Ferroli Combi CH not working....

[nickjones]

Hello all. Firstly what a superb looking forum! I shall be reading a few of the back posts for sure and will be asking a few more questions when I get a moment.

Ok. I'm looking for some direction please...

I have a Ferroli Optima 901 combi boiler that lives in the kitchen. Approx 14 yrs old now. Has been serviced every year or so by a local chap in Kidderminster.

About two weeks ago, I realised the CH was not working, though the HW is running as normal (thankfully!). I bled the radiators throughout. All were good except a couple on the top level. The pressure dropped to about half a bar, and so I have topped that up to just over 1. The system seems to need retopping every six months by about half a bar btw. It was suggested to me by a friend that I may have an airlock?

My local guy came and looked at it yesterday and he ended up being much less than helpful. He says that a) the thermostat is working ok (this lives in the hallway downstairs, and I replaced this about a year ago as the dial was cracked and not giving the correct temperature...basic Honeywell unit). b) The pump is working ok.
I can only assume this problem is beyond his skill set? Either that or for some reason he has little interest in it as a job.

Anyway, I am reasonably competent with spanners etc. but obviously know the difference between what I can and can't do. Is there anything simple I can do/change, or am I as well to call a company nearby that can help? I have been given the details of Halesowen Gas Services by Ferroli. Depending on your response I shall call and hand it over to them.

Many thanks for reading. Hope I have given all the details I can.

Nick

 

[malkie]

Hello do you have any sign of life when ask for heat,does pump run ,fan on?,any sparking or is it dead

 

[nickjones]

Hello do you have any sign of life when ask for heat,does pump run ,fan on?,any sparking or is it dead

Hi malkie

In fact the boiler does seem to awaken when asked for heat, though there is no real combustion inside the boiler, as you can normally hear it all firing up and also see the inner gas light burning brightly.

It would seem that I am hearing a fan spinning or maybe a pump revolving...sorry to be so uncertain. It does all seem to be making the right noises, but the boiler is just not lighting up as it does when I draw HW.

Off out now for a few hours, hope to catch your thoughts on my return. Cheers. Appreciate the help.

Nick

 

[nickjones]

Ok, no further responses.

HGS are set to call Monday to arrange a visit to me.

Thank you.

Nick

 

[Agile]

Its a bit difficult to guess whats wrong with your boiler.

They are quite repairable by an enthusiast but be aware at 14 y.o. its beyond the normal expected life span and many would recommend that its better to replace it with a new boiler at about £1500.

I have heard that HGS is a bit on the expensive side! I recommend a no-fix no-fee visit!

Unfortunately, they closed my favourite indian restaurant which was just on the inside of the ring road to the north of Kidders!

Tony

 

[nickjones]

Hi Tony and thanks.

HGS have 'quoted' £55+VAT to come out, plus parts.

Anyone else I should work with?

My mum and dad are here next week whilst I'm away which is frustrating as
a) They're in a home without CH (thank god I have HW and a gas fire!)
b) I wish I was here to sort it out.

Anyway, Cyprus is warm for a week

Nick

 

[BGEngineer]

Just been looking at sequence of operation:

External call for heat, ie thermostat turned up will cause pump to run

Then the following needs to be satisifed before the fan will run:

1)CH flow temp sensor
2)Boiler thermostat calling
3)88oC high limit stat not reached

If all these are satisfied the fan will run the air pressure switch will make and the gas will burn!

As your hot water is running ok I can tell you now its going to be your CH flow temp sensor. Ferroli sensors are notorious for failing for some reaseon, just another one of their faults as a boiler. Hope this helps.

 

[nickjones]

Terrific thank you!

Can I do this...or leave it to the service company?

Mind you, I'm away tomorrow now so I'm not even here to resolve it myself.

Nick

 

[BGEngineer]

If you wanted to confirm it you could buy the sensor and not necessarily install it, but you could still unplug the old one and plug in the new one. The thermistor doesn't have to be in water in order for it to bring the boiler on. If it works great then you can worry about draining the boiler down and installing the sensor. It is located on the left hand side on the pipe below the air seperator.

The part number is 39800310

Parts center do it for £18.00

You will struggle to get the part today, but the firm you have in wont have it either and it will need to get ordered, so up 2 you mate.

Just a couple of things to consider;

It could also be the PCB playing up, but firstly you would try the sensor as this is the cheaper option.

Secondly should it prove to be the sensor draining and refilling an old boiler can be a bit of a minefield. You should leave the isolation valves on the boiler alone as 9 times out of 10 they will leak. Also things like the auto air vent may become blocked or may leak when you refill, which a firm will be able to deal with, but you may struggle.

Good Luck