Prima F Problems

Andycobgolf · 13 Oct 2009

Hi there, im new to this forum so sorry if i have posted it in the wrong place.I have a Potterton Prima F boiler which has started making loud clicking (solenoid-type noises).When it switches on normally you get the 'click' then the burner ignites.Sometimes it clicks a number of times.I dont think its the pilot light as I think this is alight.WHAT i have noticed is that if you gently 'tap' the pcb it works again fine for a while.Also when it does this continuous clicking I can see a very small spark (in time with the click) on the underside of the board.I have heard that dry joints are common on these which is what I suspected before I found this out.Is it worth trying to reflow the solder at the sparking joint?(with power off obviously) and also is it straight forward to fit a new pcb (I have some electrical experience)...I was wondering if a new pcb was fitted there may be some other setting that needed to be done which I would be unable to do...........can anyone advise.
Cheers
A

bengasman · 13 Oct 2009

Fitting pcb's varies from simple plug 'n play, to direct alteration of critical values in the combustion process, I can't remember the specifics of this model.
How good is: "some electrical experience"? 12V, 230V? What kind on multimeter do you have?

kevplumb · 13 Oct 2009

avo

bengasman · 13 Oct 2009

Avo

Rings a bell.

kevplumb · 13 Oct 2009

couldn't resist

AlanE · 13 Oct 2009

avo icon_lol.gif icon_lol.gif icon_wink.gif

6 or 7?? Both down workshop somewhere.

kevplumb · 13 Oct 2009

good piece of kit alan

blew mine up years back

Andycobgolf · 13 Oct 2009

have a fluke multimeter (good one) and have worked with both voltages........

bengasman · 13 Oct 2009

Andycobgolf said:
have a fluke multimeter (good one) and have worked with both voltages........

If I can judge your skills by your tools, you'd be good enough to give it a go.
Competence is not only about knowing what to do, it is just as much about knowing what not to do.
IF you decide to try your luck, turn the power off at the spur, and take the fuse out as a back up.

baxpoti · 13 Oct 2009

Andycobgolf said:
I dont think its the pilot light as I think this is alight

You fool................... don't think check!

tonybhoy · 13 Oct 2009

baxpoti said:
You fool................... don't think check!

You had a bad day BP?

Andycobgolf · 14 Oct 2009

Ok fair point...it IS alight.When the boiler switches on you hear the 'tick' noise and the pilot ignites then you get the louder 'solenoid type click' which is usually followed by the burners igniting.Its this solenoid that seems to be actuating on and off.As I said before I suspect a dry joint on the board as gently tapping the board seems to cure it for a time and the burners light with no problem and also as a side point the flames are nice and blue ....(Did it 2 days ago and has been fine since).......

diynot

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Prima F Problems

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