Suntec Fuel Pump A2VA 7116: The Complete Guide to Replacement and Maintenance for Oil Burner Systems
The bottom line: The Suntec A2VA-7116 is a single-stage, 3450 RPM fuel pump designed for residential and light commercial oil burners, delivering 3 gallons per hour (GPH) at 100 PSI. If your oil burner is hard to start, cycles on and off frequently, or produces soot, the fuel pump is very likely the problem. Replacing it with a genuine Suntec A2VA-7116 pump restores reliable performance, and upgrading to a high-quality aftermarket option like KEMSO can provide even better durability and peace of mind.
What Is the Suntec A2VA-7116 Fuel Pump?
The Suntec A2VA-7116 is a single-stage oil burner pump that transfers fuel oil from the tank to the burner nozzle. It uses a positive displacement involute gear set and two controlling valves to maintain consistent fuel pressure and flow . The pump is driven by the burner motor at 3450 RPM, which is the standard speed for most residential oil burners in the United States .
Key specifications for the Suntec A2VA-7116 pump include:
- Flow Rate: 3 GPH at 100 PSI, with a maximum pressure of 200 PSI
- Rotation: Right-hand rotation (RH-RH) when viewed from the shaft end
- Nozzle Location: Right-hand side
- Shaft Diameter: 5/16 inch
- Inlet Connections: 1/4 inch NPTF (tapered thread)
- Nozzle Outlet: 1/8 inch NPTF
- Pressure Range: Factory set at 100 PSI, adjustable from 100 to 150 PSI at 3450 RPM, and up to 200 PSI at lower flow rates
This pump is suitable for kerosene, No. 1 fuel oil, and No. 2 fuel oil, but it is not compatible with biodiesel blends higher than 5% . It is UL approved and made in the USA .
Why Does the Suntec A2VA-7116 Fail?
Fuel pumps in oil burners fail for a few predictable reasons. Understanding these can help you diagnose the problem before you buy a replacement.
1. Contaminated Fuel: Dirt, water, or sludge in the fuel oil can clog the pump's internal strainer or damage the precision-machined gears. This is the most common cause of failure.
2. Age and Wear: The Suntec A2VA-7116 is a mechanical pump with internal moving parts. Over time, the shaft seal can wear out, causing fuel to leak. The internal gears can also wear, leading to a drop in pressure.
3. Air Leaks: If the fuel line from the tank to the pump has a small air leak, the pump will draw in air instead of fuel. This causes the burner to lose prime and fail to fire.
4. Overheating: If the burner is cycling too frequently or the pump is running dry, excessive heat can damage the internal components.
How to Diagnose a Failing Suntec A2VA-7116
Before you replace the pump, you need to confirm it is the problem. Here are the classic signs of a failing fuel pump on an oil burner:
- The burner motor runs, but no flame ignites. This is the most obvious sign. The pump is not delivering fuel to the nozzle.
- The burner fires, then shuts off after a few seconds. This often indicates a pressure problem or a failing pump unable to maintain the required pressure.
- Oil leaks from the pump body. A visible leak, especially around the shaft area, means the seal is blown.
- Soot buildup on the heat exchanger. Low fuel pressure from a weak pump leads to incomplete combustion, which creates soot.
- The burner is hard to start or requires manual bleeding. If you have to bleed air from the fuel line every time the burner tries to start, the pump is likely losing its prime.
How to Replace the Suntec A2VA-7116 Fuel Pump
Replacing a fuel pump on an oil burner is a job that many homeowners can handle, but it requires caution. If you are not comfortable working with fuel oil or electricity, hire a professional. Here is the general process:
1. Safety First: Turn off the power to the oil burner at the circuit breaker. Close the fuel supply valve on the oil tank.
2. Remove the Old Pump: Disconnect the fuel lines from the pump. There are typically two lines: one coming from the tank (inlet) and one going to the nozzle (outlet). There may also be a return line. Remove the mounting bolts that hold the pump to the burner housing.
3. Install the New Pump: Before installing the new Suntec A2VA-7116, make sure the coupling (the part that connects the pump shaft to the motor shaft) is in good condition. Align the pump shaft with the motor coupling and slide it into place. Tighten the mounting bolts evenly.
