Oil Burner Transformer

jgilpin · 02-03-2008, 08:16 PM

I have a Tempstar oil furnace with a beckett model "A" burner. I recently had it serviced and the technician told me that the transformer needs to be replaced. They quoted me $350 and I can buy it for $60. Is the burner something that has to be adjusted after being installed or can you just bolt another one on? Currently the system kepps tripping and before it was serviced I changed the nozzle and that put a stop to it shutting off, but now it is doing it again. Any Suggestions?

guyod · 02-03-2008, 10:29 PM

Maybe you have dirt in your tank.. Did you replace your filter along with the nozzle?

The transformer converts 120v to 24v and either works or it doesnt....

There is alot of adjustments that can be made to a burner...
But Most of the time it is just a bolt on.. you just have to adjust the air vent

glennjanie · 02-04-2008, 12:06 AM

Sorry, an oil burner transformer is not a 24v. Don't dare put your hand on the leads to find out, it will knock you over backwards. The transformer on an oil burner is what supplies the spark, and it takes a high voltage to do that. You may be able to change only the transformer and make it work like new.
While you're in there clean the soot off the photo-cell that proves the flame. If it can't see the flame it shuts the pump down.
A filter change or cleaning will not hurt a thing but I suspect your nozzle is still good; they last for years.
Glenn

jgilpin · 02-04-2008, 07:52 AM

The air filter, oil filter and nozzle were all changed. The entire unit was cleaned from top to bottom. It seems that after the burner shuts off it still has fuel burning in the bottom of the unit because the blower remains on for several minutes afterwards.

guyod · 02-04-2008, 08:07 AM

My bad i got mixed up with a steam boiler

Hube · 02-04-2008, 08:37 AM

The causes of "tripping" can be numerous, but a weak or faulty transformer is most likely the culprit.
Burner ignition transformers can produce approx 10,ooo - 14,000 volts and if the voltage is under that it can cause a "trip".
Oil burners NEED YEARLY service(tune-up)

Some other causes of "tripping" are;
Faulty/dirty cad cell
cracked electrodes
improperly set electrodes
dirt in tank or filter. bad fuel pump.
etc,etc.

Sure , you MAY get away without replacing a nozzle or a filter for a couple of years or so ,but if and when the system does go bad because of not having a yearly tune-up then you pay thru the nose for this neglect.
btw, a good ignition transformer costs approx $70-90 ,and can be installed in about 15 minutes or so.
Seems like $ 350 is a tad too much unless there is some other major work to be done along with the transformer job.

Mikem · 10-21-2009, 11:22 AM

I have a similar problem. Mine is a Utica Boiler with a Beckett Burner. Also "TRIPS" occasionally. Changed filter & nozzle, cleaned firebox and smokepipe; I have original paperwork and set electrodes EXACTLY by the diagram. Wondering if HV transformer is weak. I'm an Electrical Engineer, and I don't really understand how a transformer can be "WEAK". As far as I can tell, it's either good or bad, windings are intact or their either open or shorted. Any advice is appreciated. I know the techs have a meter they can measure the resistance of the transformer with, but again, I don't see how this can change, I see it as either good or bad.