How to Install and Set Up a Tigerloop Oil De-Aerator: Complete Guide

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If you’re dealing with oil burner lockouts, noisy firing, or inconsistent heating performance, the culprit is often air trapped in your fuel line. The Westwood Tigerloop Ultra oil de-aerator is the industry-standard solution for removing entrained air from oil supply lines, and it doubles as a convenient spin-on filter housing. This guide walks you through every step of installing and configuring the Tigerloop Ultra S220-8 — from understanding how it works, to mounting it correctly, to priming and testing the system. All information here is drawn from Westwood’s published manufacturer documentation, verified product specifications, and the collective experience reported by HVAC technicians and homeowners in verified reviews.

What Is a Tigerloop and Why Do You Need One?

A Tigerloop is a patented oil de-aerator manufactured by Westwood Products. Its primary job is to separate air from heating oil before it reaches your burner’s fuel pump. In a traditional two-pipe oil system, the return line carries unused oil (and any air) back to the tank. A single-pipe system, which the Tigerloop enables, eliminates that return line entirely — the Tigerloop handles de-aeration internally and recirculates excess oil within its own sealed chamber.

Key Benefits of Single-Pipe Conversion

• Eliminates the return line to the tank, reducing the risk of oil leaks at fittings and connections.
• Removes air continuously, which reduces burner lockouts and improves combustion efficiency.
• Simplifies installation on long oil line runs or when the tank is below the burner level.
• Reduces noise from air-bound fuel pumps.
• Built-in spin-on filter (on the Ultra model) means fewer separate components to maintain.

If you’re monitoring your oil usage with a Smart Oil Gauge, a properly de-aerated system also gives you more consistent consumption data since the burner fires reliably every cycle.

Understanding the Westwood Tigerloop Ultra S220-8

The Tigerloop Ultra S220-8 is the combined de-aerator and spin-on filter model. According to Westwood’s published specifications, here’s what you’re working with:

• Function: Continuous oil de-aeration with integrated spin-on fuel filter
• Connection type: Designed for single-pipe oil supply systems
• Filter type: Spin-on cartridge (similar in concept to an automotive oil filter), which is significantly easier to change than traditional inline cartridge filters
• Compatibility: Works with standard domestic oil burners using kerosene (28-second oil / Class C2) or gas oil (35-second oil / Class D)
• Mounting: Wall-mounted, typically adjacent to the oil burner
• Inlet/Outlet: Standard compression fittings for copper or flexible oil line

The “Ultra” designation specifically refers to the integrated filter housing. The standard Tigerloop (without “Ultra”) requires a separate inline filter. For most new installations, the Ultra is the preferred choice because it consolidates two components into one unit.

Tools and Materials You’ll Need

Before starting, gather the following:

Tools

• Adjustable wrenches (two, for holding and tightening compression fittings)
• Pipe cutter or hacksaw (for copper tubing)
• Drill and appropriate wall fixings (masonry anchors for brick/block, wood screws for timber)
• Spirit level
• Screwdriver (flat and Phillips)
• PTFE tape or liquid thread sealant rated for oil systems
• Tube bender (if using copper pipe)
• Oil-absorbent pads or rags

Materials

• Westwood Tigerloop Ultra S220-8
• Copper oil pipe (typically 10mm OD in the UK, or 3/8″ OD in North America — confirm your burner’s requirements)
• Compression fittings as needed for your specific routing
• Fire-rated oil line sleeving (required by code in many jurisdictions for indoor runs)
• Replacement spin-on filter cartridge (for future maintenance — good to have on hand)
• Oil-rated flare or compression fittings to connect to your burner’s fuel pump

Safety Equipment

• Safety glasses
• Nitrile gloves
• Fire extinguisher rated for oil fires (Class B) — always have one accessible when working on oil systems

Pre-Installation Planning

Step 1: Confirm Your System Configuration

The Tigerloop is designed for single-pipe oil supply systems. Before installation, determine your current setup:

• Two-pipe system (current): You have a supply line from the tank to the burner AND a return line from the burner back to the tank. The Tigerloop will replace the return line’s function.
• Single-pipe system (current): You may already have a de-aerator, or your system may be experiencing air problems that the Tigerloop will solve.

