DIY step-by-step instructions for analyzing and repairing an oil heater
When repairing an oil heater, it is necessary to correctly establish the factor provoking the appearance of problems. There are several options for the breakdown of the device, each of which has certain characteristics. To identify the causes, it is necessary to determine the nature of the damage. You can do it yourself or contact the master.
How an Oil Heater Works
To determine a breakdown, it is worth knowing the principle of operation of the device. It includes the following components:
- Body - it includes an accordion with technical oil. In addition, most devices contain small amounts of air.
- TEN - present at the bottom of the device and is responsible for heating the oil. Usually this device includes 2 spirals. This is necessary to adjust the power of the device.
- Control and security unit. A thermostat is located on the top, which does not touch the body.
- Fuse - used to turn off the device in the event of a fault. First of all, it is necessary in case of oil leakage. Fuses are either disposable or reusable.The first option has a wired version, the second is considered bimetallic.
- Switches - several wires fit on each of them. This is phase, zero, ground.
How to dismantle a radiator
To repair the radiator, you need to identify the cause of the breakdown. For this, it is recommended to disassemble the device. To get started, it is worth preparing everything you need:
- an element for lifting a plastic panel - it is desirable that it have a wedge-shaped shape;
- Screwdriver;
- alcohol or cologne;
- tester;
- Sandpaper;
- soft towel;
- brush;
- to file.
Before starting dismantling, the device must be disconnected from the power supply. It is strictly forbidden to connect a dismantled device. All models of heaters are different, so there is no standard algorithm for the procedure. However, there are several options for resolving assigned tasks.
First of all, you need to carefully study the control panel of the device. If there are screws or brackets, it is recommended to remove them.
But most often a spring-loaded latch is used as a retainer for the plastic panel. In this case, you need to touch the surface with a plastic object or a product made of another material. This must be done very carefully to avoid damaging the casing. You will be able to feel the area where the latch is. If you press harder on this area, it will be possible to bend it.
If you have little skill in analyzing the technique, it is worth photographing the whole process of shooting. It is recommended to arrange the bolts and nuts when disassembling. This will help you reassemble the instrument once the process is complete.Experts advise not to rush to disassemble the device. Some problems can be identified without looking inside the device.
Solve the most common problems
There are many options for issues that may be difficult to resolve. First of all, it is worth establishing the causes of the breakdown.
Oil leak
The presence of oil leaks from the heater indicates a violation of the tightness of the device. To troubleshoot, follow these steps:
- Drain the oil and seal the reservoir. It is not recommended to use tin solder for this. It is better to use brass or silver. Copper-phosphorus is also suitable. For the procedure it is worth using a burner.
- It is important to carefully remove rust from the edges of the seams so that they adhere firmly.
- During the procedure, it is recommended to fill the water tank. This will help prevent fires.
- After the work is completed, the tank must be dried. After the repair is successfully completed, it is recommended to change the oil. Transformer oil is suitable for this device. It should be borne in mind that it is forbidden to combine mineral oils with synthetic oils.
Used oils are absolutely not suitable for radiators. They cause the heating element to become clogged with scale. It is important to take into account that the oil should fill up to 90% of the tank. The remaining space is air.
Lack of heating
If the device does not turn on, you can suspect a breakdown of the heating element. These elements are integrated and removable. In the first case, you will not be able to do without a service center. Sometimes you don't need to buy a new device at all.
It is much easier to repair a removable heating element.To do this, it is recommended to purchase a new element, remove the bracket and disconnect the wires. Then you can install a new device.
Malfunction of the temperature controller
To test this element, do the following:
- ring a section of the chain - this is done from the outlet to the temperature controller;
- set the regulator to the minimum temperature value and test - it is important that the circuit is open;
- when the resistors are turned on separately and two heating elements together, when the thermostat is set to a mark other than 0, the circuit must be closed.
If, therefore, it was possible to identify a malfunction, it is recommended to replace the element, since it is very problematic to repair it. If there are no breakages, the regulator must be cleaned of dust and tighten the contacts.
