Ideal FF240 Boiler Cutting Out after 20 seconds or so

[scotzman]

Hi Folks

Have an issue with my boiler which I am hoping is non gas related so might be able to remedy myself.

This morning my boiler (FF240) wasn't on when I came downstairs. Programmed to come on about 30 minutes before I get up, so knew instantly it hadn't come on.

Switched off main power supply and then switched back on, and went through a few checks to see if I could diagnose the issue.

1) Boiler will fire up as normal but after about 20 seconds will cut off. This seems to coincide with the boiler beginning to kettle.
2) If I switch off and back on, boiler will only fire up when hot water is selected, not heating. It then cycled as normal and switched back off as above.

I'm hoping it is just an airlock as I can drain the system and re-fill myself, but I would be really appreciative for any suggestions and ideas before calling out the RGI.

Thanks

Dougie

 

[45yearsagasman]

I can assume you have a fully pumped system. Is the pump working correctly? See faq's on how to check. only a guess at this stage with little to go on.

 

[scotzman]

Hi Pete

Thanks for the response.

I think you might be right. The pump isn't running as normal and the airing cupboard where it is located, along with the hot water tank is boiling hot, can't actually touch the pipes...

Is there anyway to check the pump before swapping it out for a new one? Wouldn't want to throw it away if I could repair.

Thanks

Doug

 

[45yearsagasman]

See Faq's on pumps, but most have a large screw on the motor that can be removed to check the impeller is rotating. have a towel ready as there is sometimes a little water loss.

 

[scotzman]

Hi Pete

Took the disc off as suggested, however the stop cocks on either side of the pump cannot be functional as the water continued to pour out the inspection hole. Unfortunately the way the pump is positioned, I cannot see into the hole to see if the screw is turning although it feels as though it is.

It is a Wilo Gold RS60.

I changed the settings on the pump and it appears to be working on all three speeds, I can hear the flow change significantly when its altered.

So, today I drained the system completely and applied X400 to the expansion tank when refilling. Bled all the radiators and ran the system...unfortunately it appears to have made no difference.

What I have noticed is the boiler itself.

When I select hot water on the control panel, the control box lights up to say the hot water is on as it should. There is also an amber light in the controls pod (under the flap at the bottom of the boiler)lights up. The boiler will fire up at this point, but depending on (i guess, the water temperature) it will only fire for about 20 seconds.

I ran a bath yesterday and the boiler ran for ages.

However if I switch this off and then select heating, the light on the control box lights up (acl lifestyle LP522 model) but nothing else happens, no lights in the controls pod, no firing up of the boiler, nothing.

So, could this actually be a controller issue or is the operation described standard?

Thanks in advance

Dougie

 

[scotzman]

Ok, so one step forward, two steps backwards.

I followed the motorised valve failure guide under the FAQ section, and it worked. Heating came on a was fine.

Bought and just fitted a Wilo Yonos Pico, and it seems to be working fine. Just stripped the old pump and it was well worn with metal shavings inside so did need changed. Also replaced worn pump valves on both sides.

Wired it up, bled the system and the pump, and hey presto.....not great.

The boiler is actually cycling every 6-8 seconds, firing up, burning, shutting down, firing up, burning etc.

These are the same symptoms we were experiencing before we swapped out the fan as it hadn't enough oomph to keep the pressure switch open.

So, new pump fitted and by all accounts running really sweet, but system is still not working correctly.

If I repeat the solution for a pump failure, it fires up and keeps burning.

The only thing I altered was the temp on the hot water tank, turning it back down to 65 from 80. I have now turned this back up but boiler is still cycling.

Any help would be appreciated.

Dougie