Timer Running, Not Kicking Stoker on

 
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Richard S.
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Post by Richard S. » Fri. Sep. 04, 2015 12:22 am

The aquastat will lock the timer out if the temperature is above the hi limit. What is probably happening is you are getting a big fire going when you light it and it's taking that long to get to a point where the timer can run it. When you light it get a decent fire going and shut it off for an hour to heat things up a little.

FYI, during the summer the usual setting for HI is 160 and 140 for the LO. Winter time is typically 160 and 180 but you can set it higher like you have it. I don't have an EFM but it's similar, we have ours set to 150 and 130. The timer runs 1 minute every hour.

 
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McGiever
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Post by McGiever » Fri. Sep. 04, 2015 8:20 am

Pacowy wrote:I'm no expert on wiring, but the OP's problem sounds like maybe the timer isn't causing the stoker to run because the boiler is at or over the high limit setting after the long run to warm up after servicing, and 2 1/2 minutes per 30 may be more than what is needed to maintain the fire. Maybe it has nothing to do with any mystery fault in the equipment?

Mike
Very good point...and then in reality things would be working exactly as they should.
Now we need to know/find out if it is indeed setup and wired that way.

To op, Is there a second aquastat?


 
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Rob R.
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Post by Rob R. » Fri. Sep. 04, 2015 8:34 am

coaledsweat wrote:
nyurch wrote:This is my aquastat
That is your triple aquastat. It controls the boiler's operating temperature and the pump. There is a small single, same color typically with a moon like face and dial that is your overlimit control. Turn the setpoint lower when the stoker starts on its own and it should stop at the current temp of the boiler when the dial gets to it.
The EFM factory setup does not include a separate high limit control like you have described. As per the manual it should have the timer connected to the ZR terminal in the triple aquastat. Based on the picture it looks like that is the case. EFM also recommends a 40 degree spread between the low and high limit settings to prevent skipped timer cycles. Right now with a low setting of 180 degrees it is probably overshooting and reaching the high limit, which will prevent the timer from operating the stoker. Running a high feed rate can also contribute to this.

I would change the low limit to 160, run some water until the stoker kicks on, let it come back up to temp. and see how things go from there. If the timer is spinning and periodically the mercury bulb drops down, it is probably fine...you could confirm that with a multi-meter if desired.

 
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McGiever
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Coal Size/Type: PEA,NUT,STOVE /ANTHRACITE
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Post by McGiever » Fri. Sep. 04, 2015 8:50 am

Good Show, Rob :clap:

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