Problem with Ideal Isar HE30 boiler

[stetanos]

Changed the PCB, now i get a more "normal" error reading - the 'L- F' error. Working through the manual's Fault Finder there seems to be a problem with my flame detection electrode. I yanked that out but visually it looks fine to me.

Does anyone know what i should be looking for? What does a duff one look like? It's just a piece of frigging wire!

Well, I could just replace it, it only costs £20 or so.

Things are definitely (but slowly - thank god it aint winter!) progressing.

 

[gas4you]

Its about the resistance in the electrode and the wires from it to the pcb. Try cleaning the electrode with a bit of fine emery or wire wool.

Does the boiler fire then go off after a couple of seconds?

Are you sure the gas valve is opening ok? Remove white tube on right of gas valve and check for water in it. (non gas containing part)

Are you sure it is sparking ok? The spark electrodes on these have a habit of warping in the heat so the spark gap becomes too great to spark.

L-F just means the boiler has not detected a flame within the prescibed time allowed, not just the electrode at fault.

 

[stetanos]

Hi Dave,

thanks for your advice. I assumed the detection electrode was at fault as after a reset the boiler displays the correct "code 5" and then sounds as if it works for a bit. It then goes into 'L - F' error.

I was simply following Frame 78 of the Fault Finding advice of the boiler manual that seems to suggest the detection electrode is the culprit.
Cheers,
S.

 

[denso13]

On a Mexico HE I did the 'L- F' error (2 weeks after installation) turned out to be a stuck "ball" in the condensate trap which meant the boiler filled up with condensate.

A quick clean and it's been ok since then.

 

[Agile]

Good luck with their tech help Last time I called they told me to check for spiders and spiders webs

That must have been the lady we have been warned about!

It can be good advice though!

 

[stetanos]

Dave,

you're a gem. I removed the white plastic tube and a few drops of water trickled out. Dried it out with a hair dryer and the boiler seems to be working fine at the moment.

What's your address? I owe at least a bottle of wine.

Cheers

 

[gas4you]

I am just glad I could help

 

[facet]

Are you sure the gas valve is opening ok? Remove white tube on right of gas valve and check for water in it. (non gas containing part)

Hi
I've exactly same problem. I was looking an "flame detection electrode" and than came across this topic.

But can not see this white tube. Can yo provide any more details on its location please [inside boiler, pipework outside?]

Or any other tips - I'm kind of desperate to heat the house.

Thank you