Worcester Heatslave 12/14 going into lockout

[Ttec72]

Hello,

I have a Worcester Heatslave 12/14 combi oil boiler which will not run. We ran out of oil back in April this year and due to the hot weather and finances have only just got round to getting the tank filled.

On first starting the boiler it goes into lockout, to be expected with no oil, so I then bled the system, first by disconnecting the flexible hose at the oil pump, opening the oil stop valve and collecting the oil in a container. Quite a lot of air was expelled until I had a continuous stream of oil. The valve was closed and the flexible pipe reconnected.

I then ran the boiler to lockout 3 times, as described in the installation and servicing instructions, while opening the bleed screw on the side of the pump, again collecting the expelled oil.

Resetting the lockout, the fan runs for about 3 seconds, then the valve opens and you can hear the burner light. It stays lit for about 4 seconds before going into lockout. Resetting the lockout ends in the same result each time.

I have now also replaced the burner jet, as I figured it may have become damaged or blocked from the dregs of the tank and have also adjusted the electrodes in line with common settings for oil burners, as I am unable to find any information on the Novajet 1 burner.

The boiler still goes to lockout after about 4 seconds of burn.

Having read a lot of forum posts on similar subjects, it seems as though the photocell may be at fault, but I cannot see why this (or any) component should fail only by running out of oil!

Any advice or bright ideas would be welcome.

Tony

 

[Hairymelon]

So you have had no hot water since April?

 

[Hairymelon]

Photocell is about £20. Sometimes it’s just the temperature change of a boiler out of oil that causes components to stop working.

 

[Ttec72]

Karate kid,

No hot water from the boiler since April, washing up has been going in the dishwasher and we have a great electric shower.

I will get a photocell ordered and give it a try.

Thanks for your help.

Tony

 

[oilboffin]

Certainly a 4 second then out suggests a cell to check this disconnect the cell then run and if it runs for 4 sec then cell prooved dodgy.Bob

 

[Hairymelon]

I should have said to check it’s not just sooted over. Sorry.

 

[Ttec72]

Certainly a 4 second then out suggests a cell to check this disconnect the cell then run and if it runs for 4 sec then cell prooved dodgy.Bob

I haven't tried that, didn't want to damage the control box. I have ordered a new photocell now, thanks for your help though.

Tony

 

[Ttec72]

I should have said to check it’s not just sooted over. Sorry.

Karate kid,

I have taken it out of the burner and cleaned it. No change. Have ordered a new photocell now, should arrive Tuesday, see how we get on. Thanks for your help.

Tony

 

[oilboffin]

Have you tried a pressure gauge on the pump?Bob

 

[snb]

Or possibly dragged through some carp and the nozzle is not atomising correctly

 

[Ttec72]

Have fitted the new photocell this evening, still doing the same thing. Any ideas what to do next?

Tony

 

[Ttec72]

Or possibly dragged through some carp and the nozzle is not atomising correctly

Snb

New jet fitted and pump bled 3 times as the manual says. I have also checked and cleaned the cartridge filter in the pump.

Tony

 

[oilboffin]

Try seeing if it's sparking if it is check the blast tube to see if it's wet if it isn't it could be the coil not letting oil through,I would still check oil pressure also check if you're getting 2 bar washing pressure.Bob

 

[Hairymelon]

So the burner was not firing ? The impression I got was that the boiler burner fired but lost flame after a short run

 

[oilboffin]

I think you should check oil pump pressure first,then nozzle.Bob