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Author:
endeavour (NY)
My system is single zone gas fired water boiler with standing pilot. Last year around this time the boiler would run for 20 min or so and then starts making this loud whirring noise. The noise is random, sometimes it would go on for an hour without making this noise. Please note the burner seem to be operating file while it was making the whirring noise.
Now the problem is back. Based on the discussion here and on another forum last year, I thought I had narrowed down the issue to Bad transformer relay. I replaced the honeywell control center and the noise had stopped. The noise never came back the whole season. I turned on the boiler 2 weeks ago for the first time and right away for this season and after about 20 min the noise started.
My first thought was spider/insect eggs in the orifice because the system has been sitting there unused for 8 month and i have small spiders in my basement not to mention the same thing happened last year around this time. So I tried cleaning the burner pipes and the orifices with vacuum and pressure cans used to clean keyboards. But that didn't work, I am not sure, however, if this would have sufficiently cleaned the orifice as its difficult to reach into.
Also, I am not sure why after replacing the transformer relay/control center the noise stopped but came back the next season. Could something be wrong with my electric line which is causing the transformer to go bad, surge possibly?
I have ordered a manometer to measure manifold pressure so i could rule out gas build up.
Below is the link to the video of the noise from last year (Applies to this year as well, as its the same noise) for your reference. I also made another video to show quiet operation of the boiler where you could see the combustion and the flame color.
Any idea whats going on?
Boiler noise:
[youtu.be]
Quiet operation with combustion visible:
[youtu.be]
Edited 1 times.
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Author:
Paul48 (CT)
The next time it is making the noise....take the handle of a screwdriver and give the relay a rap. If that doesn't work, try the gas valve. Can you see the relay chattering when you hear the noise?
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Author:
endeavour (NY)
Thanks Paul. I will give it a shot next time the noise comes on. I didn't see relay chattering when its making noise.
I took the manifold gas pressure today. It was a little high at 3.7. I adjusted it down to 3.5. Not sure if the high pressure had anything to do with the noise.
I will keep you posted.
Edited 1 times.
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Author:
Paul48 (CT)
Also check the low voltage. If the secondary of the transformer is marginal, you can get some weird problems.....sometimes OK, sometimes not. Usually you're OK as long as the output is within 10%. If you're at 21v, on a 24v transformer, either the transformer is bad, or it's being drawn down.
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