Power Washer Burner Trouble Shooting | How Does Oil Fired Burner Work

In this video, you'll learn how an oil-fired burner works, and the basic oil burner maintenance and troubleshooting tips as it relates to the pressure washing industry. www.powerwash....
Years of experience as a maintenance mechanic have taught me the wisdom of the old saying, "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure."
Most burner problems stem from bad or dirty fuel or water in the fuel. You should always top your fuel tank off before putting your unit away for the night. This keeps condensation from forming in your fuel tank.
There is no better way to be reasonably certain that your heater will serve you as it is intended than to take care of it. Here's how:
1. You should only use clean, top-quality fuel in your oil burner.
2. You should use a fuel filter with a water separator.
3, You should check the water separator daily.
4. You should change your oil burner's filter periodically as needed.
The key components of the burner system include the fuel pump, fuel solenoid, burner transformer, and a combustion blower motor. For your burner to work, you need three things: air, fuel, and a spark. Once you turn on your burner and pull the trigger, the fire starts immediately. It immediately stops when you release your trigger.
If your burner does not come on, the first thing is to determine which one of the three things required -- air, fuel, and a spark -- is not there.
Check your fuel tank. If there is fuel, turn the burner on. We demonstrate a couple of ways to ensure your burner is getting fuel. If you aren't getting fuel, then you'll have to troubleshoot further back in your pressure washing system.
Next, check for spark by looking at your burner transformer. This can be dangerous and should be done using the proper tools and with proper precautions.
Finally, if your fan is not turning, you'll need to check your boiler motor. Low voltage can cause the motor to run too many amps and trigger the red overload button. Another probably can be caused by water getting into your fuel pump.
I hope you enjoy and learn something new from this burner troubleshooting video. If you have any questions regarding this video and the tools that I have used then feel free to comment below.
I also encourage you to subscribe to my powerwash.com channel to stay tuned for more updates.
To learn more about hot water systems and other pressure washing equipment, we recommend the PowerWash University 201 online course: www.powerwashu...
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#PowerWasherBurner #TroubleShooting #OilFiredBurner
Powerwash.com is your one-stop-shop for those in the mobile power washing industry. With a full line of hot and cold water pressure washers including customized power washer trailer packages, we strive to exceed each business’s individual needs. We offer a complete selection of detergents for all aspects of power washing including truck washing, kitchen hood exhaust cleaning, house washing, concrete cleaning, wood restoration, awning cleaning, and more.
We complement our line of speciality products with comprehensive training from PowerWash University, which provides hands-on and online training, with subjects including kitchen exhaust cleaning, truck washing, concrete cleaning, house washing, wood restoration, power wash maintenance, and repair, graffiti removal, awning cleaning, and sanitation.

[@ExpressionEleven111]

10 years later and still helping people.

[@Powerwash]

Yes Sir!!!

[@redneckoriental]

One of the best videos I've ever seen. These burners have always been a mystery to me.

[@brucebreisch5593]

One of the best troubleshooting videos I have seen. Keep up the good work.

[@travisclarke9214]

I've watched this video multiple times and share it to a Facebook pressure washing group religiously to guys having problems with their burners. Perfectly explained, visuals are perfect. Top notch sir!

[@daftnord4957]

Whats the group called? I just got myself an used landa pgh w that doesn't heat, looking to learn more about heated washers in general

[@zodglubby]

I have a hotsy, no fuel at the small fuel transfer line. He says troubleshoot up the line what does that mean?

[@travisclarke9214]

@@zodglubby there should be a fuel bleeder screw, you may have air in your line if its not getting fuel. If not likely the pump is shot

[@travisclarke9214]

@@daftnord4957 sorry man, didn't see this till now. Im in a kitchen exhaust cleaning group

[@firestone677]

Thank you!!!! 40 years industrial Mechanic supervisor, first time working on a pressure washer. thank you thank you :-)

[@justinglover4058]

😅 if

[@Rokonroller]

Thank you for your excellent tutorial

[@ErikISkogen]

Really easy, and stright forward. Thank you sir.

[@JT-gw9gz]

Exceptionally well done, thank you very much. Your delivery was great, metered, and well annunciated.

[@Powerwash]

Thank You, JT

[@matth7597]

Thank you for saving me money and taking the time to make this video sloot to you sir

[@steveweber5358]

Great video, you forgot to mention the plastic coupling between the Burner motor and fuel pump, a broken worn slipping coupling can stop the fuel pump from running.

[@Powerwash]

Thank you, that is correct

[@TurboDog73TX]

Massive help. Thank You VERY much.

