Vaillant VCW - Main burner won't always fire

[helvellyn950m]

Hi there,

We've got a very old Vaillant VCW GB 221 H Boiler that just keeps going and going. It's in good nick I'm told. I need it to keep going a bit longer.

We've got a problem with it as follows:

• Pump(s) run
• Pilot on
• But the main burner only fires 50% of the time
• Unplug it at the wall, leave it a while, and it'll work again for a few hours
• Affects both heating and hot water

My trusted heating engineer (a good friend)is looking at this. Any ideas where we could start diagnosing? I understand the VC/VCW model is one of the most complicated.

All my Googling brings me back here, there are some knowledgeable folks on the board!

Thanks in advance,
Chris

 

[DP]

A proper service will most likely fix the problem
Post where you are and someone will respond

Tony Agile, out top engineer will no doubt offer some advice and will travel too

Cracking boiler, engineer needs to have knowledge of operating sequence or he will be stuffed the moment he stands in front of this boiler

Have training and papers and I have been head to head with this beastie. In fact I had one in my house which now resides in someone's garage to keep two on the wall healthy and functional

 

[Agile]

I only travel in London and Midlands.

Oddly only just done a repair on one of those.

However, I will not offer any advice here as it is a combustion/safety device problem which we are not meant to advise on.

If your engineer needs to learn anything about then the it is he who should be doing the looking and not you. We have a section of this site called the CC where registered people can ask for advice on any aspect of boilerts.

Tony

 

[denso13]

However, I will not offer any advice here

What about a phone call for some "one to one advice"?

 

[Steelmasons]

However, I will not offer any advice here as it is a combustion/safety device problem which we are not meant to advise on.

Tony

That's funny as you give advice on "gas matters" when it suits for you to boost your ego.
For you to say you won't be "giving any advice" is a sure sign that you yourself haven't a fookin clue..

 

[helvellyn950m]

A proper service will most likely fix the problem

A service was the first thing we did, unfortunately it's got slightly worse rather than better

Cracking boiler, engineer needs to have knowledge of operating sequence or he will be stuffed the moment he stands in front of this boiler

Finding a knowledgeable engineer might be the challenge! I've tried a few, but could hear the blank faces over the phone. I tried Vaillant direct too (they offer "arrange a service" via their website) and after the initial headache of a "service" and a "repair" being separate appointments in their system, they said they don't touch anything so old! AFAIK they still sell the parts?!

I only travel in London and Midlands. However, I will not offer any advice here as it is a combustion/safety device problem which we are not meant to advise on.

Okay, that's fair enough

If your engineer needs to learn anything about then the it is he who should be doing the looking and not you. We have a section of this site called the CC where registered people can ask for advice on any aspect of boilers.

Thanks Agile, I'll suggest that to him.

 

[Agile]

I was quite surprised to find that many spares were still available although not all from the main suppliers.

Ended up buying six water section mounting brackets so now have five to sell on when I get round to it.

It is a slightly more complicated design than most but there are still some who can manage it.

You will just have to keep looking.

Tony