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[tunnie]

So getting issues again, good news is from last time it that it does hold pressure. Since last issue, few months ago now? I opened the water tap to raise pressure to around 1.1 BAR. Its stayed constant at this level, hardy dropping at-all.

But as its got colder & colder, its becoming harder to start. In some cases I switch the heating on to half heat, you here it start to pressure up & see the spark trying to ignite the gas. It does this for around 10 seconds or so then stops, failing to light. Switch it back off, try again 15 seconds later or so and it does actually spark up and its lit up.

This morning however, its refusing to start, its even triggering the lock mode thing. Which I have to reset if I want to try again, manual says with lights I have its the same error:  Lack of burner ignition.

I should really go on a course, as I'm too scared to touch anything relating to the boiler.   

[aaronjb]

Low(er) gas pressure due to everyone in the area/building having their heating on causing a borderline burner to be too weedy to start, maybe?

Since it's trying to start I'd think that only really leaves the burner & gas valve as potential culprits..

[tunnie]

Low(er) gas pressure due to everyone in the area/building having their heating on causing a borderline burner to be too weedy to start, maybe?

Since it's trying to start I'd think that only really leaves the burner & gas valve as potential culprits..

Hmmm thats a good point, 1935 building. Around 55 flats, so quite possible. Cooker is gas that appeared to run ok for my bacon sarnie 

Think i've been trying to light it too often, safety lockout now won't reset like it normally does.

[aaronjb]

A good gas man should be able to check the gas pressure (and pressure drop etc) with a manometer in two minutes, to rule that out..

Not entirely sure how you'd check the gas valve was opening, though, besides hearing it work if it's audible 

[Kevin Wood]

Gas pressure should be Ok as the building will be supplied at mains pressure and each flat has an individual reg. that drops down to appliance pressure at the meter, I would assume.

More likely to be that:

The jet supplying the pilot light has become partially blocked.
The gas valve supplying the pilot is sticking, or an electrical issue or interlock means it's not being activated.
The electrodes between which the spark jumps are knackered, too far apart or not aligned with the pilot burner.
The wire to the spark electrodes is arcing on something and causing a weak spark.
Condensation has made the spark insulator damp.

Given that you can see a spark of sorts, I'd say more likely to be the first 2 or 3.

Kevin

[tunnie]

Gas pressure should be Ok as the building will be supplied at mains pressure and each flat has an individual reg. that drops down to appliance pressure at the meter, I would assume.

More likely to be that:

The jet supplying the pilot light has become partially blocked.
The gas valve supplying the pilot is sticking, or an electrical issue or interlock means it's not being activated.
The electrodes between which the spark jumps are knackered, too far apart or not aligned with the pilot burner.
The wire to the spark electrodes is arcing on something and causing a weak spark.
Condensation has made the spark insulator damp.

Given that you can see a spark of sorts, I'd say more likely to be the first 2 or 3.

Kevin

Given issues of it working sometimes, but not others (almost behaves like trying to start an old car) wonder if it is sticking.

Anything I can do, other than call someone out? 

[TheBoy]

I'd say eith no/insufficient gas, or its not sparking in right place. The safety measure in the boiler prevent further attempts, obviously.

Not sure if your boiler would have a pilot.

So I'd clean up the jets, and ensure the "spark plug" is correctly gapped, and correctly positioned.

[tunnie]

I'd say eith no/insufficient gas, or its not sparking in right place. The safety measure in the boiler prevent further attempts, obviously.

Not sure if your boiler would have a pilot.

So I'd clean up the jets, and ensure the "spark plug" is correctly gapped, and correctly positioned.

Easier said than done, I don't know where to begin 

[Kevin Wood]

Google for a service manual to download. Service procedure will be explained in detail, and adjusting the electrodes will be part of it.

[feeutfo]

Was about to say, when was it last serviced?


Good to hear its holding pressure though.

[Elite Pete]

Give Tyrone a call

[Elite Pete]

Give Tyrone a call

[Sir Tigger KC]

Sounds like you need to put the jump leads on it Tunnie! 

[Taxi_Driver]

Another boiler thread that makes me wonder, am i asking for trouble by changing my 30yo inefficient boiler that just sits there and works  It doesnt get ignition problems, the pilot light burns 24/7 

[Abiton]

Another boiler thread that makes me wonder, am i asking for trouble by changing my 30yo inefficient boiler that just sits there and works  It doesnt get ignition problems, the pilot light burns 24/7

Almost certainly. IIABDFI.