Boiler isn't firing up

[Sam1979]

I have a problem with my boiler. When I switch it on to heat the water it is just not firing up at all, this also happens when it switches on on timer. It is a gas Potterton Flamingo 50. It looks quite old, but I haven't had any problems with it in the year I've lived here, and certainly yesterday it worked fine. Nothing has been done to it while I have lived here, other than the annual safety check. Any ideas what the problem/solution could be?

 

[ollski]

is the pilot light still alight in the sight glass?

 

[Sam1979]

Yes. I turned the temp control right up to start with and it fired up then, but only for a short time and then it stopped and didn't fire up again.

 

[ollski]

check to see if it fires up for heating, then check if your pump is running. Is your hot water actually cold then?, ie not firing up at all

 

[Sam1979]

There's no separate setting for heating, so that isn't working either. Yes, the hot water taps are just running cold water, it's just not firing up. What's the pump?

 

[ollski]

First check that you have 230v to the boiler when you are calling for hot water, then check to see if you have 230v to the gas valve.

 

[Slugbabydotcom]

If you dont know what the pump is then you're best bet is to call a corgi guy to sort it out

 

[gazthepottertonengineer]

its more than likely the boiler stat as there isnt alot else on this boiler to go wrong

 

[ollski]

its more than likely the boiler stat as there isnt alot else on this boiler to go wrong

I've got one in my kitchen and the only things it has had are a new gas valve and two thermocouples....but these are riddled with horrible decaying asbestos rope seals and well past the end of their time.

 

[gazthepottertonengineer]

its more than likely the boiler stat as there isnt alot else on this boiler to go wrong

I've got one in my kitchen and the only things it has had are a new gas valve and two thermocouples....but these are riddled with horrible decaying asbestos rope seals and well past the end of their time.

tottaly agree with you on that one must be at least 15-20 years old so had your moneys worth