Sime 80E - pilot light doesn't always refire

[ChrisGJ]

Firstly, apologies for posting about something that may well have been asked before, I've tried searching but can't find a definitive answer (and my work's internet police only allow a certain amount of time on the internet!!)

I have a Sime 80E which had the diverter valve replaced last winter, now that I've started to use the CH again, the problem is that the system fires up, heats the rads fully, then the pilot light doesn't keep refiring so the rads then cool off. It makes the noise like it's working but with no flame.

My solution has been to set the timer so that it has 2 "teeth" on, the 2 off, this seems to work but is getting annoying as the house never gets that warm because the system is effectively on-off-on-off etc etc. Also if I try to get hot water while the system is working but with no flame it just runs cold - very annoying when I have to get out of the shower, go downstairs, switch it off so that it just fires up for hot water!

Any ideas from the experts would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Chris.

 

[Troubleshooter]

Hi,

You say it makes a noise like it's working, and I guess this is the fan operating. Check it out.

If it is, the ignition pcb has completed it's sequential check but has failed to complete its operational cycle. (Probably a relay failure)

Does it come on after you turn the system off and back on again, if so, replace the ignition pcb. There are three types of module, two of which are coloured i.e. blue or darkish pink (I'm useless with colours), none of them are interchangeable, so make sure you identify the right one. They can be purchased for about £72.00 plus vat

There are two pcb's fitted to the 80E and the one you are looking for is immediately behind the front panel, slightly off centre to the left. Make sure the power is OFF and locate the one securing setscrew holding it in place. It shall pull off quite easily and all of the connections are easily removable.


Every day is a schoolday!

T.

 

[Troubleshooter]

Hi,

If you haven't fitted a room thermostat to your boiler, get it done now ... because your boiler will just keep working it's arse off ... give it a break and prolong it's life!

T.

 

[ChrisGJ]

Cheers for the reply. it always works again when I switch it off then back on again......then about 15 mins later, the same thing: no flame but sounds like it's working (as you say, the fan running) so it does sound like that pcb is the problem.

Surely the replacing of the pcb etc is a corgi engineer job? rather than me try!

Any idea of total cost?

Cheers,
Chris.

 

[Troubleshooter]

Hi,

Yes, all repairs should be carried out by a Corgi Engineer ... preferably multi skilled. (Not all engineers are equal) The Ignition PCB cost about £72.00 plus vat, and maybe delivery if you order it yourself online. These parts are generally readily available!

I know of many folk who have been quoted £300 - £400 pounds by nasty engineers just for the parts. (They give us good guy's a bad name!)

The whole procedure should be carried out in less than an hour. It only takes five mins to remove the front panel, five mins to remove ignition module, five mins to connect replacement module and five mins to replace front panel. The rest of the time would be taken up by the engineer proving / diagnosing the fault and carrying out a final safety check and test. In the unlikely event that he finds something else wrong over and above the original fault then more time would be needed.

C ya,

T.