Smelly Oil Boiler After Service

MichelleUK

We have an oil boiler that is about 18 months old. It was serviced two weeks ago and we have been noticing a slight oil smell ever since. We assumed that it would wear off but it has not. We do not remember it smelling before and it also smells oily in the air when we come down in the morning. Also, hot oily smelling air comes out between the front panel and the case, and again, we never noticed any hot air coming out previously.

We are going to contact the company tomorrow but wanted to check if this needs immediate attention or can it wait a couple of weeks if they are busy? We have only ever had gas boilers in the past and want to be sure that we are not in any danger! Thanks for your help.

ThisIsWeird

Since it's two weeks since the service - where it's likely the leak, if that's what it is, occurred - I would be expecting the cove back pdq.
No, it isn't as scary as gas, and oil is actually quite hard to ignite, but still it's clearly not good, and does need fixing. There shouldn't be any oil smell.
It can also cause damage to your floor, and even linger long after the source has been sorted.
So, yes, fix asap.

The front panel of most oil boilers should be comeoffable, so you can have a look. Make and model?

MichelleUK

ThisIsWeird said:

Since it's two weeks since the service - where it's likely the leak, if that's what it is, occurred - I would be expecting the cove back pdq.
No, it isn't as scary as gas, and oil is actually quite hard to ignite, but still it's clearly not good, and does need fixing. There shouldn't be any oil smell.
It can also cause damage to your floor, and even linger long after the source has been sorted.
So, yes, fix asap.

The front panel of most oil boilers should be comeoffable, so you can have a look. Make and model?

It’s a Grant Vortex Eco System Utility 15-21. I did try to get the panel off a little earlier (I managed previously before the service) but it did not come away easily, so I did not want to force it. The plumber who came also mentioned that there was a slight crack in something but that it would probably need replacing during the next service (can’t remember what it was now…he did not seem too concerned!) Being wise after the event, that now sounds a bit dodgy with a practically new boiler!

ThisIsWeird

He couldn't possibly have meant an item of significance, certainly not anything that could leak! Surely.
Is the service guy also the installer? You should be well covered.

ThisIsWeird

Front panel - pull it forward at the top, and then lift it up and off.
It's held by two spring clips, one on either side near the top. You just pull it firmly forwards from the top until the top pulls away. The bottom sits in a slot or similar, so once it pulls off at the top, lift the whole panel upwards.
A good sharp pull! 
If the guy's going to turn up in a day or so, perhaps not urgent, but anything more and it would be worth a look so you can perhaps put something there to catch and visible oil. 
If it gets under your floor covering the smell could remain for ages - unless you lift it to clean.
Go on - give it a good tug

MichelleUK

ThisIsWeird said:

Front panel - pull it forward at the top, and then lift it up and off.
It's held by two spring clips, one on either side near the top. You just pull it firmly forwards from the top until the top pulls away. The bottom sits in a slot or similar, so once it pulls off at the top, lift the whole panel upwards.
A good sharp pull! 
If the guy's going to turn up in a day or so, perhaps not urgent, but anything more and it would be worth a look so you can perhaps put something there to catch and visible oil. 
If it gets under your floor covering the smell could remain for ages - unless you lift it to clean.
Go on - give it a good tug

I managed to get the front off…nothing obvious in there! The company that installed it are the ones that serviced it. Hopefully, they will get back to me shortly…thanks for your help!

ThisIsWeird

Keep us posted, please   Always good to hear what was going on!

MichelleUK

ThisIsWeird said:

Keep us posted, please   Always good to hear what was going on!

They came and had a look this afternoon, nothing obvious but tightened bits up and now there is no longer oily smelling air coming out of the front, so hopefully it has done the trick!

ThisIsWeird

Good result.

Cough - clearly there was a wee seep somewhere, but pleased it wasn't enough to actually drip anywhere and cause any issues. Good chance it was on a warmish part, so the tiny amount was evaporated very quickly - hence the smell, but no obvious physical sign.

Cool - best result