gas and your furnace doesnt
burn the shit gas so well. Its not 100% critical if you have a fairly modern
furnace but if your furnace is over 10 years old it could cause problesm. Like
poor burning. They make it sound like they are doing us a favor and lowering
our gas costs with a refund and that its better gas but its not, its really
poor natural gas.

Associated Green Furnace Question: is a wood furnace a green way to heat a house?
I have a lot of pine lumber that I end up throwing away and was thinking about converting to a wood furnace from a oil furnace. Would this be more or less ‘green”?

• Answer:Some are more efficient than others. It will create smoke and particulate matter. But oil is not very green. Not sustainable resource, probably lots of carbon, too. Burning excess lumber pieces would save you money. But pine has a lot of pitch, no?

Associated Green Furnace Question: How to figure out how green my wood furnace is?
I have a wood burning furnace and want to know how energy efficient it is compared to heating with oil. I called the company but they had no information on emissions. Is there a place I can find this information or is there a way I can measure it?

• Answer:You can try here for that. http://www.squidoo.com/outdoor-wood-furnaces

Associated Green Furnace Question: Why is there a green substance around pipes on furnace?
I have noticed a greenish substance on top of my furnace around the fittings and pipes. If you are looking at the front of the unit right on top. Is it anything to worry about?

• Answer:It sounds like it’s just the copper of the pipes oxidizing. You know how the Statue of Liberty is green? It’s made out of copper. Nothing to worry about.

Associated Green Furnace Question: I have a colman mobile home furnace with a green light is ok but it wont fire?
thefurnace show it should work but will not light let alone fire

• Answer:make sure the front panel is on it has a safety switch on the door

Associated Green Furnace Question: can I burn green diesel fuel in a home oil furnace?
I know I can burn the red diesel in my furnace but I cannot find anyone close who sells it

• Answer:yes it’s basically the same

Associated Green Furnace Question: I have a ct51 thermost I bought for my furnace and forget where the wires go. they are red,wht,green,and blue.
I replaced each wire one at a time so that i would not connect them incorrectly, but when I tried to start the furnace I got nothing, just clicking sounds. anybody have any ideas what I’ve done wrong.

• Answer:one of the leads must be broken. re-strip all four wire leads and re-connect them. If the slots are labled they connected as follows. RH = Red G = Green Y = Blue W = White Replace batteries.

Associated Green Furnace Question: I have been melting metal at my home furnace and I when I stir the molten metal it glows green?
The oxidized metal, at least thats what I think it is glows bright green and then turns in a white powdery substance. The things I have been melting have been aluminum cans and pennies. Also this green oxidization seems to be happening for both the aluminum and the pennies.

• Answer:Copper ions give off green light in a flame test, this is what you are seeing in your furnace. Reaces of copper remaining in the furnace still give off this light even when you are melting aluminum. Aluminum oxide is the white powdery substance. Copper oxide is black, but aluminum traces prevents it from forming.

Associated Green Furnace Question: I need a new furnace and would like to do “The Green Thing”.I live in town in northern Illinois,Quad CitiesUSA?
I haven’t really found any contractors that specialize in Green Tech.I am sure they are out there.What are the best tax incentives out there?Are there programs to help finance me?Hurry up,it’s getting cold.

• Answer:The “greenest” thing is geothermal. But an average installation is $15K or more. Next best thing is a 90+ percent furnace. I think the max tax credit is $1500 for either.

Associated Green Furnace Question: oil furnace ? when set at 62 degrees , it will not cut on ,i have to go down stairs and the green light is bli
blinking . press buttons to honeywell box and red button to motor to reset . why does this or what can cause it . it has plenty of full. could it be thermostate??????

• Answer:if you have to push the red button on the motor, then the motor might be bad and need replaced

Associated Green Furnace Question: i have a thermostat w/ 2 red wires & 2 white wires and a coleman furnace w/ a red white green & yellow wire.?
What wires should i connect 2gether? Someone wired my furnace and now my heat constantly runs unless i turn off the breaker and my air doesnt work. So far the green and white wire is tied 2gether w/ the white wire from the thermostat and red w/ the red and nothing tied to the yellow and the other white and red wires from the thermostat. I have a photo and can email for further info if what i wrote is not understandible.

• Answer: This Question has not been answered yet! Send us Your best green furnace Answer!

Question

After receiving my third heating oil delivery bill in as many months for
>200 gallons (@$2/gallon this time!), I’m considering the issues involved

in converting to gas heat and having the underground oil tank removed. I’d
rather not do an in ground abandonment, unless that becomes my only option
due to financial constraints.

The first thing I have to address is the condition of the tank. I have tank
insurance through the fuel company, but it covers the tank, not any other
issues (e.g., EPA mandated cleanup of any leakage, etc.) Homeowner’s
insurance policy will likely help only in the event that the damage extends
to a neighboring property. They don’t insure against oil spills or tank
removal, etc.

So, I though I’d ask the folks in the group (especially those with
knowledge of the NJ area) about tank testing costs and/or experiences.

The company I’m considering doesn’t do tank removal, just testing. I hope
that removes some conflict of interest issues that might concern me.

Answers

Hello blubluh,
Suggest that you talk to someone who removes tanks.
I’ve had two tanks removed at different times from different properties
without testing.  The only time I had a tank tested was when I bought the
property and applied for tank insurance through the fuel company.
As you probably know February 2003 was the coldest NJ February in forty
years . . . I had a huge natural gas bill.