Trying to get an old boiler repaired

[Auk66]

Hello.
I have an old Gloworm Fuelsaver MKII Model 30B boiler which has been excellent in the 18 years since I moved here. Earlier this year I had a bad sludge build-up in the radiators which caused it to overheat. I heard a 'click' & since then I've been able to light the pilot light but it goes out when I release the button.
I had a powerflush done. I've had 2 plumbers out since then. I asked one to fit a new thermocouple, which he did, but the problem persisted. Apart from that, neither plumber seemed remotely interested in trying to fix it & just said 'you can't get the parts for these any more' & suggested I get a new boiler.
I've spoken to 2 other very experienced plumbers, one a mate, who both said the overheat stat has probably gone & that they are available quite cheaply. I was told how to test that for sure but I really don't feel comfortable working on a gas appliance. Unfortunately they both live a long way away.
I guess my question is how can I find an experienced plumber who's used to & willing to work on an old boiler ? I've been without central heating for about 8 months now.
Any suggestions/help would be much appreciated.
Area: North London
Many thanks.

 

[muggles]

@Dan Robinson one for you?

 

[muggles]

Or @hertsboilers

 

[muggles]

@Auk66 it is true that many parts for your boiler are obsolete, but a few are available. One of the two guys I've tagged above might be able to help you. I don't see why you think a replacement boiler "might not last 10 years" though? A good quality boiler, will installed and maintained, should last 20+ years

 

[Auk66]

Thanks very much muggles. I'm sure there are decent new boilers, just heard a few horror stories including from friends who had to have a 'new' boiler replaced after about 8 years. Seems a shame to junk a good old one, not to mention the cost involved. Thanks again.

 

[Dan Robinson]

@hertsboilers will get to you quicker than I will I suspect. I'm rammed more of less until Christmas now.

 

[Dan Robinson]

I might even have is if these boilers complete somewhere

 

[hertsboilers]

Very busy now. The over heat stat is obsolete now, but might be able to get it off eBay. I found more times it is higher contact resistance than a faulty over heat stat.

 

[Auk66]

Have removed my comment about new boilers !

 

[Auk66]

Thanks Dan Robinson & Hertsboilers. If either of you have the time to do the job, please feel free to message me.

 

[FiremanT]

Thanks very much muggles. I'm sure there are decent new boilers, just heard a few horror stories including from friends who had to hay the a 'new' boiler replaced after about 8 years. Seems a shame to junk a good old one, not to mention the cost involved. Thanks again.

The problem is not necessarily the boiler - but often the filthy water that is left in the system. An old boiler will cope with sludge easily - a modern one won't. Probably the most common complaint is the HW flowing hot and cold, mostly caused by debris in the P2P Hex.

It will not show for a few years.