Problematic Boiler

Flooze70 · 2 Oct 2011

I am in need of assistance again!!

Its been a while since I was here and all you guys helped me out.

I still have the same boiler - Sime Friendly E combi boiler and its about 12 years old now, so she is an old lady.

This is what is happening...

When I try to use the boiler whether it is for hot water or heating it is not firing up, as in the pilot light will light but the burners wont ignite.

However.... If the combustion box front panel is removed the burners will then ignite.

I thought it may be an air pressure switch problem but when switching the boiler on with the combustion box front panel on or off the fan kicks in as it should do.

I am now not sure what the problem is can any of you help?

Also if I was to purchase a new boiler what is the average cost to replace (just fitting).

Youllneverguess · 2 Oct 2011

When was it last serviced - Properly?

Installation fees will vary greatly and has been covered here thousands of times.

Fitting a supplied only boiler will mean the installer will guarantee it won't fall off the wall and nothing more.

Personally when someone asks me to "fit only" on stuff like this alarm bells go off and the phrase "tight a7se" springs to mind. You just now some piece of B&Q carp is going to be presented- possibly with bits missing.

Flooze70 · 2 Oct 2011

Thanks for the honesty, Im not a tight a7se just a lady who likes to save a bit of money... BUT I understand now the implications of the 'what if's'

It was last serviced professionally approx 3 years ago, but has had combustion chamber vacuumed every 6 months.

Youllneverguess · 2 Oct 2011

Who vacuums the combustion chamber? And why do it every 6 months?

Boilers need to be serviced every year. Your fault could well be related to the lack of servicing.

There could be other issues that an amateur's random hoovering will not pick up that would have been in a service.

Whilst I think these boiler are utter pap - it is worth giving it a proper service before condemning it.

simond · 2 Oct 2011

I clean ther ashtray out in my van every six months.

That has enabled me to extend the service intervals to 36 months.

DP · 2 Oct 2011

I would speculate the boiler is failing due to lack of proper service. Look at the manual and see what service entails. Save your money next time if service comprises vaccuuming the box only. This will be for your benefit, no/ little use to boiler operation

I attended a boiler last week that had a similar 'vaccuum service' carried out on it. Turned out a safety component was stuck in the operate position. The 'engineer' did not even vaccuum the dust/ dirt properly, let alone check functional operation of the boiler.

Flooze70 · 2 Oct 2011

Thanks everyone for the advice, jokes and even sarcasm.

You will all be happy to know the engineer is booked for a service!

Boilerman2 · 2 Oct 2011

Yeah but what about the boiler??

Boom! - Boom!

DP · 2 Oct 2011

Ensure boiler is serviced as described in the manual. Might be an idea to oversee the service

Agile · 2 Oct 2011

Flooze70 said:
Thanks for the honesty, Im not a tight a7se just a lady who likes to save a bit of money...

It was last serviced professionally approx 3 years ago, but has had combustion chamber vacuumed every 6 months.

I had to smile at the first part because many here would say they are synonymous!

Presumably the vacuuming was done non-professionally? Be aware that gas registered engineers do not consider that its safe for a DIYer to open the combustion area!

Tony

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Problematic Boiler

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