Potterton PrimaF boiler won’t fire up

Avoriaz

This boiler is nearly 16 years old.

Today it won’t fire up.

There is electric power as I can hear it respond to the on switch and to turning the thermostat up and down.

The circulating pump is running, the hot water and central heating on/off valves appear to be functioning so the problem would appear to be within the boiler.

I suspect that the spark ignition has failed as normally I can hear that sparking to light the pilot flame but I suppose it could be almost anything else.

It is not a condensing boiler. A few years ago I looked into the pros and cons of installing a more efficient condensing boiler and decided against that.

I do not have a service contract. I would prefer to repair rather than replace if that makes senses economically and I can get hold of spare parts. A friend of mine is a qualified electrician and we will have the first attempt at fixing it before calling in a Corgi repair service.

Any suggestions?

Thanks

thechippy

Does this have a pilot light which is normally permanently lit?

thechippy

Actually, thinking about it, they don't have a permanent pilot, they light the gas as needed. I think there is an overheat reset underneath the boiler near the control valve.

I believe these boilers can be dangerous though, the front casing needs a 100% effective seal, or they leak co2 badly. If it's that old, I'd seriously consider a change.

Avoriaz

Thanks Chippy.

It doesn’t have a permanent pilot light.

I had already checked the overheat reset.

I don’t intend to remove the main front cover but I will bear your warning in mind. I think you meant CO and not CO2. Dangerous Carbon Monoxide as opposed to Carbon Dioxide.

All the controls and electrics etc are underneath the main compartment and are easily accessible by removing an unsealed cover.

We are seriously considering a change. 16 years problem free until today is not bad going.

But if we can fix it safely and cheaply we would prefer that so all suggestions are welcome.

The chief suspect is the spark ignition which my electrician friend will hopefully check for me tomorrow.

thechippy

Sorry, I did mean carbon monoxide (I just had a glass of wine...:o)

Yes, it may well be the ignition and it's worth checking that you may have a cheap and simple fix. Always worth a try. Let us know how you got on......;)

waynedance

I have the same boiler and problem, doh!!

I did a google and got it to work by bending the pilot light electrode so it was less of a gap and turning the heat to max. Works now and i have turned the temp down.

I have posted on here about the costs of upgrading.

Avoriaz

My electrician friend is a genius.

He came over here about 9:00. He has a similar PrimaF boiler and he had the same problem 5 years ago. His problem then was a sticking/faulty fan.

He listened to my boiler and said “The fan isn’t starting”.

He took the main cover off, spun the fan with his finger and it started spinning and the boiler fired up.

We have sprayed WD40 into the fan but it still runs roughly and won’t start up without a little help so I need to buy and fit a new fan.

£130 is a lot cheaper than a new boiler so that is what I shall do.

Not only is he a good friend, this is about the fifth time he has saved me a small fortune in call out charges over the years.

thechippy

Good stuff,

You got it sorted.......:beer:

waynedance

My boiler is not starting again today, same boiler as you, not getting a spark, the fan starts spinning but only for a second.

waynedance

Just been googling, if i clamp the red pipe that comes from the top of the fan/flume it will start?

Avoriaz, any ideas from your mate??

sorry to be cheeky. tell me to sod if you want, penniless so if i can fix cheaply it would help.

Avoriaz

waynedance wrote: »

Just been googling, if i clamp the red pipe that comes from the top of the fan/flume it will start?

Avoriaz, any ideas from your mate??

sorry to be cheeky. tell me to sod if you want, penniless so if i can fix cheaply it would help.

I would very strongly advise you NOT to do that.

I think that red pipe is a safety device. I think it is reading the pressure in the flue above the fan and not allowing the boiler to start until there is sufficient air flow and/or pressure up the flue. (I am guessing here but that is what it looks like to me)

Clamping the pipe might fool the boiler into thinking the fan is working.

That could have very serious consequences.

I’m not an expert but I think you are risking a fire, CO poisoning or maybe even an explosion.

I’m not being deliberately alarmist but I don’t really know and I urge you not to mess with something you do not understand.

Contact a "No call out charge" Corgi registered service.