Open vented system, No HW or CH, BAXI 80HE boiler shows Ignition Lockout after tried to start a few times

[fandyman]

Hi,

I have an issue with my OV system and was wondering if anyone can help. When I set the programmer to CH and HW constantly on and check the 3 port diverter valve I do not observe any hot pipes although the Grundfox II pump seems to be operating ok on CCIII showing 45W and on CCII showing 20W. I've taken off the actuator from the 3 port diverter valve and tried to move the spindle manually and it seems to be moving easily with my hand only. The only weird thing is it is giving a strange bang on the pipes (which cause them to shake). This bang is stronger on CCIII setting.

The boiler seemed to be kicking in from time to time few days ago but always goes to ignition lockout now.

I have also tried bleeding the manual air vent by the HW cylinder as well as turning the HW cylinder thermostat down and back up again and neither helped.

Any help or advise appreciated.

 

[terryplumb]

Does the boiler not fire up at all ( doesn't burn gas) or does it fire up run for a very short time and then go to lockout ?

 

[fandyman]

Hi @terryplumb. It is the latter - it fires up and runs for a short time as if being called for heat and after maybe 4-5 times it goes into ignition lockout.

 

[terryplumb]

The boiler is either air locked ( doubtful)or the pump isn't moving water around to dissipate the heat generated by the boiler.
Is the feed and expansion tank half full of water ?
If so the feed may be blocked.

 

[fandyman]

The F&E tank is half full of water yes.

How do I know if the feed is blocked?

 

[terryplumb]

Show us a pic of the pipework around the pump and the feed to it from the loft.
Do you have a strong magnet ?
Have you checked all radiators are full of water ,bled any air out recently?

 

[fandyman]

See attached

 

[fandyman]

I have a magnet but not strong I suppose no. Where can I get one from?

 

[fandyman]

One other thing I noticed today is that there is never any clicking of the HW cylinder thermostat as it used to when cranking it down and up. Not sure whether it plays any role in this though.

 

[fandyman]

Also ignore the signage on the first photo - it is from an older issue and currenlt both flow and return pipes are cold.

 

[terryplumb]

Sorry ,I can't make out from your pics where the F&E cistern is. That large black tank looks more like the cold water cistern feeding the hot water cylinder ??

 

[fandyman]

The black tank is indeed the F&E cistern/tank.

There is another large tank/cistern on the other side of the loft (on the left on the below picture).

 

[terryplumb]

I have a magnet but not strong I suppose no. Where can I get one from?

Amazon maybe.
You need to follow the outlet pipe at the bottom of the F&E , paying attention to the first Tee ,and any elbows. If there is a blockage on that pipe run the magnet will be attracted to the pipe .

 

[fandyman]

Ok I will get a magnet from Amazon and try this.

What if I discover a blockage? How do I unblock it?

 

[fandyman]

Are there any other things to check?