Q&A for How to Bleed an Oil Furnace

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Part one, step one, says to turn off the furnace, but part two says to hit the reset button. I have to turn it back on right? What was the point of turning it off?

Community Answer

Yes this is a mistake. Furnace should be on, and fuel is only pressurized when reset cycle is activated.

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Question

I have bled and pressed the reset button and it still doesn't work. What should I do?

Community Answer

It may take more time than expected. I just did this, and it took about 8 reset/bleed cycles, and about 15 minutes. I had to wait a minute or more before each reset. Each bleed was maybe 1/4 to 1/2 cup oil, plus air, so it filled 2/3 of a large yogurt container. It was just starting to get frustrating when I heard the burner finally light.

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Question

How tight do I close the bleeder valve?

Johnny The Critic

Community Answer

Tight enough so that oil doesn't leak out. Hand tight should be good, then just a smidgen more. Be very careful not to over tighten. A stripped bleeder valve will be a costly repair.

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Question

Can I put the oil that I bled out back in the tank?

Community Answer

The argument for putting the oil back into the tank is so you don't have to dispose of it. Its value is insignificant, so that is not a reason to do it. The argument against it is to avoid reintroducing the contamination and water that tends to accumulate in low parts of the tank and fuel lines. However, your fuel line filter will catch particles that do get reintroduced.

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Question

My bleeder valve is stuck closed. Do you have any suggestions on how to free it up?

Community Answer

Try a deep socket or at the very least be sure to use the exact size wrench (not adjustable). Counter-clockwise is usually to loosen. Important not to strip bleeder as repair can be quite costly... Last chance would be vice grips but be very careful not to crush the valve.

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Question

Can I put it back after I bleed the furnace?

Community Answer

The bleeder valve must be tightened back to its original position after bleeding or the furnace will not run properly. If not tightened it will more than likely need to be bled again, very soon. Be very cautious not to over tighten.

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Question

I have started the bleeding process, but no oil is coming through the bleeding valve. What could be wrong?

Community Answer

Your line may be clogged and you may need to blow it out with an air gun (blowing the air back into the tank). You may also want to changing the tank's filter while you are at it. It is good to change the filter yearly.

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Question

How many times can I hit reset after I bleed the line?

Johnny The Critic

Community Answer

Two times, wait 5-15 minutes before trying again. If it doesn't restart hold the reset button for 30 seconds or so until it does restart, then release (or power off the furnace at the power switch and retry). Bleed the line while restarting, until it flows solidly (no spurts) then tighten while its running and the furnace will continue to run.

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Question

I pushed the reset button and it still won't bleed or turn on. What do I do?

Community Answer

Check to be sure any power safety switch for the burner circuit is switched on. Ensure you've got 120v power at the burner. If not, find the panel board circuit breaker feeding the burner, it may need to be reset.

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Question

It turns on and runs for 15 seconds, then shuts off. Why?

Community Answer

That's normal. The oil primary (box with red switch) senses no flame and shuts down for safety.

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Question

Where can I get a bleeder valve?

Community Answer

The bleeder valve is built into these oil pumps. It's the little barb looking fitting that you can fit a small wrench onto, to bleed air bubbles out (while turned about a quarter turn to open the valve) while the pump is operating.

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Question

What do I do if I ran out of oil in my oil furnace and the reset button won't open it?

Community Answer

Hold the reset button down for 30 seconds. Some have lockout systems, there should be another reset button you can press and then try.

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