My new Grant Vortex oil boiler does not light

[Malcolmkeith]

I have just installed a new Grant Vortex 26kW condensing kitchen model (not system type) oil boiler and it does not light. The fan starts and after about 15 seconds there is a humming which I assume is the ignition sequence which lasts for about 3-4 seconds and then the burner lockout neon lights.
I disconnected the flexible oil pipe where it joins to the valve on my fixed supply and oil gushes out when I open the valve.
The handbook says the starting procedure may have to be repeated several times during first lighting but I have now tried it about 10 times without success.
Can anyone suggest what might be wrong. Should I expect to hear a sparking during the ignition sequence- all I hear is a humming noise.

 

[oilman]

Did YOU install it? If you did, have you had it comissioned? There are two settings, air and oil pressure to set.

If you haven't got the instruments to set it up, get someone in who has.

You won't hear much, yhey are quiet even when running.

 

[wilhelm]

well unless hes 105 or got bco in, then it cant be commisioned.

according to oberstanbanfuhrer prescott , that is.

 

[Malcolmkeith]

The problem was cured after venting the manifold on the pressure connection.
It is working fine now thank you.

 

[oilman]

It might be running, but as you've spent so much money on a condenser, get it set up properly otherwise you might as well have not bothered. Running and running properly can be 15% to 20% less efficient. Boilers are not sent out running at their optimum. And if you haven't had it comissioned you have no warranty, if the manufacturer chooses.

 

[Malcolmkeith]

Oilman- you don't live in Hampshire do you? I would be very happy to get you to set it up. My problem is that I have had such bad experience with plumbers and boiler specialists.
For example, I have paid an "oil boiler specialist" man to service my old Potterton for several years. The Potterton was using oil like it was going out of fashion. I said to him last winter, "I have fitted cavity wall insulation and turned off several radiators in rooms we don't use regularly, please service it to the best standard possible and if it still uses loads of oil I will change it next winter". It still used loads of oil.
I decided I must change it.
When I came to take out the Potterton it was so heavy I decided to remove it in pieces. When I took off the door covering the heat exchanger I could not believe my eyes. (I have a picture to prove it). There was no space in the heat exchanger- it was completely full of ash- no wonder it took an hour to heat the radiators - I am amazed it worked at all. Clearly it had never been cleaned out in years.
If you don't live in Hampshire but you know a competent oil boiler man in the area let me know.

 

[oilman]

I sympathise. You should report him to Trading Standards, and if he is OFTEC registered, write to OFTEC too. You will have to write because a complaint will be dealt with only if it is in writing. That guy was a fraud. Your potterton would probably have done reasonably well if it was clean. You could look on the OFTEC website, or you could talk to friends and neighbours, alas you are right and I don't live in Hampshire, (actually I don't exist at all, I am just a virtual entity that inhabits the web). The other way to do it is to ring Grant and ask for a local guy. If you lived near me you would get my name, but you don't, so you won't.

PS please post the picture (hmm...and the guy's name, oh, and phone number, we could have a get-together)

 

[Malcolmkeith]

Oilman,
You are right in principle but let me tell you about another two previous experiences with plumbers.
My daughter called me and told me her living room carpet in her flat was wet and could I look at it. I was away on business at the time so I suggested she call a plumber. He came out and diagnosed a leaking hot water cylinder (which is in a cupboard in the living room). He quoted 1100 pounds +VAT ! to replace it and my daughter asked me if this was fair. I told her if the leak was not too bad to wait until I got back which she did. As I was looking at the wet carpet I could not help but notice water dripping down my neck. The leak was from the cold water cistern above the hot water cylinder. I bounced the ball cock and waited. It was fine- just a bit of grit in the valve. I was going to change the washer but it was not necessary- in fact it is working fine to this day. I reported this guy to Trading standards (in writing). They did not even reply.
A year later - same daughter-same flat-apparently the same problem. Again daughter called plumber -again diagnosis hot water cylinder is leaking. This time they quoted only 900 pounds plus VAT to replace! Again she waited until I got back to look at it. At first I expected it was my fault for not changing the washer but the level in the cold tank was normal. After looking around it was clear the water was coming under the wall from the bathroom next door. The fault was the silicone sealant around the bath had perished and water from the shower over the bath was running down the wall and through into the living room. Cost to cure 1.50 pounds of silicone sealant.
After my previous experience with trading standards I did not bother to write to them again.

Can you understand why I like to do things myself?[/quote]

 

[oilman]

They may not reply, but if they get enough complaints they have enough support to take action. If no one says anything, they'll never know.

However, ring Grant as I suggested, and where's the photo and this guy's phone number?

 

[PaulAH]

Can you understand why I like to do things myself?

No, not in the least bit. You're just trying to put honest, hard-working tradesman out of business.

Oilman: The standard of debate on that other forum is appalling. Suggest you bow out.

ChrisR: Sorry I haven't replied to your email. Away this week and can only get on www.

Paul

 

[oilman]

Can you understand why I like to do things myself?

No, not in the least bit. You're just trying to put honest, hard-working tradesman out of business.

Very droll.

Oilman: The standard of debate on that other forum is appalling. Suggest you bow out.

You're a bit late.

 

[PaulAH]

You're a bit late.

Good. We don't want people filling your virtual head with the wrong ideas.

 

[Malcolmkeith]

Hi Oilman,

Sorry for the delay but I thought you might like to know I followed your advice and called Grant. The guy they recommended was very good so I am 100% compliant now - no need to send for the thought police.

By the way, if you still want to see my carefully serviced Potterton I will try to attach the photo.

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