Important: According to Westwood’s documentation, when converting from two-pipe to single-pipe, you must also change the fuel pump’s internal bypass plug. Most oil burner fuel pumps (Danfoss, Suntec, etc.) ship configured for two-pipe operation. Consult your pump manufacturer’s instructions for the bypass plug procedure. This is a critical step — skipping it will cause the pump to lose prime.

Step 2: Choose the Mounting Location

Westwood specifies the following mounting requirements:

• Mount the Tigerloop vertically on a wall, with the connections facing the correct orientation as shown on the unit’s label.
• Position it as close to the burner as practical — ideally within 1 meter (3 feet) of the burner’s fuel pump inlet.
• The unit must be accessible for filter changes (the spin-on filter hangs below the main body).
• Ensure adequate clearance below the unit — you need room to unscrew and replace the spin-on filter cartridge (approximately 150mm / 6 inches of clearance below).
• The Tigerloop should be mounted at approximately the same height as the fuel pump or slightly above it. Avoid mounting it significantly higher or lower than the pump inlet.

Step 3: Check Oil Line Routing

Plan your pipe runs before drilling anything:

• From the tank to the Tigerloop inlet: This is your supply line. It should follow existing routing where possible.
• From the Tigerloop outlet to the burner fuel pump: Keep this run as short and direct as possible.
• If converting from two-pipe: The existing return line to the tank will be capped off and decommissioned. The return port on the fuel pump connects to the Tigerloop’s return inlet instead.

Step-by-Step Installation

Step 4: Shut Down the System

1. Turn off the oil burner at the room thermostat and the burner’s isolation switch. 2. Close the oil supply valve at the tank (fire valve / fusible link valve). 3. Allow the burner to cool completely if it was recently running. 4. Place oil-absorbent pads beneath the work area.

Step 5: Mount the Tigerloop

1. Hold the Tigerloop against the wall in your chosen position. Use a spirit level to ensure it’s perfectly vertical. 2. Mark the mounting holes through the unit’s bracket. 3. Drill pilot holes and insert appropriate wall fixings. 4. Secure the Tigerloop to the wall with the provided screws (or appropriate fasteners for your wall type). The unit should be firmly fixed with no movement.

Step 6: Understand the Connections

The Tigerloop Ultra has three ports (clearly labeled on the unit):

Critical: Do not mix up the outlet and return connections. The outlet feeds clean, de-aerated oil to the pump. The return receives excess oil from the pump and recirculates it through the de-aeration chamber. Reversing these will prevent the system from functioning.

Step 7: Connect the Oil Supply Line (Tank to Tigerloop)

1. Run copper oil pipe from your tank’s supply valve to the Tigerloop’s inlet port. 2. Use compression fittings rated for oil service. Apply a small amount of oil-rated thread sealant or PTFE tape to the olive/ferrule area if specified by the fitting manufacturer. 3. Tighten fittings firmly but do not over-tighten — compression fittings seal on the olive, not on brute force. A good rule from plumbing practice: hand-tight plus one to one-and-a-quarter turns with a wrench. 4. If your oil line run exceeds the pump manufacturer’s specifications for suction lift and horizontal distance, consult the pump’s technical data to confirm the Tigerloop can handle the run. Westwood’s documentation notes that the Tigerloop is designed to work within the fuel pump’s standard suction capabilities.

Step 8: Connect the Tigerloop to the Burner

You need two short pipe runs from the Tigerloop to the burner:

1. Outlet to pump inlet: Run copper pipe from the Tigerloop’s outlet port to the fuel pump’s inlet (suction) port. 2. Pump return to Tigerloop return: Run copper pipe from the fuel pump’s return port back to the Tigerloop’s return port. 3. Secure all compression fittings as described above.

