Oil nozzles are designed to do an accurate job of atomizing and metering fuel oil in the spray pattern of your burner. Keep nozzles in their original containers. Handle the nozzle by the hex flats and avoid touching the strainer. Use clean tools.

 

 

 

We recommend using a Delavan nozzle changer wrench to protect the porcelain electrodes.

 

 

 

 

 

If you do not have a nozzle changer wrench, you may also use two box-end wrenches.

 

 

Nozzles and oil filters should be changed at least annually for optimum service and efficiency. Add a good fuel oil treatment (our item number 47-330) to your oil tanks every year to keep filters and nozzles free from sludge and water.

 

We do not recommend trying to clean and reuse nozzles.  It is better to keep a spare on hand during the heating season.

Other information can be found below:

• Delavan Oil Burner Nozzles Reference guild – delavaninc.com
• If you get stuck in the dead of winter with a clogged nozzle and you can’t get a new one, you can try cleaning it.  - How to clean an oil nozzle.
• “It is very common for the filter to get plugged by dirt or water” -article about Becket oil burner problems.

Checking the strainer in your fuel pump should be part of the routine annual maintenance of your oil furnace or boiler.  It should also be checked if you are not getting a good oil flow at the nozzle or you have pulsating pressure.  To check the strainer, remove the four screws on the front cover with a 5/32 Allen wrench.

 

You can clean the strainer with a brush and clean fuel oil or replace it with an inexpensive new strainer. 

Look at the first letter of the Suntec model number to determine the right strainer.  There are different strainers for the A-series, B-series and J or H-series pumps.

Vist our Oil Heat Blog page for more tips on oil heat.

Can I Change the Size or Type of My Oil Nozzle?

In general, the oil nozzle recommended by the heater manufacturer should be used.  This can usually be found on a tag on the heater.  The nozzle is rated by GPH (gallons per hour of fuel use), spray angle and spray pattern.  For example, a .60 80 B nozzle will deliver .6 GPH oil use with an 80 degree angle and solid spray (B).

You may experiment with a smaller GPH nozzle to achieve better fuel economy.  A 1.20 GPH nozzle may be replaced with a 1.10 GPH, etc.  You may also try using a “W” nozzle in place of a hollow (A) or solid (B) spray pattern.  Other changes, especially to the spray angle should be left to an experienced technician.

More information can be found on the links below:

“Total Look at Oil Burner Nozzles”- by Delavan

Oil nozzle size–effect on consumption - Gardenweb discussion group

When you purchase oil nozzles from our website, in order to keep shipping costs low, we ship them using  US Priority mail.  Please provide a valid mailing address when you place you order.

How do I adjust my electrodes?

Adjusting electrodes in your oil burner is something normally done by a professional, however it is not rocket science.  If the homeowner is capable of doing most home repairs, he/she can adjust electrodes.  The standard cautionary notes apply:  make sure you turn off the system, and be careful because you are working around fuel oil.   Make sure you don’t over-tighten the holder, you do not want to crack the porcelain.   If you do not feel comfortable, defer to a professional.

 Also, see our video on oil burner maintenance on youtube

 

 

1.  Use a wrench or screwdriver to loosen holder to adjust or position electrodes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2.  Set gap at 1/8″

 

 

 

 

 

 

3. Set electrodes 1/8” forward from end of  nozzle.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4. Set electrodes about ½” from center of nozzle to center of electrodes.

 

 

 

You may also use a gauge. Our #66-105

 

 

 

 

 

Lastly, don’t forget to tighten the adjustment holder nut you loosened in step 1.

 

We list many common electrodes on our website.