Boiler keeps shutting off

I have a 140 000 BTU Olsen boiler, it ran fine for the first hour last night then started acting up. I set the temp at 76 F on the wall thermastat and 180 degrees for the boiler (heard that was the optium temp for efficency). After the boiler ran for the hour and the temp made it to 40 F on the boiler gauge the gas was shut off and I could not get it to re-light. After checking around for info I found out about the re-set switch on the small circular componet that is attached to a bracket underneith the jets. I was able to reset it the first time right away but it happened again as soon as the boiler started to heat up for about 15 mins. I got the small componet to reset again and again it shut off. I wanted to see if the componet was deffective so I remove it from the bracket underneith the jets and restarted the boiler. The boiler has been running wonderfully now for 4 hours and no problems. I am not going to be dumb enough to leave the componet off, but now that I have figured what is causing the boiler from working, why is this "sensor" shutting off the boiler at such a low temp?

My question is: What do you think the componet is? and why do you think if might be malfunctioning like this (If it is in fact malfunctioning)?

Thanks alot,
Scott

 

What model boiler ?

Could be a 'flame sensor' ... or maybe a 'rollout switch' ...

This is _under_ the burner ?

 

Thanks NJ,

The model is ODV-B and yes under the burner.

Scott

 

Presuming that sensor to be a rollout, you need to check draft. This can be crudely done by using a candle, incense stick, etc. & holding it down near where the sensor was mounted. The flame or smoke should be drawn in toward the burners.

 

Thanks Grady,

From what I can tell it is a rollout switch, I haven't tried running the unit with the front service door in place, could this be a reason for the roaming heat?


I am currently doing the draft check!

Scott

 

A tripped rollout is generally an indication of a draft problem. The boiler flueways could be restricted due to rust, there could be a problem with the chimney, etc.
Once in a while, rollouts will just go bad. Rare but it does happen.

 

Smoked my self a nice big stoogie and put the cigar near the place where the rollout switch was, and all the smoke was being drawn in to the flames. Stupid question time: Should I have done the test when the boiler wasn't heating?

Thanks,

Scott

 

Had to fish around a bit, but I found a manual for your boiler:

ODV-B manual in PDF

This one has much more info, Installation manual

Venting Addendum

It does appear to be a rollout switch.

Do you have CO detectors in your home ? I suggest you get some if not... that rollout switch may be doing what it's designed to do, shut off the burners in the event of not enough draft. Your venting system may be at fault!

 

Would the sensor still allow the system to work, or would it automatically trip every time that it was started up? Do I possibly have a hyper-sensitive rollout that is shutting off the system for no good reason? Other than replacing the switch, do know of a way to test a rollout sensor?


When the flames come on and they appear to have some random air movement from some where, could that be part of the issue?

Scott

 

A man after my own heart. I think I'll fog one.
No the test needs to be done with the burners firing. Not a stupid question at all, in fact I often test draft "static" & under load.

 

You would need to know the temperature rating for the switch & either simulate that temperature somehow or use a thermal measuring device placed where the switch normally goes.

 

Thanks for the manual NJ, really appreciate you finding it for me! I do have CO detector in the basement, and I tested it last week.

The boiler has a fan assisted exhaust, so I was worried that the flames might have been being starved and causing the "wild orange flames" and tried opening a window to give more air to the basement. Still had wild flames!

Hows the stoogie Grady?

Scott

 

Rollout switch is 290*F ...

I got me a nice Nicaraugan Quorum goin' right now !

 

That is the limit of the sensor? Is there a possibilty that the my end tee for the vent is part of the issue? Every other installation I've every seen has had a 90 at the end, but Olsen called for a termination tee.

NJ - Must be nice having a stoogie in the house, this was my first excuse to my wife for having one in doors and not getting in trouble for it!

Scott

 

I don't like the sound of that.

I suggest cleaning the burners & inspecting the flueways. See page 18 of the manual.

Cigar is good. My tastes & budget don't run as high as Trooper's. I like the Backwoods sweet aromatics. Look bad but taste good.

 

That's what the part listing in the second PDF file said...

Any possibility birds or rodents have made nest in the vent pipe ? (I added the 'venting addendum' PDF to my previous post). Have the flue passages in the boiler been cleaned ? Or maybe there's dust buildup in the burner tubes ? Is there a clothes dryer in the vicinity ? Does the vent motor sound like its up to speed ? (although if this was the problem, I think the pressure switch would shut it down before the rollout switch did).

I've got the windows open with an exhaust fan going. No, I'm not allowed to smoke in the house itself, but in my 'cave' here at the back, it's OK, this is MAN territory!

Grady, I can't afford these as a rule, they were a gift... but you know my taste in spirits too !

 

I checked the vents a couple weeks ago and they are completely clear, I just went outside and checked the exhaust appears to be completely clear.

Thanks guy's appreciate the help tonight!!! I'm going to give up on it tonight and shut down the boiler tomorrow and cleanning and insplecting the flueways, like Grady suggested (I'm just a little too relaxed to go and get dirty right now)

Have a great night!!

 

By the way, you might wanna save those PDFs to your hard drive. Not sure they're gonna be available for long... hint, hint...

G'nite, Good Luck!

 

I too am going to call it a night. I'll check back when I get up if I don't get called out for a service call.

 

Hey Grady and NJ,

Called Olsen up today and the tech support said that the rollout sensor was probally going off due to a manufacturer's error. The bracket that holds the sensor is riveted in and can sometimes get bent during production. I reattached the rollout to the bracket and restarted the boiler. Been running for about 1/2 hour without shutting off. Time will tell if this was infact the fix.

Thank you for sacraficing your time and mental prowess to help me with my conundrum . I really don't know how to thank you, and I'll be thinking of you guy's the next time I light up a cigar!!!

Have a awesome day and thanks once again!

Scott

 

You are most welcome. Helping folks is why we are here. Should any other problems crop up we'll do our best to help you out. Every so often you should have a pro come in & give the boiler a once over including & most importantly, analyze the exhaust gases, particularly for CO.
Take care & enjoy your next cigar, we will.