"Varnish" smell coming from the pump, boiler or ga

[beanpolo]

Hi

We have just noticed a varnishy/ paint thinners type smell. We have narrowed it down to coming from the pump, boiler or gas fire. We had the heating, hot water and fire on, so all 3 items were running when we noticed the smell. They are fairly close together so it's hard to accurately identify the culprit. I plan to try a process of elimination tomorrow night, but do I need to be taking action now?

The boiler is a back-boiler, it has not been serviced in the 6 years that I have lived hear (sorry). It is a Baxi Bermuda 401 Boiler (GC 4407749) situated behind/ beneath the gas fire.

The pump is in a cupboard to the left of the fire/ boiler, I cannot see a name on it anywhere, but it is blue!!!

Can anyone offer me any advice on what the problem might be, and what precautions I should be taking?

Many thanks
Mark

 

[joe-90]

Does the pump get hot?

 

[beanpolo]

Hi

Yep, the pump gets hot - comparable in temperature to the radiators.

Thanks
Mark

 

[cross thread]

boiler not serviced in six years !!!!!!!!!!! have i any advice YES GET IT SERVICED

 

[beanpolo]

Thanks Gordon - duly noted! Lesson learned, and will get sorted, but is there anything I should do/ be worried about right now (just before bed time!)

 

[cross thread]

done any glossing today ?

 

[beanpolo]

Oh yeah, that'll be it. Why didn't I think of that before?

Nothing of the sort, why on earth would I gloss a hot water pump?!!!

 

[kevplumb]

if the pump is starting to stick it may well be cooking the windings

 

[DavidDaft]

The amount of times i've found melted crayons,plastic toys etc. when servicing a back boiler

 

[cross thread]

any gloss type paint when drying causes a very odd smell when a open flame type of appliance like yours is used,as it takes its air from the property , oh why didnt i think of that !!!, only offering advice mate

 

[beanpolo]

Thanks kevplumb. Is there anyway I can check if this is the case? Any precautions I should be taking?

DavidDaft - No kids here, just a troublesome cat! Have already checked for odorous wet patches!!!!

 

[twgas]

best precaution is to turn it off, as you don't know what the smell is. It may be that the smell is from fumes spilling from the fire or boiler.