Old Vulcan boiler pump sticking

[melodymaker]

I have a very old Vulcan boiler and now the pump sticks more often resulting in a sharp hit on the side to get it going again. Because this is happening more often It has started to weep around the pipe join and rusting a bit.

I would appreciate it if anyone who knows about this kind of thing would view the links below to get an idea of what I am talking about and give me some advice. I want to avoid hitting the pump now because it won't help the leek. I did drain the radiators a couple of years ago to get rid of the brown sludge but it must have built up again hence the pump sticking.

I have been told that there is a government grant available to help with buying energy efficient boilers. This obviously isn't efficient but we are in no way able to afford a new system.


http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q147/hubballi/Vulc2.jpg


http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q147/hubballi/Vulc4.jpg

 

[gas_man_gaz]

why dnt ya jus replace the pump and valves?

 

[melodymaker]

Is it something I can do myself or would I have to get a Corgi reg plumber ?

 

[Deleted member 105431]

looking at the kitchen cupboard the boiler is fitted in there is very little clearance and no obvious ventilation. The pump is a simple job but I would make sure you have adequate ventilation and the boiler serviced! You may want to consider a good CO detector too. Warmfront/warmsure do give grants to those on benefits/low income/disabled towards new boilers I suggest you google it and look into it. That old Vulcan is potencially dangerous and definately very inefficent.

 

[keego]

That old Vulcan is potentially dangerous

Especially to the poor sap who has to drag it out to replace it.
Those things weigh a ton!

 

[giblets]

...but I would make sure you have adequate ventilation and the boiler serviced!...

And looking at the second picture, unless that bottom part of the cupboard is removable I would doubt that the burner assembly could be taken out for cleaning/inspection anyway.

 

[melodymaker]

There is a vent on the back of it that goes outside the house. It was checked by the guy who fitted the meter.

 

[melodymaker]

Do any plumbers on here know roughly how much a basic check or service would cost for this old thing. As there is corrosion around the base, is there a chance it could explode?

The pump if left for a while will work but if it started soon after the last time it was on it sticks. I don't want to hit it anymore because it might rupture the seal.

If so, I am in Cheshire if anyone who is corgi and reasonable would be willing to come out

 

[Razor900]

As you were already told on the MSE forum the cupboard around the boiler needs to come out in order to service the boiler and I wouldn't expect good news!

 

[melodymaker]

Which is why Im a here too as well as the MSE forum because not everyone's professional opinion is the same.