Camray Quartet 90/110 Oil Bolier Lockout Problem

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Hi my Camray Quartet 90/110 oil boiler (Riello 40 Burner) has developed an intermittent lockout problem.

A few weeks back I started getting intermittent (weekly) lockout problems.
For the last 3 mornings the boiler has fired up fine and then after about 45 minutes it locks out.
Usually pressing the reset button cures it for the rest of the day.
Occasionally it locks out once more later in the day but I haven't yet found a pattern.
Today it took 2 pushes of the reset button to restart the boiler in the morning (after the 45 minute lockout)
The first time there was a light hum for a few seconds followed by a click and then a louder hum then lockout.
It started fine the second time with the fan kicking in immediately and the boiler firing after the usual 10 seconds or so with no unusual noises.
It's serviced every year. Last service August new nozzle etc.

Help appreciated thanks.
 
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Hi my Camray Quartet 90/110 oil boiler (Riello 40 Burner) has developed an intermittent lockout problem.

A few weeks back I started getting intermittent (weekly) lockout problems.
For the last 3 mornings the boiler has fired up fine and then after about 45 minutes it locks out.
Usually pressing the reset button cures it for the rest of the day.
Occasionally it locks out once more later in the day but I haven't yet found a pattern.
Today it took 2 pushes of the reset button to restart the boiler in the morning (after the 45 minute lockout)
The first time there was a light hum for a few seconds followed by a click and then a louder hum then lockout.
It started fine the second time with the fan kicking in immediately and the boiler firing after the usual 10 seconds or so with no unusual noises.
It's serviced every year. Last service August new nozzle etc.

Help appreciated thanks.

The burner motor condenser needs renewing, its usually a 4uf.
 
Thanks for the prompt reply.
Pardon my ignorance but what does "4uf" mean?
You sound pretty sure so I guess there's no other possible causes right?
What should that cost to fix please?

Thanks
 
Sorry but I just had a thought..
I don't think my boiler is a condensing boiler so I'm guessing it doesn't have a condenser?
 
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Hello Midas
The hum you mention could be the main motor not being able to turn. This is controlled by a 4uf (or microfarad) capacitor. Its main function is to tell the motor which direction to spin.
John :)
 
Thanks for the prompt reply.
Pardon my ignorance but what does "4uf" mean?
You sound pretty sure so I guess there's no other possible causes right?
What should that cost to fix please?

Thanks
The condenser, or sometimes called the capacitor, can be seen fitted to the motor, Its purpose is to kick the motor into action. It acts like a rechargable battery to give an extra surge to the motor when it starts.
They cost about ten quid.
 
Thank you spraggo and burnerman.

Hopefully the capacitor then..doesn't sound too heavy moneywise.
 
I'm curious
Why does simply pressing the reset button overcome a capacitor problem?

Thanks
 
I'm curious
Why does simply pressing the reset button overcome a capacitor problem?

Thanks

It does not overcome the capacitor problem, you will eventually find that the burner will not start at all as this capacitor is gradually getting weaker.
 
Just a wee test for a motor with a faulty start capacitor.....
With the motor powered up, the shaft will be oscillating at 50hz. It doesn't know which way to spin, poor thing.
Giving the motor shaft a spin by hand (carefully) gets the motor to start.
Parts Center do the capacitors, as well as many other outlets.
John :)
 
Thanks for the advice and yes it was the 4uf capacitor.

Every time I get my boiler fixed I wonder whether my guy is ripping me off and think about getting someone new.

Maybe I'm just living in the past.

I've used the same guy for repairs for a few years. On the plus side he turns up quickly and I never have any issues with his work.

So how much should this job cost to diagnose and change the 4uf?

He was here for about 20 minutes and diagnosed either sticky pump or on my prompting maybe the capacitor :)

I told him I'd rather change the capacitor first obviously.

Came back the next day with the part and was here about 10 minutes.
Are 4uf's boiler specific or generic? I.e. is it something that a repair man would keep in the van?


I live in Tonbridge Kent.

What's a realistic price?

Thanks
 
The part is less than a tenner and they are specific - physically that is. Although any 4uf cap would do, most have a bracket or bolt to fix to your burner - therefore he probably wouldn't have that particular one with him.
(I just carry a couple of used ones with me).
So then you have his going hourly rate and his travelling expenses to consider.
If you've been happy with him before and he shows up promptly, thats a very good thing!
John :)
 
Probably a lot more down there than up here - and even here people think that they are getting ripped off. I'd be looking for £40 for the first hour plus parts plus travel. If I was there for a good while faffing about then I'd take that into consideration.
The thing is, the public don't value expertise and the fact that the gear I carry about costs a lot of money......I had to pay £188 to get my gas analyser repaired and calibrated just before Xmas :eek: and thats got to be passed on somehow.
John :)
 
Don't get me wrong, I do value expertise in fact I had a new plumber the other day. He was dearer than my previous one but worked twice as fast and was very knowledgeable friendly and prompt.
I pay any price for good workmanship as long as it's around the going rate and I'm not getting jerked off.

Thanks for your help and advice.

For the record I got charged £120
 

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