General

Service Bulletin
Cracking of the Transition Connection Between Inducer Motor and Cold Header
(RCT00084)
*DC/UC, *DX/UX, *DY/*UY Model Condensing Residential Gas Furnaces
ORDER No: FURN-SVB13B- EN

DATE: October 13th, 2005

Introduction
The purpose of this bulletin is to advise customers of issues connected with oil
contaminated plastic parts assembled in condensing furnaces, particularly
RCT00084.

Caution:
Units installed above finished construction that develop cracks may leak water, resulting in
potential property damage. The corrections recommended in this bulleting are necessary to
ensure cold header integrity of units in the distribution chain and installed units. These should
be checked before start up and owner usage.

Discussion
The previous bulletin regarding cold header cracks, FURN - SVB10A- EN described
the condition of oil migration to the cold header from the primary heat exchangers.
The inducer transition is connected to the cold header and in proximity to the
possible oil contamination from the primary heat exchangers and the inducermounting bracket.
Another possible cause of material cracking is the use of incorrect screws attaching
the transition to the cold header and pressure switch bracket to the cold header. We
have received reports of cracking being found later in the product life and in some
cases outside of the date codes previously communicated. Symptoms of failures are
water leaking from the unit, or failure to close the pressure switch with vent lengths
in allowable range.
FURN-SVB13B-EN

FIELD CORRECTIVE ACTION

When Servicing one of the units affected by this bulletin, symptoms
may appear as not able to close pressure switch or visible
condensate leakage from the heat exchanger area of the product.
Follow the diagnostic steps below to determine the source of
operational problems:
A manometer should be attached to the furnace to measure system
vacuum and measurements compared to the pressure switch settings.
(Included in this bulletin). If the system vacuum is within normal
limits and (after adequate run time) no water leaks are observed, the
furnace is OK. For example:
A *UX080C942 has a closing differential pressure of 1.30 W.C.
and an opening differential pressure of -1.15 .04 W.C. This
means the draft inducer must create at least 1.30 W.C. pressure
differential across the pressure switch. This would be the
minimum pressure differential expected if the installation has
maximum vent length. Experience shows that, with no vent, the
pressure differential is usually about -0.3 W.C. even deeper
vacuum (-1.6 W.C. in our example).
Therefore, if the pressure differential is not enough to close the
pressure switch, or barely closes it with less than maximum vent
length, a cracked cold header may be suspect. Another diagnostic
is to watch the pressure differential when the main blower comes
on. A significant drop in system vacuum when the main blower
comes on may indicate a cracked cold header. The pressure switch
may actually even be blown open.
Note: Small pressure drops (0.01 to 0.05 W.C.) may be normal,
due to voltage drop when the main blower energizes. In addition, models
with variable-speed draft inducers may compensate enough with smaller
leaks so that a significant change in pressure will not be evident.

Another method would be to connect a manometer to the pressure

switch as in the previous check, but use a manometer with a 1
W.C. or lower scale. Turn on the circulating air blower and look
for a positive pressure reading on the manometer. This would
indicate leakage into the cold header.

WARNING

Service checks and diagnostic procedures described in this

bulletin are intended to be performed by trained, qualified
personnel. Some checks may be required to be performed
with voltage present and the hazard of moving parts also
exists in these situations. Failure to follow warnings and
cautions in this bulletin may result in personal injury or
death.
2

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To determine if leakage may be occurring from cracks in the inducer transition

rather than the cold header, remove the inducer motor assembly and the
inducer mounting plate to gain visible access to the transition piece. This part
RCT00084 can be replaced to resolve this failure.

Note: It is important to use the correct screws when replacing the

inducer transition. Use the plastics thread cutting (blunt tipped)
screws to attach the transition to the cold header and the thread
forming (sharp tipped) screws for attaching the inducer mounting
plate to the inducer transition.

Parts Ordering Information

Inducer Transition may be ordered from your American Standard/ Trane
parts center using number RCT00084.
Cold header covers are a part of the complete heat exchanger assembly
which should be ordered for the specific furnace model and serial number.
(Continued on page 4)

FURN-SVB13B-EN

Questions
Dealers: Please contact your local distributor.
Distributors: Contact Field Operations Excellence in Tyler or Trenton

Literature Order Number

FURN-SVB13B-EN

File Number

SV-UN-SVB13B-EN-101305

Supersedes

FURN-SVB13A-EN

Stocking Location

Inland La Crosse, or Electronic Only

American Standard and Trane have a policy of continuous product data and product improvement and
reserve the right to change design and specifications without notice. Only qualified technicians should

FURN-SVB13B-EN