Ideal Elan 2 boiler switching on and off constantly

[dicktracey]

Hi folks,

The boiler has been working great then the other day I switched it on manually at the timer control so I could have a hot shower. Normally the water is only heated first thing and last thing in the day.

Well since then, I've had cold showers... five of them! brrrr
It seems that the boiler is clicking on, whiring up as if starting then
shuting down again. It does this repeatedly and the water stays cold.
I've found that if you block the rubber tubes underneath, (one white or the
other, red) by squeezing it in your fingers then the boiler fires up and
stays on - but still no hot water. I've tried this with both the radiators and
the hot water but nothing.

Has anyone got any ideas... i've ran out....

Ta very much

 

[oakland99]

Have you checked the pump if the boiler is firing for a short period then going out could be the pump is not circulating the hot water around the system. does the boiler actually fire up stay alight then go out or does it not light up? how quickly does it go out then fire back up is it ,on off on off on off on off or on for a while then off, hope that makes sense.

 

[namsag]

You have a problem with either the fan or the air pressure switch and sensing tubes.
Needs a pro.

If it was the pump it would sound like the boiler was being hit with a hammer as it is a low water content boiler.

 

[dicktracey]

I've taken the covers off and checked things out from the inside and I found
that the pilot light is not lighting. I think I've seen this before on an old Baxi bermuda I used to have. Does this mean that I need to replace the thermo-couple?

Or do you think I've missed something?

Ta very much

 

[dicktracey]

I've also checked the pump/s as there are two of these hidden in a cupboard upstairs. They're both doing a great job of circulating the
water around as far as I can see - cold water that is.....

The fan is on top of the boiler and is working ok, comes on and off when
it tries to light. If I squeeze either of those tubes I found earlier, the fan
stays on but I guess that's no good to me.

I think it might be the thermocouple, what do you think?

Ta very much.

 

[dicktracey]

Well, as it happens, the clean up I did last night must have made a
difference as I woke to a nice warm house and a hot shower this morning -
woo hoo!

However, I still think the boiler should fire up every time and I doubt it's going to do this.

I'm verging on joining the BG service and support option and that way leave
it up to them in future.

Ta for your advice.

 

[Deleted member 105431]

Well, as it happens, the clean up I did last night must have made a
difference as I woke to a nice warm house and a hot shower this morning -
woo hoo!

However, I still think the boiler should fire up every time and I doubt it's going to do this.

I'm verging on joining the BG service and support option and that way leave
it up to them in future.

Ta for your advice.

homeserve do similar policys but much better value.