[@benmail128]

Thank you! That was extremely helpful!

[@haroldabbot7763]

Great Video Been Looking For Help For Six Months , Your The Man Steve Australia

[@neclec316]

Thank you

[@billcasey42]

Thanks, very informative and helpful

[@clearlake2369]

How exactly does pulling the trigger on the pressure wand activate the burner, thanks for the very clear and informative video!

[@Powerwash]

It triggers a microswitch which then completes the circuit for the burner to ignite.

[@kvlofts]

Excellent Video!! No longer a "mystery".

[@israelmacotela6817]

Thanks! I learned a lot of things in 10 min! Good video 👍

[@Powerwash]

Glad to hear it!

[@echotoday]

Excellent video! This is the reason for you tube. Thank you very much

[@chrisfisher916]

My burner kicks on for 2 seconds then shuts off. Replaced the fuel pump and things didn't improve. When it engages you can see the fuel shut off magnetize then when it's shuts off you can see the solenoid release. Still troubleshooting but any input would be great

[@ryansummers2864]

I’m having the same issue except mine will run about 10 seconds. If you have found out anything please let me know.

[@johnvega4337]

Great information, my machine is saturating the insulation with diesel, it is smoking extremely bad, I am under the impression that the fuel is not getting burned. this video was so helpful. thank you!!!

[@mike-ug9nv]

sounds like voltage issue

[@Doitforyoself]

I have the same problem. Did you figure out the problem? My coils were saturated and I had to take it all out, clean it, replace the insulation and also replace tip. Yet, it still blows diesel fuel into my coils and soaks them. Right now I don't use the heat but I'm thinking I need to replace my my ignitor

[@rogerbrandt6678]

+Eddie Regory it almost sounds like your tip where the diesel comes out may be worn, hole to big, or dirty and your spray is going everywhere kinda sputtering.

[@jritch789]

Anyone know what would cause the insulation to deteriorate on my 12v diesel burner tank?

[@rongray4118]

Fuel delivery issue. Check fuel delivery nozzle and output of fuel pump. One or the other is causing "over" delivery of fuel.

[@KelleyMobileDetail]

God bless you dude. This video is so much information that i need and information that makes sense.

[@That_1_toasty22]

You can trust a southern old gentleman with an engine or contraption on a cart to easily show you. 😂

[@merlinmonson2133]

Very well done!

[@620JK]

Am I not correct but isn’t there a 4th option as well? Isn’t there a pressure switch which tells the unit to fire once the trigger is pulled? Often times the problem is the pressure switch which gets stuck either causing the burner not to fire or fire and not be able to turn off

[@lostkauz83]

Didn’t see the part about what to check when the burner doesn’t shut off during trigger release?

[@JoseHernandez-qk5by]

Hi Sr... I have a north star water heater.... as in your video fire should go off once the trigger is realesed , but in my case it does not ,,,, stay on ..... what will you recommend .... thanks

[@CHIBA280CRV]

Fantastic explanation sir . Thank you

[@702456SIGN]

Great job, exactly what i was looking for. Powerline sold me a polished turd. my machine has operated on ONLY 5 jobs! I not only have oil spitting from the head on the right side of the motor,but the 12 volt burner stopped making heat in the middle of a my last job. I haven't done any testing yet, but i can now with your video as a reference. Thank You. (I'm thinking it might be the pressure switch)

[@HouseWashingRick]

do you still have the pressure pro hot box and is it working good now

[@bematthews]

Thank you for the video, very helpful !

[@jeanpresto1062]

I have a landa pgdc 4000 burner will not shut down when I let off the trigger. im sure I can figure it out but I would like your input you are knowledgeable

[@rogerl8488]

Thank you for make such a great video!!! Me an my dad work on one like this all day I think now I know the problem. I think the Solenoid is bad. I wish I can find a wiring diagram because dad had them unhook an not sure if he wired back right.

[@Laascaanood614]

Extremely informative

[@Powerwash]

Glad you think so!

[@CBRMat]

Great video, thanks guys for some solid troubleshooting information.

[@chrismartin7323]

Wondering if you can help with something. I have the hot box from northern tool. It has a Beckett oil burner that has a turn dial thermostat and a flow switch on it. I would like to eliminate the flow switch and replace the dial thermostat with a digital one, any thoughts?

[@HouseWashingRick]

Chris did you ever figure this out??. And how is it working. I'm looking for a good hot box and don't know what to buy

[@darrellbelt1220]

Well say if all that works and coil ain’t magnetizing ? What gives coil the power

[@parton45852]

What if you have fuel spraying out of the jet whether you are on the trigger or not, My burner just started this and has completly soaked all of the insulation. The solinoid is getting power but does not recirculate the fuel back to the tank, it just constantly sprays fuel out of the jet

[@Powerwash]

Either the solenoid is bad or the switch turning it on and off is bad.

