Boiler not firing up , help appreciated.

[fivedollars]

I have luckily been given the task of getting my girlfriends heating system working again after being off for well over a year. (she didn't suffer, she was at mine at the time)

It's an old glowworm convensional boiler ( model to follow if req)
and has been tempremental in the past.

On first arrival, the system & tanks were filled and bled.
Pilot light was lit and remained on but boiler or pump failed to start when either hot water or heating requested on programmer.

Did notice pump getting hot so believing it to be siezed, replaced it with new item but still have same problem.

Both motorized valves open on demand but am I right in thinking its the micro switches that turn on pump and in turn, fire boiler up?

Although my knowledge of heating systems is limited, Im handy enough with a spanner and happy enough to rewire like for like so had thought of replacing both actuators valves but is it likely both to have failed? Am I just wasting money replacing them both?

Am i barking up the wrong tree so to speak?
Can anyone point me in right direction apart from - replace boiler.

Any help greatly appreciated.

AG

 

[bolshy]

Boiler make and model please. I wouldn't go changing parts willy nilly, it will end up costing a fortune. It's unlikely both motorised valve microswitches are defective, although possible. Possibly the gas valve. By the way, has the gas valve control knob been turned to the run position?

 

[fivedollars]

I'm not able to get to property today to get model etc
( should have taken a note of it I know) but will supply asap.

Control set to run , room thermostat turn up.

Would the pump still not run if it was the gas valve at fault?
or does the boiler fire up first before pump?

 

[bolshy]

Depends on how it was wired. Normally, demand for heat, MV opens, pump runs once open and boiler fires. Boiler stat is turned up too is it?

 

[Agile]

Why does this girlfriend not want to get a professional to sort out any problem, service the boiler and check it for safety?

Isn't that the most sensible thing to do?

Tony

 

[fivedollars]

Depends on how it was wired. Normally, demand for heat, MV opens, pump runs once open and boiler fires. Boiler stat is turned up too is it?

Yes boiler stat is up.

Looks like I'll get in a professional to diagnose at least.

Thanks for the quick reponse , pleasant change

 

[fivedollars]

Why does this girlfriend not want to get a professional to sort out any problem, service the boiler and check it for safety?

Isn't that the most sensible thing to do?

Tony

Sensible yes, more expensive, guarenteed.

I was hoping the more experienced here might know exactly what the problem was and save me the expense of calling on a heating engineer but i do realise that's hard to do without seeing the job, system etc.

If finances weren't a problem then I wouldn't hesitate to get in someone with the experience to sort but I also like to fix things myself where i can without compromising on safety obviously.

I will bite the bullet and get in a professional like you suggest.

Thanks.

 

[bolshy]

If you get a reputable heating engineer, it will probably save you money in the long run, and won't be as expensive as you might think.

 

[Agile]

Did notice pump getting hot so believing it to be siezed, replaced it with new item but still have same problem.

AG

Well you have already spent about £89 on a new pump!

Most boilers that I see are fixed for £84 plus any parts needed.

Tony

 

[fivedollars]

Did notice pump getting hot so believing it to be siezed, replaced it with new item but still have same problem.

AG

Well you have already spent about £89 on a new pump!

Most boilers that I see are fixed for £84 plus any parts needed.

Tony

The pump was offered by a friend for £25 , new one he had spare and not needed. Was worth changing at that price I thought.

Unfortunately I don't pay travelling time or costs but well done Tony , you have the job !

 

[FiremanT]

Most boilers that I see are fixed for £84 plus any parts needed.

Tony

The pump was offered by a friend for £25 , new one he had spare and not needed. Was worth changing at that price I thought.

Unfortunately I don't pay travelling time or costs but well done Tony , you have the job ! [/quote][/quote]

PLEASE let us know how Tony gets on. He did offer, sort of, after all

 

[kidgreen61]

London to Ayrshire for £84!

Terrific value

 

[J_N30]

Can you hear the actuators moving over? Once the motors motored over it sends power to the pump and boiler. If the pumps running but the boilers not firing there's you problem and you need a Gas Safe Registered Engineer.

 

[fivedollars]

Quick update.

Not answering his phone, unfortunately Tony seems to be some what busy this weekend and is at present, unavailable.

Had someone check out MV's , pump, gas valve etc and new pump turned out to be faulty! Old one tested ok and was refitted and now operated fine. I can only guess it was stuck due to the time left unused.

Anyway, boiler still wouldn't fire up so heating engineer , who was also friend of a friend, was advised of the urgency and details of the problem.

Wasn't present this time so I'm unsure of the exact diagnosis or remedy but after a quick service, boiler was back working again. (will post if i can find out)

Cost - £45 (Thank god Tony couldn't make it)

Thanks for all advice, for a 1st time poster, it was very much appreciated.