Range Powermax 155x going to lockout

[AndyJE]

Hi all

I've got a powermax 155x open vented boiler.

I understand it's about 3 years old and hasn't been serviced since we moved to this house (about 18 months). It has been locking out occasionally but I'd reset it and it'd be fine for a few days or weeks.

Now it's locked out and resetting it isn't making any difference.


Symptoms:
Turn it on at the mains, it tries to ignite 4-5 times and then goes to lockout.
The air-gas ratio valve makes a loud buzzing noise when the boiler tries to ignite, but it's been making that noise for ages (as long as we've lived here).

I've got a troubleshooting chart in the manual and identified which components are which to see if it was anything obvious - but I didn't want to start investigating the electrode for fear of interfering with the gas aspects of the boiler.

Can I safely remove the electrode and see if there's a spark there during ignition (like I would with a motorbike engine spark plug) - or is that a very bad idea?

Is there anything else I can try? I don't have any cover for the boiler so I'm frightened that this is going to be expensive....

Any advice appreciated
Thanks
Andy

 

[Range185]

Hi,
Please don't attempt to open it up, it could well be the electrode or maybe the gas valve which is causing the lockout ?

You need a 'competent' Corgi registered tradesman. But prepare for a potentially frustrating time ahead, I advise you to contact an engineer and make sure you ask if they are experienced in working with this type of boiler, as many will shy away from it. You really need someone who knows the boiler and therefore can diagnose it quickly and efficiently, they are not run of the mill units, and seem to require specialist knowledge.

Cheers,

 

[kevindgas]

best advice
RING POXY BATTERTON
they are welcome to the job of dealing with these crates of carp.
08706 049 049 is the number i use

 

[AndyJE]

Thanks for the advice, both of you.

I'll call them in the morning.

At around 3 years old, would you expect it to have any kind of warranty, or is that truly wishful thinking?

Cheers
Andy

 

[kevindgas]

all baxi will do is lie through their back teeth even if it is still under warranty they will probably deny it!!

 

[mrgas]

British gas offer a fixed price repair scheme.
They are now very careful about working on these strange beasts.

 

[AndyJE]

Hi fellas

I rang Baxi and the technical helpline transferred me to the customer support people.

Quite friendly, for £269 they offer a fixed price repair including a year's cover on everything internal to the boiler excluding faults caused by limescale buildup.

Apparently if the fault is limescale buildup, my money is refunded and they explain what's next (presumably buy a new boiler).

Interestingly the nice lady had my address on her computer system - it seems the boiler was installed in 2003, so the previous owner who said it was eighteen months old was just a bloody liar.

Not too unhappy so far, so look forward to the HEATEAM man who is coming tomorrow.

Cheers
Andy

 

[Deleted member 105431]

British gas offer a fixed price repair scheme.
They are now very careful about working on these strange beasts.

shame they weren't so carefull before they killed powermax owners by their negligence and incompetence.

 

[nickso]

British gas offer a fixed price repair scheme.
They are now very careful about working on these strange beasts.

shame they weren't so carefull before they killed powermax owners by their negligence and incompetence.

you mean the one powemax owner or did i miss another death?

 

[AndyJE]

Any others in addition to this one in Oxfordshire?
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/oxfordshire/5202976.stm

 

[boabcelt]

Of course there are others! Didnt you know that BG are murdering scum who want to destroy the entire world? At least thats the impression I get from some of the posters on here. . . Rant over.