[@franksanchez2919]

Can u explaine what to do if ur fuel line to gun is not sending fuel to gun thank u

[@petrapalomares4086]

Hi I’m looking for a burner for hx series pressure washer /steam cleaner any suggestions where to buy one or do you know any place do I can buy one thanks and your videos are great by the way hope I hear from you soon great life for you and your family

[@Powerwash]

That would be a Hydro Tek. Check out there website they have several distributors that should be able to get you what you need.

[@bradfordsinclair5904]

Thanks for the energy

[@KelleyMobileDetail]

What if i have a flame coming from the bottom of the burner and black smoke comes out from the bottom as well

[@ktmdays]

Once in a while my becket burner on my powerwasher will rumble any idears

[@Powerwash]

It likely not firing and you get a build up of fuel in the burner. Then it ignites and cause a hard burn hence the rumble

[@kensjogren2838]

Great video.... Just one thing missing..... Exhaust.... If your coil is full of soot due to running rich your flame will not burn 🔥

[@jeffvimpeny7693]

What should the temp be on a hot water pressure washer just a range? Also any guages to check temperatures

[@Powerwash]

normally temps are 150 to 200 degrees Fahrenheit

[@munendrasinghtomar3795]

Continue fuel flow by nozzle. When burner turn off. What would be the problem

[@dpurpera]

I acquired a excell model 1204 washer with a burner just like the one in this video. Can anyone identify the manufacturer so I can find a wiring diagram? I am unable to find any information on this model, Thanks

[@Powerwash]

give us a call we can help @ PowerWash.com

[@jaimegauna]

I have a commercial pressure washer k’archer 3500 psi that won’t charge the battery. I been told it could be the starter or perhaps the coil. Do you have any suggestions,it is highly appreciated.

[@petemolina932]

Great video thanks.

[@808breaksbad.]

Great video. I took notes. Great explaination

[@4206447]

I just replaced my Fuel Pump on the Burner and the blower fan will not turn. It worked one day and nothing today. What would be the problem

[@Powerwash]

First start by checking the power

[@OTAlucard]

What's the 4th red wire for in a 120 volt generator type setup. Does that need voltage to ignite. I'm trying to test out the machine by. Bypassing the generator. I can get the blower to spin and fuel is pumping but what does the red wire need ?

[@rogerbrandt6678]

Shoot I have one of these but it's run off a gas motor, bit harder to check, but thank you very much sir, very helpful.

[@williamsalguero5074]

15 segundo y se apaga que puedo aser

[@rhlpresswash]

What a great video. Thank you for making it.

[@littlespressurewashing]

This is a great 👍 video #littlespressurewashingservice

[@BjornV78]

No flame sensor (LDR / Photocell) for shutting off the fuel valve when no flame is detected ?

[@Powerwash]

photocell is more common on the 12 volt systems. This is a 110 volt. Good observation

[@taylorh3930]

I got diesel running out the bottom of my boiler. I have a Easy Kleen pressure that is fairly new it makes small amount of smoke out the stack then I noticed I seen a bunch of diesel fuel leaking out the bottom. Any idea 🤷 ?

[@Powerwash]

Oh Boy!! Your burner is not igniting. And it is dumping diesel into the chamber. When it does ignite be ready because it will shoot flame out of the burner. My recommendation is take back to your distributor so they can work on it to get it repaired. There a many things that can cause this problem.

[@keithstudly6071]

I wish you had done the easy things first! My system had the overload breaker popped out so why do I need all the info about fuel flow and igniters before you get to telling that the pump is driven off the blower motor and can be damaged by water in the fuel? You only get to reasons your blower motor won't run after all the other systems.

[@daleleis5563]

Do you have a video on how to adjust the igniter’s over the spray nozzle. Thank you

[@Powerwash]

We do not at this time

[@ridethepace6005]

Look up Steven Lavimonier on KZbin. He has a plumbing service channel where he shows real time service of residential oil burners, how to clean electrodes and set them. I've learned a ton by watching him. Plus, he's from just South of Boston near Cape Cod and he's a pisser to listen to.

[@yulmerced4434]

i have an heated presure washer and it works for a good 10minutes minute and then shut off i by pass the temp sensor and still those the same thing i do see sparks on the transformer????

[@dangerousfreedom4965]

Great vid👏

[@talkmack]

excellent!