If converting from two-pipe: Disconnect the old return line that ran back to the tank. Cap the tank-side fitting securely with an appropriate blanking cap and sealant. The pump’s return port now connects to the Tigerloop’s return port instead of the tank.

Step 9: Configure the Fuel Pump Bypass

This step is essential when converting from two-pipe to single-pipe operation:

1. Consult your fuel pump manufacturer’s documentation (Danfoss BFP, Suntec AS/AN, etc.). 2. Locate the internal bypass plug — this is typically a small screw or plug inside the pump body, accessible by removing a cover plate. 3. For single-pipe operation, the bypass plug must be installed (inserted/closed) so that excess oil recirculates through the return line to the Tigerloop rather than being dead-headed. 4. For Danfoss BFP pumps, this typically involves inserting the nylon bypass plug into the return port internally. For Suntec pumps, the procedure varies by model — always refer to the specific pump manual.

Warning: If you skip this step, the fuel pump will not maintain prime in single-pipe mode, and the burner will lock out repeatedly.

Step 10: Install the Spin-On Filter

The Tigerloop Ultra ships with a spin-on filter cartridge:

1. Apply a thin film of clean heating oil to the filter’s rubber gasket (the O-ring at the top of the filter cartridge). This ensures a proper seal and makes future removal easier. 2. Thread the filter onto the Tigerloop’s filter housing by hand. Turn clockwise until the gasket contacts the sealing surface. 3. Tighten an additional three-quarter to one full turn by hand only. Do not use a filter wrench for installation — over-tightening can damage the gasket or housing.

Priming and First Start

Step 11: Prime the System

The Tigerloop and oil lines must be filled with oil before the burner can fire:

1. Open the oil supply valve at the tank. 2. Check all fittings for leaks as oil fills the supply line. Tighten any weeping connections. 3. The Tigerloop will begin to fill with oil via gravity (assuming the tank is higher than the unit). This may take several minutes on long runs. 4. Many fuel pumps have a bleed port (a small screw on the pump body). With the burner still off, you can loosen this screw slightly and allow oil to seep out, confirming that oil has reached the pump. Have a container ready to catch any oil. Retighten the bleed screw once a steady, air-free stream of oil appears.

Step 12: Test Fire the Burner

1. Restore power to the burner. 2. Set the thermostat to call for heat. 3. The burner should attempt to fire. On the first start after installation, it may take two or three ignition attempts for the Tigerloop to fully de-aerate the system. This is normal. 4. If the burner locks out, press the reset button (usually a red button on the burner control box) and allow it to try again. According to Westwood’s guidance, up to three resets may be needed on initial startup. 5. Once the burner fires and runs steadily, observe it for a full heating cycle. Listen for smooth, consistent combustion — no sputtering, popping, or surging.

Important safety note: If the burner fails to fire after three reset attempts, do NOT continue pressing reset. Investigate the cause — this could indicate an air leak in the supply line, incorrect pump bypass configuration, or another issue. Repeated resets can flood the combustion chamber with unburned oil, creating a dangerous condition.

Post-Installation Checks

Step 13: Leak Inspection

After the system has run for at least one full heating cycle:

1. Visually inspect every fitting and connection point for oil seepage. 2. Check the Tigerloop’s spin-on filter gasket area. 3. Inspect the decommissioned return line cap (if you converted from two-pipe). 4. Wipe all fittings clean and check again after 24 hours of operation.

Step 14: Verify De-Aeration

The Tigerloop has a transparent sight glass or inspection window on some models. If yours has one:

1. With the burner running, observe the sight glass. You should see oil circulating with minimal or no visible air bubbles after the system has been running for several minutes. 2. Some air bubbles during the first few hours of operation are normal as the system purges residual air.

