Old bolier problem - Vulcan Continental 30/40/45/60 model

[john9159]

Hi,
Boiler not igniting - I suppose the problem is due to a failed thermocouple; will a universal tc do for this ancient boiler?
Will anything else need changing as a matter of safety?
Personally I would condemn it as it is in a very sad state but if it lasts the owner out then I reckon he will be happy.
Thanks

 

[compheat]

ye, a universal will do the job. boiler must be over 30 years old

 

[kevindgas]

ye, a universal will do the job. boiler must be over 30 years old

probably nearer 40 !! last one of these i saw was back in 1995 and that was still going strong they don't make em like that anymore!!

 

[Hugh Jaleak]

My folks had one in their house, installed circa 1979 when the place was built. Sat in the kitchen, on a concrete slab. Not sure if this was to protect the floor from heat or because of the sheer weight of the boiler!

It was pensioned off a few years back, BG persuaded my Dad he'd be better off parting with 4.5K for a new boiler and system upgrade, otherwise I think it would still be happily heating their house and HW today. Simplicity itself those things IMO.

 

[gassafeman]

My folks had one in their house, installed circa 1979 when the place was built. Sat in the kitchen, on a concrete slab.

Better than the one I saw 3 weeks ago. Sat on a 3 inch thick sheet of asbestos.

Paul.

 

[petit_pablo]

Serviced a vulcan a couple of weeks ago. Was as old as the house itself and older than me

 

[john9159]

Thank you for your invaluable advice - can you suggest what length the TC should be as I don't normally have any stocked

 

[assured heating]

Thank you for your invaluable advice - can you suggest what length the TC should be as I don't normally have any stocked

900mm should be ok

 

[wobbler]

I got one !

I moved into this 1930s house in 1983 and the Vulcan Continental is still going strong, the previous owners even left me the manual.

Had to fit a new thermocouple a couple of weeks ago when it just suddenly stopped working, used a universal Honeywell 900mm Q309A 2788.
After fitting had to take out the flange plate assembly and slightly bend the TC tip inside as it wasn't sitting in the pilot flame properly - even though it said on the back of the packet to NOT bend the tip, ho hum.
I am dreading the day it finally gives up the ghost as big bucks will be needed to replace it.

 

[petit_pablo]

I got one !

I moved into this 1930s house in 1983 and the Vulcan Continental is still going strong, the previous owners even left me the manual.

Had to fit a new thermocouple a couple of weeks ago when it just suddenly stopped working, used a universal Honeywell 900mm Q309A 2788.
After fitting had to take out the flange plate assembly and slightly bend the TC tip inside as it wasn't sitting in the pilot flame properly - even though it said on the back of the packet to NOT bend the tip, ho hum.
I am dreading the day it finally gives up the ghost as big bucks will be needed to replace it.

Well done you have just tampered with and modified a safety device. I the TC wasnt sitting in the flame then the issue wasnt with the TC. An RGI would be able to rectify this and replace the TC again

 

[john9159]

 

[glasgowgas]

Thanks to you all for posting your advice; now can you just tell me what I actually do to replace the TC as quickly as possible without fumblng about the wrong way.
So far I've just had the front off but will be visiting the house on Sunday to do the job.
Thanks

are you having a ferkin Steffi Graf?

 

[mcmarshon]

oh dear

 

[mcmarshon]

Scary