Failure of the bimetallic plate
When using the product, the plate is often deformed. This often causes the device to leak oil. In such a situation, the damaged part must be replaced.
To eliminate the breakdown, proceed as follows:
- dismantle the temperature controller;
- set the minimum heating temperature;
- remove the regulator handle from the screw, unscrew the nuts and remove the frame;
- remove the warped plate and install a new one.
No trip in case of rollover
If the device is tilted or knocked over, the electrical circuit must open. This effect is due to the presence of a suspended weight in the device. When the unit deviates from the vertical, it maintains its position.
To check the operation of this element, the device is manually deflected from the vertical.If the device does not turn off, it is recommended to clean the part from dust or replace it with a new one. Plus, it's pretty easy to put on.
It should be remembered that in the event of a failure of the safety switch, the device does not explode. If the heating elements, not covered with oil, overheat, the protection of the tubular heater is activated. In addition, the electrical circuit can open the thermal relay.
alien noise
Noise in the heater may be present intermittently or continuously. The source of noise is often water, which enters the oil in the form of vapor. As the water heats up, it turns into gas. This process is accompanied by a bang. Bursting air bubbles become another factor provoking the appearance of noise when the device is turned on. This is due to the movement of the device causing the oil to stir.
After warming up the device, the noise disappears. They pose no danger for subsequent operation. If the crackle is constantly present, this indicates a fault in the electrical part of the device. It is important to identify and eliminate the breakdown. It is forbidden to use such a heater. Sometimes the heater will crackle with the linear expansion of the resized elements due to heating. This phenomenon is not dangerous. When warming up, the sounds disappear.
The fan heater heats up but does not blow
During the normal operation of the blades, you can suspect the causes of problems in the engine. However, first of all, it should be ensured that voltage is supplied to the device. Its shaft should turn easily.
Then the motor is checked with a multimeter. It is important that his contacts ring and show resistance.
If necessary, the engine can be disassembled and examined from the inside. Sometimes it gets very dirty.In this case, it is worth ringing the windings, cleaning the commutator assembly and assessing the reliability of the attachment of the brushes. In some cases, it is necessary to treat the bushings of the driving part of the engine with machine oil. If the windings are burnt out, the motor must be replaced.
Restoration of Hull Integrity
If the radiator tank fails, you must do the following:
- Drain the oil. It is important to pay attention to the type of oil with which the tank was filled. This must be done, as the substance will spread in the process. Accordingly, the losses will have to be replenished.
- The metal body can be restored by 2 methods - welded or soldered. The second method is considered the most reliable. However, not everyone can perform this procedure. Welding is done with brass or silver solder. Copper-phosphorus is also suitable. During the procedure, the tank must be filled with water.
- After completing the work, it is recommended to dry the inside of the tank. It should be borne in mind that it is forbidden to pour oil in an unprepared form. It is recommended to evaporate at a temperature not higher than +90 degrees. With more heat, the substance will begin to oxidize.
Additional tips and tricks
In order for the device to work as long as possible, it is recommended to follow these rules:
- It is forbidden to dry clothes on an oil heater. It will dry fairly quickly, but it will damage the device. This is due to overheating of the elements of the device.
- The surface of the oil heater may be hot. To prevent accidental burns, it is recommended to install a special protective screen on the device.
- Wipe off dust as often as possible. This will help prevent overheating and increase heat dissipation. In addition, dust can cause bad odors in the room.
- It is forbidden to use such a heater in rooms with high humidity.
- The device significantly dries the air, so it is not allowed to use it in very small rooms.
- The device should only be used in a vertical position. If the device has been stored horizontally, it must be held vertically before turning it on. This will allow the oil to drain downwards, eliminating the risk of overheating the heating elements.
- It is forbidden to use adapters to connect the radiator. This will create an incomplete contact. As a result, the device can be turned on and off periodically. As a result, it will simply fail.
- It is not recommended to leave the device on when you leave the house. Do not place the device near upholstered furniture or curtains.
Oil cooler repair has a number of features.To be successful in this business, it is necessary to clearly identify the causes of the breakdown and follow the basic recommendations.