[@Powerwash]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@forthntwint]

So if I'm not getting oil to the burner port. What are the main causes? Replaced filter, replaced pump and doing same thing. At first it was only getting hot when I turned the throttle down to turtle on my washer. Now the burner won't light at all. I'm getting air and sparc. No fuel to the burner but fuel in bleeder valve.

[@chriscrouch7819]

Same here. I'm getting a fuel in my return line and if I kink it off I build pressure on my gauge but still doesn't get fuel at the supply for the burner

[@davidcastillo2543]

So I have one that won't stay lit it will ignite but then starts blowing white smoke

[@Powerwash]

reduce the air intake. White smoke is an indication of too much air flow

[@kulwindermann84]

Hii my burner just blowing fire continuously.can you help me ?

[@kt.hehner5997]

My Hotzy backfires when burner is turned on. Anyone know why ? It sounds like a gun going off and black spoke comes out. It’s only 2 tears old.

[@josevelasco1513]

I have problem whit oil pump burner the problem is the Disel no pass

[@GabrielKozsar]

excelent sir ! thanks ....

[@Doitforyoself]

awesome video but CAN SOMEONE HELP ME?! my burner fan just budges when the switch is turned on but doesn't have any spin. The fuel pump is not sucking in fuel either. Does the fuel pump work in conjunction with the fan for it to work? It sounds like I need a new fuel pump.

[@mike-ug9nv]

give it a spin with your hand after you diconect the power it may just be stuck, and yes the burner motor turns the fuel pump.

[@Doitforyoself]

Thanks. I have one more question... when the burner is running I noticed there is way too much diesel fuel inside my coil system, so I replaced the tip. I then had to take out the whole coil system, clean off the diesel from the coils and reinstall with new insulation. when testing it again, the coils inside my burner is becoming saturated with diesel fuel again. Do you think that I'm not getting a spark or fire so therefore it's not burning the fuel? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[@WTFIsThisGuyDoing233]

This is perfect

[@369firewolf]

On mine the fire burns, but no hot water.

[@HouseWashingRick]

I just ordered my first hot box it's a Pressure Pro hot box for 4000psi 4gpm if anything breaks on it where do I go to get replacement parts for it????? infact I would like to order parts and have them on hand incase something happens on a job

[@Powerwash]

Ricky, just give us a call we can get you parts for Pressure Pro 1-800-433-2113

[@HouseWashingRick]

@@Powerwash ok thank you very much. ordered it from the pressure washer store in Nashville Tennessee, cant wait to get it been saving up to get it. but thank you for getting back to me

[@Powerwash]

@@HouseWashingRick You are welcome. If they aren't able to meet you needs we are always here to help at PowreWash.com

[@HouseWashingRick]

awesome that is great to know, looking forward to it

[@willieluttrelljr6892]

Wiring forAaladin 41-530B

[@MotorFixDean]

Hi can you advise me at all please? My burner is not getting no fuel exiting the pump, it's returning back to the fuel tank ok so I k ow it's pumping it's just not switching over and going to the injector, I have changed the solenoid on he pump but still no luck. Any help would be appreciated. Dean

[@mike-ug9nv]

are you getting power to the solenoid?

[@jritch789]

Anyone know what would cause the insulation to deteriorate on my 12v diesel burner tank?

[@jritch789]

Anyone know what would cause the insulation to deteriorate on my 12v diesel burner tank?

[@thomasdavis1826]

Did you figure it out ? Mine has started to turn to soot

[@shanehayward2706]

HELP! fuel pump is working, fuel is coming out of bleed valve, but no fuel coming out of transfer line

[@forthntwint]

Same problem. Did you figure it out?

[@forthntwint]

@Seth Clemons did you figure it out?

[@forthntwint]

@Seth Clemons well hell. I'm about to try that. Just got a new pump and still the same issue but it has the grey one as well. Old one had the green.

[@forthntwint]

@Seth Clemons nope. Think the original solenoid is bad. Only spitting fuel and only with throttle turned all the way down

[@forthntwint]

@Seth Clemons lol. I'm dont with it for now. Ordered a new solenoid. Hopefully works. Pretty frustrating stuff.

[@geoffreyfredrickson695]

No such thing as a POWER washer, it's a PRESSURE washer. 2500PSI OF PRESSURE NOT POWER!

[@ricknova78]

matthew thomazin yes there is. Power wash is hot water. Pressure wash is cold water.

[@CBRMat]

Nice one Rick!

[@The6931]

matthew thomazin technically a power washer is a high pressure washer....around 40000 psi

[@glennmurray6219]

Thank you ser