Vokera 20/80/RS Flowmatic - Burner firing up but cutting out

[Armstros]

Hi,

I've just bought a new house and the boiler has broke before I've even moved in. The boiler is a Vokera 20/80/RS Flowmatic.

The pilot light is on, but when I turn the heating on, the burner fires up and cuts off after a minute or 2 and also cuts out the pilot light. I was recommended to change the thermocouple (which has been done) but the same problem persists. Any suggestions as to what the problem could be?

Cheers

Steve

 

[45yearsagasman]

Many things to check on these old boilers. Thermocouples are generally reliable. Could be overheating, or could be combustion related. Either way get it serviced and checked properly by a pro. Opening the combustion chamber is not recommended for a diyer. Lots of screws aren't there, and I bet some of the spire nuts failed.

 

[Armstros]

It was only serviced in April. I've been doing a lot of dusty renovation work. I was told it may be the flue that is blocked and that's why the gas may be shutting off.

I've had new radiators installed. Do you think that will have any affect on the boiler?

I've got an engineer coming out tonight to have a look at it. Hopefully they can shed some light on it.

With the boiler being so old. Do you think it's worth getting it fixed or should I bite the bullet a buy a new one? I'm trying to keep costs down as much as I can, but if it's likely to breakdown again soon and it is inefficient it may be better off in the long run to have it replaced now.

 

[DP]

Doubt the boiler was serviced. Boiler would not overheat (which might be the cause of your boiler shutting down). Great boiler that springs back to life with a bit of TLC.

Blocked flue would not allow the burner to fire up.

With the pilot on and no demand, does the area above the pilot window get quite hot? If it does, then it should be looked at again to rectify that issue as the chamber should stay cool.

If the system was drained, then air lock within the boiler would not allow the boiler to fire. If boiler serviced by someone not familiar with boiler operation, then boiler firing as pump proving circuit is in-operational, hence the burner is getting knocked out by safety circuit due to lack of circulation.

If boiler gets serviced and repaired properly, is should not breakdown. Have many happy clients with this boiler