Ongoing Maintenance

Filter Replacement Schedule

Westwood recommends replacing the spin-on filter at least once per year, ideally at the start of the heating season. If your oil quality is poor or your tank is old (prone to sludge), more frequent changes may be necessary. The filter change procedure is straightforward:

1. Shut down the burner and close the tank supply valve. 2. Place an oil-absorbent pad beneath the filter. 3. Unscrew the old filter (counterclockwise). Some oil will drain — have a container ready. 4. Apply clean oil to the new filter’s gasket. 5. Install the new filter as described in Step 10. 6. Open the supply valve, check for leaks, and restart the burner.

Annual Service

During your annual boiler service, ask your technician to:

• Inspect the Tigerloop for any signs of external oil weeping.
• Check that the mounting bracket is secure.
• Verify that all compression fittings remain tight.
• Replace the spin-on filter if not recently changed.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Detailed Product Review: Westwood Tigerloop Ultra S220-8

The Westwood Tigerloop Ultra S220-8 is the combined de-aerator and spin-on filter unit that has become the de facto standard in domestic oil heating installations across the UK, Ireland, and parts of North America. Westwood has manufactured the Tigerloop line for decades, and the Ultra variant adds the convenience of an integrated spin-on filter that eliminates the need for a separate inline filter canister.

From a specifications standpoint, the unit is compact enough to mount on a wall beside virtually any domestic oil boiler. The spin-on filter design is widely praised by heating engineers in verified reviews for making annual filter changes a two-minute job compared to the messier process of opening a traditional filter bowl and replacing a cartridge element. Multiple HVAC professionals note in reviews that the Tigerloop Ultra is essentially a “fit and forget” component — once properly installed, it runs silently and reliably for years.

On the con side, some reviewers note that the compression fittings included with the unit can vary in quality between production batches, and a few recommend purchasing higher-grade brass olives separately. Others point out that the unit is designed primarily for domestic (residential) applications and may not be suitable for commercial or high-flow-rate installations without consulting Westwood’s technical team. A small number of verified purchasers have reported that the sight glass can be difficult to see clearly in dimly lit boiler rooms.

This product is ideal for homeowners converting from two-pipe to single-pipe oil supply, anyone experiencing air-related burner lockouts, and heating engineers looking for a reliable, low-maintenance de-aeration solution. If you’re upgrading an older oil heating system or installing a new one, the Tigerloop Ultra is the component that most professionals specify by name.

When to Call a Professional

While this guide provides comprehensive installation steps based on manufacturer documentation, oil heating system work involves flammable fuel and pressurized components. In many jurisdictions, oil heating installations must be performed or inspected by a registered technician (OFTEC-registered in the UK, for example). Even if local codes permit homeowner installation, consider hiring a professional if:

• You’re unfamiliar with compression fittings and oil pipe work.
• Your oil tank is below the level of the burner (negative head installations require additional considerations).
• You’re unsure about configuring your fuel pump’s bypass plug.
• The installation involves routing oil lines through living spaces (fire safety sleeving requirements vary by jurisdiction).

A qualified technician can also perform a combustion analysis after installation to verify that your burner is operating at peak efficiency — something that requires specialized equipment.

If you enjoy tackling home system upgrades yourself, you might also appreciate our setup guide for smart home routers — a very different project, but the same methodical approach applies.

🏆 TOP PICK

Westwood Tigerloop Ultra Oil De-Aerator S220-8

Best for: Single-pipe oil system installations and two-pipe conversions with integrated filtration

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How We Research

This guide was compiled by synthesizing Westwood’s published manufacturer documentation, verified product specifications, and the collective feedback found in verified customer and professional HVAC technician reviews. We have not personally installed, tested, or handled the Tigerloop Ultra — all technical details and installation steps are drawn from official sources and the reported experiences of qualified installers. Our goal is to present the most accurate, comprehensive, and honest resource possible so you can approach your installation with confidence.