Bolier - pilot light comes on and off when CH/HW isnt on

[lilone3585]

Hello,

The last 2 evenings (when I'm home - could have been like this all day) I've noticed my GlowWorm gas boiler has been starting up and the pilot light coming on every 15 mins or so when the Water or CW isn't on. I haven't noticed it doing this before while CH/HW is not on, it's making it's usual noises for when something is on. Is this normal or something I need to get looked at?

Thank you

 

[Dan Robinson]

Glow worm make a lot of boilers.

 

[lilone3585]

Glow worm make a lot of boilers.

It's a Glow worm Ultimate, I can see any other model number on it

 

[Agile]

It's a Glow worm Ultimate, I can see any other model number on it

OK then tell us what the other model number is then.

 

[lilone3585]

It's a Glow worm Ultimate, I can see any other model number on it

OK then tell us what the other model number is then.

sorry that was a typo, I can't see any other model info on it.

 

[45yearsagasman]

That sounds suspiciously like a zone valve end switch staying closed, but my crystal ball has a hangover.

 

[gas112]

Yep look for stuck microswitch in motorised valve

 

[lilone3585]

Yep look for stuck microswitch in motorised valve

Thanks, I'll see if I can move it when I get back tonight.
Might this mean my HW is currently constantly on? One of the pipes is very hot in the airing cupboard.

 

[Agile]

Could well be.

But the boiler temperature control will turn it off when it reaches the set temperature.

Rather than the microswitch being stuck its more likely the valve is tight and not returning to the rest position under the spring pressure. Sometimes they can be lubricated with WD40 or other silicone based lubricant but dont use mineral or veg oils as they will degrade the seals.

Tony

 

[gaswizzard]

Rather than the microswitch being stuck its more likely the valve is tight and not returning to the rest position under the spring pressure.

Tony

I'm going with 45 and 112 on this , pretty rare for the valve body/spindle to jam whilst in the open position unless of course the valve is in the open position more so than closed which wouldn't normally be the case.

 

[matt1e]

Could well be.

Sometimes they can be lubricated with WD40 or other silicone based lubricant but dont use mineral or veg oils as they will degrade the seals.

Tony

I would tend to avoid WD40 too as it too can degrade some seals
WD40 isn't Silicone Based either Tony, it's petroleum based (unless I'm just reading your post wrong)

Matt

 

[lilone3585]

I've just had a look and both valve actuators are on A, I cant see anything else on them. What am I looking for exactly, sorry I know I'm clueless.

Here are some pics

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• lilone3585
• 10 Jan 2013
• 1

Untitled

• lilone3585
• 10 Jan 2013
• 1

 

[gaswizzard]

If the spindles get tight just replace the complete valve as it's a no brainer (unless a dIYer) , talkng domestic valves of course.

 

[gaswizzard]

Replace both valves with honeywell.