Outdoor Wood Furnace Info

All-Purpose OWF Discussions => General Outdoor Furnace Discussion => Topic started by: concordprof on November 22, 2015, 07:12:18 AM

Title: Central boiler solenoid problems
Post by: concordprof on November 22, 2015, 07:12:18 AM
So I wake up this morning to a cold house. Went outside and the water temperature was down to 148. Opened the door and the stove was full. Noticed the damper wasn't open so no air was getting to the firebox.  Took the front panel off and looked at the fuse. It had a burnt spot in the middle. I'm assuming that means it's blown?  So, how can I fix this?  Where can I order parts and get them shipped asap?  Thanks.
Title: Re: Central boiler solenoid problems
Post by: BoilerHouse on November 22, 2015, 07:49:29 AM
Do you have an electrical supply near by?  They should have different styles, just make sure the voltage and amperage are correct.  They may even do an ohm check (using a multi-tester) on the old fuse.  Zero resistance = good fuse and Infinite resistance = blown fuse.
Title: Re: Central boiler solenoid problems
Post by: tinfoilhat2020 on November 22, 2015, 07:50:49 AM
i would get a few~!~~ solenoids can go often, always nice to have a few on the shelf for situations like this!
Title: Re: Central boiler solenoid problems
Post by: Roger2561 on November 22, 2015, 07:53:04 AM
Make sure the fuse is blown first.  If you have a volt meter, check for continuity.  If you have an analog meter; if the fuse is good the needle should move to infinity, if it's bad the needle won't move at all.  If it is bad, take the blown fuse to any auto supply store (Advance Auto, Auto Zone, Senals, etc...) they may have what you're looking for.  If not, try Radio Shack.  There is nothing special about them.  Oh, make sure you get the same type, amp rating, etc...  DO NOT get something with a larger amp rating, it could fry something else or worse, start a fire.  Report back.  Good luck.  Roger
Title: Re: Central boiler solenoid problems
Post by: fireboss on November 22, 2015, 08:05:45 AM
You can leave the door open or the flap and get the temp back up to get your house warm ! Then mess with it!
Title: Re: Central boiler solenoid problems
Post by: concordprof on November 22, 2015, 08:11:51 AM
Thanks for the feedback. The fuse was blown. Replaced it and it is back to working. I will be ordering a solenoid today for a backup. Any reputable online dealers recommended?  Anything I can do to prevent blowing a fuse in the future?
Title: Re: Central boiler solenoid problems
Post by: fireboss on November 22, 2015, 08:44:01 AM
You want the fuse to blow! It's a safety to protect controller
Title: Re: Central boiler solenoid problems
Post by: hondaracer2oo4 on November 22, 2015, 08:46:03 AM
Concord prof, you were the one having problems with your boiler size being to small before right? Did you upgrade the size or did you figure out your issues?
Title: Re: Central boiler solenoid problems
Post by: concordprof on November 22, 2015, 09:53:26 AM
Good memory Honda.

I upgraded from the 4030 to the 5036 last winter. I have also insulated all lines and used a piece of r19 on the door of the stove to insulate the pump. When both fans are blowing, my delta t is -20. I've given some thought to adding a plate exchanger but I think that would add too much of a load. I'm still waiting to see results when it gets really cold.
Title: Re: Central boiler solenoid problems
Post by: silver star on November 22, 2015, 11:53:36 AM
Man, i had the exact issue todat and posted about it is under the central boiler section.  Had a blown fuse.
Title: Re: Central boiler solenoid problems
Post by: hondaracer2oo4 on November 22, 2015, 05:09:34 PM
Good deal. Glad your on track.