combi boiler not firing

[tmcguire]

I have a Ideal C80FF boiler (1999) but no manual. ''

Recent Weeks the boiler hasn't fired a few times. Last few mornings it's not fired at all. It only stayed on for a half hour or so tonight and switched off while my shower '' was running.

tried bleeding radiators and checked pressure both ok.

When it doesn't fire it makes a click just before it would normally fire up.

When it is on I think it might sound different than it used too ( possibly air expanding in the boiler) but it may just be I'm noticing it now.

Any ideas what the problem could be or what I could do to identify/solve it?

Hopefully I'll be able to sort it myself. My grandads a retired plummer and I'll be asking him though I don't think he'd have had experience of this model.

One further thing: It has a 24hr dial timer for the CH can anyone suggest a compatable 7day or 5/2day programmable one to replace it with.

Many Thanks for any replies

Thomas

 

[ChrisR]

You can get 7 day digital timers which will go in the same ols as the dial one, or of course use an external timer fixed on the wall. I have several of both, if you care to email me. Click on my name in the postings list view.
Why it doesn't start - could be so many things, blcked gas jet, dodgy spark (or does it have a pilot??) sticking gas valve and so on. Time to call corgiwallah.

 

[tmcguire]

Thanks ChrisR I'll mail you soon, need to get the firing problem fixed first.

If I can't find the fault myself I'll call an engineer.

Can anyone suggest a heating engineer in the Glasgow West / Clydebank area that can give me a quote.
Or should I just pick one from the Yellow pages.

cheers

Thomas

 

[kevplumb]

you could try cleaning the fan and the pipes to the air pressure switch

 

[tmcguire]

cheers kevplumb i'll try that.

the fan assembly is attached by a plate with four screws. If I undo them I should be able to remove it and give it a clean. The clear air hoses seem fine but I'll clean them too.

I'm away to the Celtic match so I'll try it when I get home. (Hopefully my choice of team wont affect anyones advice )

I'll let you know how it goes.

Thanks again

Thomas

 

[tmcguire]

Cleaned the fan it wasn't too dirty.

When I switch it on the pump is the only thing running the fan doesn't spin and theres no gas or spark. The pcb seems ok is it worth checking any connections with a multimeter.

Will be getting an engineer tomorrow.

Would do you guys think of the BG £16 a month care conntract

surely a yearly service (occasional part) won't cost £192.

 

[ChrisR]

Look in your phone book for Rannoch Services. You will do no better anywhere. Glasgow based but even from down here I know it's a big place.

BG service is fine for little old ladies. If your boiler fails Christmas eve though - they may or may not have someone to help.
Common complaints are
1) they don't service your boiler, they usually just sniff the flue gases an if they're ok they don't look inside (or clean the fan...)
2) they're really keen to tell you you need a new boiler if they find anything wrong
3) you have to watch what cover you're getting. EG if you have a radiator rust through and leak, they may only drain it and turn its valves off. And leave it there.
4) If they decide a problem is due to faulty installation or sludge in the system, you aren't covered.

Other options widely adopted are
1) have your boiler serviced every year, which will prevent some (only) breakdowns
2)Do absolutely bogger all and panic and holler when it goes wrong.

Cheapest? Probably option 2!
MOst sensible? Option 1 - with a relationship with a decent man/firm, you should get good service if you do have a breakdown.

 

[tmcguire]

Had a local corgi man out today. (before I read the post about Rannoch)

He checked the gas valves etc and decided it was either fan or PCB. Then checked the pd to the fan : 240 across live earth, 240 across neutral earth and 0 across live neutral. So he deduced it was electrical - the main PCB.

He thinks the PCB will be £80+ but that I could mabey find it cheaper myself.
Will phone me with a quote but as I know an electrician he suggest I buy it and get it fitted myself.

G/C number of boiler is 47-348-05.

HRPC in Glasgow will charge me 122.13+ VAT retail and they don't even have any in stock.

Any online retailers I can try?

 

[kevplumb]

try chris r his e mail is in his profile

 

[tmcguire]

thanks kevplumb have mailed chrisR hopefully he'll be able to get hold of one.

Out of interest what would you charge to check over a combi (~30mins) and find it's probably a fault with the PCB? Haven't heard back from them yet but I don't expect it'll be too much.

 

[kevplumb]

depends where you are ?

 

[yvonnek]

Hi, was looking for a manual for the same boiler and found this site. I think I have the same problem with this boiler model ( same simptoms).
Before this though the boiler was firing up every 2 minutes and shutting off also we cannot turn the radiators off which is a bugger in the middle of summer and also to the gas bill.
I was wandering if you got your prob sorted and if it turned out to be the right solution. Also if you have any ideas for the the latter probs.
Any help appreciated