White Smoke and more white smoke - Power Wash Network "The Power Wash Contractors Forum"

odd jobs · #1 (**permalink**) 10-08-05

Hi all,
I just bought a used Landa rig and I'm trying to figure out why it's smoking. When I turn the burner on, if I'm shooting water, everything's pretty much OK. When I stop washing, white smoke comes billowing out of the top of the burner and around the bottom of the coil unit where it meets the deck of my skid.

Even after I shut off the machine, wisps of white smoke still come out of the burner for hours. I shut it off at about 10am this morning and as of 4pm I can still see faint wisps of white smoke curling around the coils.

I'm thinking that I need to replace the fuel solenoid, at least as a first step. Too much fuel in the burner and it's not being burned, right?

Speaking of fuel solenoids, do I need to replace the whole thing, wires and all or can I just replace the coil part?

Thanks,
Joel

Mark · #2 (**permalink**) 10-10-05

I suspect you have unburnt fuel in the coil insulation.
If 8 hours of solid running does not cure it then I would
suggest the following:

De-soot coil and re-wrap with ceramic fiber insulation.

Complete burner tune up.

Use Red Devil Soot Remover or similar product as fuel
additive in future.
****************************************

FEATURES:
A unique liquid formulated to attack existing soot formations and help prevent further soot build-up
Keeps the heating system cleaner
Cleans burner tips
Saves fuel
Combats the formation of sludge and gum deposits in fuel tank, line, and filter
Emulsifies and removes water from fuel tank and lines preventing corrosion
Improves burner efficiency
Harmless to metal
Simply add to the fuel tank
Use with any type of fuel oil

odd jobs · #3 (**permalink**) 10-10-05

Thanks Mark,
I took the coil off this weekend. There was a lot of rust and the insulation at the bottom around the burner was soaked with water and diesel. There was no insulation between the coil stack and the outer sleeve. The coils were pretty dirty as well.

I plan to put new insulation at the bottom and around the coils. What's the best way to clean the coils (process/chemicals). I scrubbed them down the best I could with soap & hot water (all I had on hand) and they came pretty clean but I'm sure there's a better way.

The nozzle is shooting out fuel pretty good and the electrodes are firing. I have a tune-up kit on the way.

Is there anything else I can or should do while I have everything torn down?

Oh, and I'll get some of that soot remover too, thanks.

Thanks,

Larry L. · #4 (**permalink**) 10-10-05

The nozzle should not shoot out fuel,it should spray a ever fine mist of fuel,it could be the reason for the burner problem.

odd jobs · #5 (**permalink**) 10-10-05

Thanks, Larry.

I saw it shoot fuel everywhere when I took off the coil and exposed the burner. I started the engine and turned on the burner via the front switch. The electrodes arc'd and the nozzle spat fuel. I would have to say that what came out was definately not a fine mist. Small drops of diesel fuel ended up all over me and the rig. It looked more like a squirt.

How do determine which nozzle size I have & thus need as replacement?
Anything I should know about replacing fuel nozzles (Beckett Burner)?
Or does the fuel pressure need adjusting?

Thanks,

Henry Bockman · #6 (**permalink**) 10-10-05

Geez Joel be careful, you could have turned yourself into a human torch...

odd jobs · #7 (**permalink**) 10-10-05

He, He, He!
Yea I thought about that, AFTER the fact!

Is there a safer way of testing the nozzle?

I've also seen references on adjusting the airband while watching the flame. How is this done? How can you see the flame if the coil is still on?

I'll try to be more careful in the future.

Aplus · #8 (**permalink**) 10-10-05

Hey Mark.....

Speaking of that Red Devil soot cleaner......is that something I should be adding as a preventative? If so, how often?

If I should be adding it, could you ship me out a can, you have my billing info.

Thanks!!

Larry L. · #9 (**permalink**) 10-10-05

Clean off the old nozzle,it should have the size stamped on it.

Nothing to know,just replace it.

Don't mess with the fuel pressure just yet,I think a new nozzle will solve your problem.

When setting the air band watch for more or less smoking coming out of the burner,set it where you see no smoke.Sometimes thats hard to do with a burner already giving you problems.

If you want to see the fuel nozzle working out side the burner you will need a longer fuel line,you can do it with the short one thats on it but its more dangous.Hook the longer fuel line and place in a safe place as to fire it.A new nozzle will spray a ever ever fine mist like a fog,when a nozzle gets worn it will have droplets of fuel instand of a mist watch will make the burner slower to fire.

odd jobs · #10 (**permalink**) 10-10-05

Larry, Thanks a ton.

Exactly what I needed. I'll get a new nozzle. They're cheap enough.

I'm going to try to work on it for the rest of this week. I have to get some parts Wed. when Steve gets back in town and I'll post back after I get everything back together.

Thanks again,