Instruction manual
61
A.  COMBUSTION
1. NOZZLES — Although the nozzle is a relatively 
inexpensive device, its function is critical to the successful 
operation of the oil burner. The selection of the nozzle 
supplied with the MPO-IQ boiler is the result of extensive 
testing to obtain the best ame shape and efcient 
combustion. Other brands of the same spray angle and 
spray pattern may be used but may not perform at the 
expected level of CO
2
 and smoke. Nozzles are delicate 
and should be protected from dirt and abuse. Nozzles are 
mass-produced and can vary from sample to sample. For 
all of those reasons a spare nozzle is a desirable item for 
a serviceman to have.
2. FLAME SHAPE — Looking into the combustion 
chamber through the observation port, the ame should 
appear straight with no sparklers rolling up toward the 
crown of the chamber. If the ame drags to the right or 
left, sends sparklers upward or makes wet spots on the 
chamber walls, the nozzle should be replaced. If the 
condition persists look for fuel leaks, air leaks, water or 
dirt in the fuel as described above.
3.  FUEL LEAKS — Any fuel leak between the pump 
and the nozzle will be detrimental to good combustion 
results. Look for wet surfaces in the air tube, under the 
ignitor, and around the air inlet. Any such leaks should 
be repaired as they may cause erratic burning of the fuel 
and in the extreme case may become a re hazard.
4.  AIR LEAKS — Any such leaks should be repaired, as 
they may cause erratic burning of the fuel and in extreme 
cases may become a re hazard.
5.  GASKET LEAKS — If 11.5 to 12.5% CO
2
 with a #1 
smoke cannot be obtained in the breeching, look for air 
leaks around the burner mounting gasket, observation 
door, and canopy gasket. Such air leaks will cause a lower 
CO
2
 reading in the breeching. The smaller the ring rate 
the greater effect an air leak can have on CO
2
 readings.
6.  DIRT — A fuel lter is a good investment. Accidental 
accumulation of dirt in the fuel system can clog the nozzle 
or nozzle strainer and produce a poor spray pattern from 
the nozzle. The smaller the ring rate, the smaller the slots 
become in the nozzle and the more prone to plugging it 
becomes with the same amount of dirt.
7.  WATER — Water in the fuel in large amounts will stall 
the fuel pump. Water in the fuel in smaller amounts will 
cause excessive wear on the pump, but more importantly 
water doesn’t burn. It chills the ame and causes smoke 
and unburned fuel to pass out of the combustion chamber 
and clog the ueways of the boiler.
8. COLD OIL — If the oil temperature approaching the 
fuel pump is 40°F or lower, poor combustion or delayed 
ignition may result. Cold oil is harder to atomize at 
the nozzle. Thus, the spray droplets get larger and the 
ame  shape  gets  longer.  An  outside  fuel  tank  that  is 
XIII. TROUBLE SHOOTING
above grade or has fuel lines in a shallow bury is a good 
candidate for cold oil. The best solution is to locate the 
tank near the boiler in the basement utility room or bury 
the tank and lines deep enough to keep the oil above 40°F.  
Check environmental issues with local authorities having 
jurisdiction.
9.  HIGH ALTITUDE INSTALLATIONS — Air openings 
must be increased at higher altitudes. Use instruments 
and set for 11.5 to 12.5% CO
2
.
10.  START-UP  NOISE — Late ignition is the cause of 
start-up noises. If it occurs recheck for electrode settings, 
ame shape, air or water in the fuel lines.
11.  SHUT  DOWN  NOISE — If the ame runs out of air 
before it runs out of fuel, an after burn with noise may 
occur. That may be the result of a faulty cut-off valve in 
the fuel pump, or it may be air trapped in the nozzle line. 
It may take several ring cycles for that air to be fully 
vented through the nozzle. Water in the fuel or poor ame 
shape can also cause shut down noises.
NOTICE
CHECK TEST PROCEDURE. A very good test for 
isolating fuel side problems is to disconnect the 
fuel  system  and  with  a  24"  length  of  tubing,  re 
out  of  an  auxiliary  ve  gallon  pail  of  clean,  fresh, 
warm #2 oil from another source. If the burner runs 
successfully when drawing out of the auxiliary pail 
then the problem is isolated to the fuel or fuel lines 
being used on the jobsite.
B.  OIL PRIMARY CONTROL (Oil Primary)
1.  Burner (Oil Primary) will not come on.
a.  No power to Oil Primary.
b.  Oil Primary is in lockout or restricted mode. Press 
reset button for one (1) second to exit lockout. If 
control has recycled three times within the same 
call for heat, it will enter into restricted mode. To 
reset from restricted mode, refer to Section XI, 
Paragraph I, No. 2 for details.
c.  CAD cell seeing light.
d.  CAD assembly defective.
e.  Control motor relay is stuck closed (see note 
below).
2.  Burner (control) will light, then shut down after a short 
time, then restart after one (1) minute.
a.  CAD cell is defective.
b.  Air leaking into oil line causing ame out.
c.  Defective nozzle causing ame to be erratic.
d.  Excessive airow or draft causing ame to leave 
burner head.
e.  Excessive back pressure causing ame to be erratic.










