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Section 5 - Troubleshooting
NOTE: If the water in the outdoor furnace boils,
identify the cause and correct immediately. The
outdoor furnace will not typically be damaged
by boiling unless it reduces the water level more
than 1" below the full mark on the sight gauge.
If water boils, restore water level to full and add
Corrosion Inhibitor Plus™ as needed. If water
is added frequently it will cause deterioration in
the water jacket which will reduce the life of the
outdoor furnace.
3. Temperature controller set incorrectly - The
temperature controller should not be set above
195°F.
4. Water is not circulating - The pump should
run continuously and water needs to circulate
continuously through the supply and return lines
to keep water temperature uniform in the outdoor
furnace.
5. Circulation valve(s) closed - Be sure the proper
valves in the system are open to allow circulation.
C. SOLENOID DOES NOT OPERATE
1. Fuse blown - Check the fuse. Check damper and
solenoid area for obstructions or damage. Be sure
the damper door operates properly; then replace the
fuse.
2. Solenoid not operating properly - Solenoid may
be damaged. If so, be sure to check the linkage for
free movement and for creosote buildup between the
damper door and draft opening. Replace the solenoid
if burned out or stuck in the open position. Check
that the spring-loaded linkage and damper door
are not binding and that the spring is not broken or
missing. The solenoid is an owner serviceable item
(see instructions for replacement in Section 4).
D. FREQUENT PUMP TROUBLE OR POOR
WATER CIRCULATION
1. Pump mounted incorrectly - If the pump is not
mounted on the outdoor furnace, it must be mounted
at a minimum of four feet lower than either the top
water level in the outdoor furnace or the highest
point of the hot supply lines (see Fig. 19).
2. Deposits in water lines/heat exchanger walls - If
water high in silica or other mineral content has been
used, material deposits may build up on the insides of
the supply and return lines and on the heat exchanger
walls. If this occurs, the system will need to be
drained and then cleaned using Sludge Conditioner
(p/n 166). The system must then be relled with the
proper amount of Corrosion Inhibitor Plus™ (p/n
1650) and fresh water.
3. Water will not circulate - If the system has been
drained and relled, or if the system has been opened
for any reason (e.g., replacement of pump, adding
heat exchangers, repairing a leak), the system must
be purged (see Initial Start-up Procedures).
4. Poor water quality - Water with high amounts of
solids, sand or dirt can cause frequent pump failure.
Use softened and/or ltered water.
E. ERRATIC TEMPERATURE READING ON
GAUGE
1. Return water too cold - Water circulation may be
too slow. The return water should be no more than
20°F-25°F less than the hot supply water. If the water
returning to the outdoor furnace is too cold, it may
cause erratic temperature readings. Check for partial
air lock or install larger pump.
F. BURNING AN EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF
WOOD
1. High volume water heating - High volume water
heating (e.g., car wash, swimming pool, etc.) will
require high wood consumption.
2. Excessive heat loss - See items 9-12 of Outdoor
Furnace Does Not Heat.
3. Air entering through door - See item 1 of Outdoor
Furnace is Overheating.
4. Excessive draft - If a very tall extension is added
to the chimney, the increased draw through the draft
may cause excessive wood consumption. Decreasing
the draft opening may increase efciency and reduce
wood consumption.
5. Supply and return line heat loss - If supply and
return lines are buried in a wet, low-lying area,
there may be a large heat loss which would greatly
increase wood consumption.
5. High heat demand - Concrete slabs (with radiant
heat) that are poorly insulated or are exposed to water
or cold outside temperatures will require increased
wood consumption (see Hydronic Installations
section). Bringing a concrete slab up to temperature
the rst time will take a considerable amount of
time and wood; once warm, wood consumption
will be reduced if the concrete slab and building
are insulated properly. The following will also have
a high heat demand: poorly insulated buildings,
buildings with large amounts of glass windows/
doors, buildings with overhead doors, greenhouses,
uninsulated crawl spaces, outdoor air inltration and
air leaking through foundation.
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