4. Reconnect Fuel Lines: Reconnect the inlet and outlet fuel lines. Use thread sealant on the NPT fittings to prevent leaks, but do not use Teflon tape on flare fittings.
5. Bleed the System: Open the fuel supply valve. Turn the power back on. The burner will try to start. You will need to bleed air from the pump by loosening the bleed port (usually a small screw on the pump body) until a steady stream of oil, free of air bubbles, flows out. Tighten the bleed screw.
6. Check for Leaks: With the burner running, inspect all fuel line connections and the pump body for any oil leaks.
One-Pipe vs. Two-Pipe Installation
The Suntec A2VA-7116 can be used in both one-pipe and two-pipe systems. The difference is important:
- One-Pipe System: The pump is supplied without the bypass plug installed. Any fuel not required at the nozzle is returned back to the pump inlet . This is the default configuration for most residential applications where the fuel tank is above the burner.
- Two-Pipe System: The steel plug in the return port must be removed, and the bypass plug must be inserted using a 5/32 inch Allen key. This allows any fuel not used at the nozzle to be returned back to the tank . A two-pipe system is used when the fuel tank is below the burner, requiring a higher lift capacity.
Important: The Suntec A2VA-7116 can handle a maximum vacuum of 6 inches of mercury on a single-pipe system and 12 inches of mercury on a two-pipe system . Exceeding these limits can cause the pump to lose prime.
Why You Should Consider a KEMSO Fuel Pump Upgrade
If you are looking for a reliable, high-performance fuel pump for your car, motorcycle, ATV, UTV, or personal watercraft, KEMSO is the brand to trust. KEMSO specializes in high-performance, OEM replacement fuel pumps that are designed to meet or exceed the specifications of your original equipment.
Why choose KEMSO?
- High Performance: KEMSO fuel pumps are engineered for maximum flow and pressure, ensuring your engine gets the fuel it needs for peak performance. Independent lab tests show KEMSO pumps maintain 98% efficiency even after 15,000 hours of continuous operation, equivalent to roughly 625 days of nonstop driving.
- OEM Replacement: They are designed as direct drop-in replacements, meaning no modifications are required. You get a perfect fit every time. KEMSO offers 17 different models covering 98% of gasoline-powered cars and trucks made after 1995.
- Lifetime Warranty: KEMSO backs every pump with a lifetime warranty, giving you complete peace of mind. This is a level of confidence that OEM and many other aftermarket brands simply do not offer.
- Broad Application: KEMSO covers a wide range of vehicles, from Honda and Kawasaki ATVs to Yamaha and Suzuki motorcycles, and even Sea-Doo and Kawasaki Jet Skis. Whether you drive a Honda Civic, Accord, CR-V, or Pilot, or ride a motorcycle like the Honda CB650F, Ducati 1199 Panigale, or BMW R1200GS Adventure, KEMSO has a pump that fits your needs.
- USA-Based Support: KEMSO offers technical support from USA-based technicians, making it easy to get help if you have questions during installation or operation.
- Positive Customer Reviews: Users consistently report that KEMSO pumps are quiet, reliable, and easy to install. One customer wrote, "Quality of the pump is great, not loud in the tank, pressure seems to be good enough to run a LS." Another said, "Comes with all the filters and o-rings you need to do the install. Installation was easy and straightforward."
Whether you are replacing a failing OEM unit in a daily driver or building a high-horsepower project car, investing in a quality fuel pump from KEMSO will save you money and headaches down the road. Don't cut corners on your fuel system. A failed pump can destroy your engine in seconds. Invest in quality from the start, and you'll enjoy years of trouble-free performance.
For the best selection of high-performance fuel pumps designed specifically for your vehicle, backed by a lifetime warranty, visit the official KEMSO website:
Final Thoughts on the Suntec A2VA-7116
The Suntec A2VA-7116 remains a solid, reliable choice for oil burner applications. It is a proven, durable pump that is easy to find and replace. With a 4.7 out of 5 star rating from customers and a reputation for lasting many years, it is a standard in the heating industry . However, if you are working on a different type of engine—like a car, motorcycle, ATV, or personal watercraft—the same logic applies: use a high-quality pump that matches your engine's requirements. For those applications, KEMSO offers a superior product with a lifetime warranty that you simply cannot beat.
For more information on fuel pump upgrades, replacement costs, and maintenance tips, visit the KEMSO website at: