Pilot light wont light on boiler

safesurfer65

Hi all

I've got an 80's vintage "Ideal Mexico RS55" gas boiler.
I came came down the other morning to find my heating hadn't come on. I checked out the boiler to find the pilot light wasn't lit. I went through the lighting procedure but when I release the gas control knob after 20-30 seconds the pilot light just goes out. Tried numerous times with no luck. Funny thing is Im getting a new combi boiler in the next month or 2 so Im not really willing to spend any money on the old timer !

Any ideas on what it could be ?

Thanks

Mac

barrymung

Not familiar with the boiler but it sounds like the Thermocouple has gone-if it actually has one! (It's the probe bit that tells the controller that the flame is lit)

You can buy universal thermocouple's for less than a fiver from a plumber's merchant, or indeed ebay.

Edit: Does the gas controller valve have "Honeywell" marked on it?

Edit 2: Check the pilot flame is actually lit before condemming the thermocouple..the pilot jet might simply need a clean..

whatatwit

Also check that the knob that you have to hold in and release slowly (stop sniggering now) is coming all the way out.
I had a similar problem with my boiler (different make) I called out an engineer and he just wiggled the knob, which then came fully out and hey presto, it lit. Still charged me though

AndysDad

I agree with Barrymung.I had exactly the same problem.I replaced the thermocouple (£4.50) and hey presto I'm all working again.According to the shop where I bought the themocouple from its cures about 90% of the faults with these symptoms.