Stay Warm in a Pinch: Get Diesel Fuel for Home Heating

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Getting Diesel Fuel for Heat
   • Visiting a Convenience Store or Gas Station
   • Pouring the Fuel into the Fill Pipe
   • Using Multiple Cans if Necessary
3. Bleeding the Fuel Line
   • Tools Required
   • Identifying the Bleeder and Restart Buttons
   • Using a Container to Catch the Oil
   • Loosening the Bleeder and Turning on the Furnace
   • Allowing the Oil to Become Clear
   • Closing the Bleeder and Checking for Burning
4. Conclusion

Getting Heat: How to Get Fuel Oil for Home Heating 🔥

Have you ever found yourself at home in the cold, without any fuel oil to keep you warm? It's a situation no one wants to be in, but fear not! In this guide, we'll walk you through the steps to get yourself some heat and ensure you make it through the night until your oil supplier can come to the rescue.

1. Getting Diesel Fuel for Heat

Visiting a Convenience Store or Gas Station

The first thing you can do is head over to a nearby convenience store or gas station with a gas can. Don't worry if you can't find heating oil specifically—diesel fuel is actually the same product and can be used interchangeably. Just grab about five gallons of diesel fuel and you're ready to go.

Pouring the Fuel into the Fill Pipe

Once you have your fuel, all you need to do is pour it outside into your fill pipe. There are generally two pipes outside; the larger one is the one you want to pour the fuel into. Don't be afraid to use more than five gallons if needed, as you may have to put in about ten gallons to ensure you have enough oil to last overnight.

Using Multiple Cans if Necessary

If you're concerned about not having enough oil, consider bringing two five-gallon cans. It's better to have more oil than not enough when it comes to staying warm until your supplier arrives the next day.

2. Bleeding the Fuel Line

Tools Required

Before proceeding with bleeding the fuel line, make sure you have a few tools handy. The specific wrench size will depend on the type of burner you have. For most Beckett burners, a 3/8 inch wrench will suffice. If you have a different type of burner with a real low, you'll need a 7/16 inch wrench. Additionally, you'll need an empty pop can or a container to catch the oil that comes out during the process.

Identifying the Bleeder and Restart Buttons

Locate the bleeder and restart buttons on your furnace. The bleeder resembles a zerk or a car, while the restart button is typically red in color. Familiarize yourself with the placement of these buttons before proceeding.

Using a Container to Catch the Oil

To prevent spills and mess, place a rag or paper towels underneath the burner unit to catch any oil that may leak. Use an old pop can or a bucket with a tight mesh screen as your container to catch the oil.

Loosening the Bleeder and Turning on the Furnace

Using the appropriate wrench, loosen the bleeder by doing three turns. Avoid completely removing it; the goal is to loosen it enough to allow the oil to pass through the bleeder. After loosening the bleeder, turn on your furnace by adjusting the thermostat to ensure it is calling for heat.

Allowing the Oil to Become Clear

As oil starts to flow through the bleeder, it may initially have bubbles and appear cloudy. Patience is key here. Allow the oil to run for a minute or so, giving it enough time to clear out most of the bubbles. If the oil flow stops during this process, hit the reset button and wait for a few moments before trying again.

Closing the Bleeder and Checking for Burning

Once the oil stream turns into a clear flow, close the bleeder by tightening it with the wrench. At this point, check if your furnace has started burning by looking through the sight glass, if available. You can also feel the top of the furnace for warmth to confirm that it's functioning properly. Congratulations, you're back in business!

3. Conclusion

By following these simple steps, you can ensure that you have enough fuel oil to stay warm through the night until your oil company can provide a refill. Remember, if you encounter an air bubble in the line, you may need to bleed the system once more. However, most of the time, this process will have your furnace running smoothly again. Enjoy the heat until tomorrow morning when your oil company comes to save the day!

Highlights

• Running out of fuel oil for heating can leave you in the cold, but there are ways to stay warm until your supplier arrives.
• Diesel fuel is interchangeable with heating oil and can be purchased at convenience stores or gas stations.
• Pour the fuel into the larger fill pipe and consider using multiple cans if necessary to ensure you have enough oil.
• Bleeding the fuel line involves identifying the bleeder and restart buttons, using a container to catch the oil, and allowing the oil to become clear.
• Close the bleeder and check for burning to confirm your furnace is functioning properly.

FAQ

Q: Can I use diesel fuel as a substitute for heating oil? A: Yes, diesel fuel can be used interchangeably with heating oil.

Q: How much diesel fuel should I pour into the fill pipe? A: Start with five gallons, but if needed, you can pour up to ten gallons to ensure enough oil for the night.

Q: What tools do I need to bleed the fuel line? A: Depending on your burner type, you'll need either a 3/8 inch or a 7/16 inch wrench, and a container to catch the oil.

Q: How long should I let the oil run through the bleeder? A: Allow the oil to run for about a minute or so until it becomes a clear flow.

Q: What do I do if there's a lockout and the furnace doesn't start? A: Wait for a few moments and try hitting the reset button again to release the lockout.