Nightwatch Posted October 13, 2017 Report Share Posted October 13, 2017 (edited) Hello. Used search method but couldn't find a topic. Our boiler refused to ignite. Pilot does light but doesn't stay in when button released. I suspect that the thermo couple has decided to test my knowledge. I bought a new one about five years ago. Is it possible that it's duff? I doubt this but, is there a way to test it? It it likely to be this dreaded thermo couple again. I have had the burner out and cleaned it,re-installed and nope,no joy to be had. Freaky Friday. But funds won't stretch to a new boiler. Could a mod please correct the title that. Should read "Alde". Not Led. No idea where that came from. I am in Great Bedwyn on the K&A. Edited October 13, 2017 by NB Lola User request Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MtB Posted October 13, 2017 Report Share Posted October 13, 2017 43 minutes ago, Nightwatch said: Hello. Used search method but couldn't find a topic. Our boiler refused to ignite. Pilot does light but doesn't stay in when button released. I suspect that the thermo couple has decided to test my knowledge. I bought a new one about five years ago. Is it possible that it's duff? I doubt this but, is there a way to test it? It it likely to be this dreaded thermo couple again. I have had the burner out and cleaned it,re-installed and nope,no joy to be had. Freaky Friday. But funds won't stretch to a new boiler. Could a mod please correct the title that. Should read "Alde". Not Led. No idea where that came from. I am in Great Bedwyn on the K&A. Yo Martin, yes the thermocouple can be tested by measuring the voltage on the termination when you heat the tip at the other end. Should be around 20-25mv. Or if you're still in GB over the weekend, so am I. I can drop in and have a look. Probably sunday. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nightwatch Posted October 13, 2017 Author Report Share Posted October 13, 2017 Thanks Mike. PM sent. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cuthound Posted October 13, 2017 Report Share Posted October 13, 2017 1 hour ago, Nightwatch said: Could a mod please correct the title that. Should read "Alde". Not Led. No idea where that came from. And there was me racking my brains to work out how LEDs could be used to heat water. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nicknorman Posted October 13, 2017 Report Share Posted October 13, 2017 Our previous house had an ancient boiler that had a pilot light and thermocouple. It got through a new thermocouple every couple of years, although of course it was on 24/7 which I guess your Alde isn't. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nightwatch Posted October 13, 2017 Author Report Share Posted October 13, 2017 Very rarely use the boiler. It was working a couple of weeks ago in the damp weather. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tony Brooks Posted October 13, 2017 Report Share Posted October 13, 2017 If this is the tall slim Alde - probably is as the newer ones use spark ignition - the have a good look through the little window near the bottom. The pilot light flame should be asymmetric with more of the flame going towards the4 thermocouple (on the right I seem to remember). I have had a couple of occasions where rust/spiders etc have prevented this although the main burner would ignite as I let go of the control it went out almost straight away. I solved mine by getting an air duster with a plastic straw in the nozzle. Taking out the three screws securing the little window and giving the pilot burner a good blast through every hole I could get to. However put the window back before you try to light it because it seems the pilot light blows out with it off. As this does not touch the gas part of the boiler or installation it should be safe to do even if you are not happy doing gas work. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nightwatch Posted October 13, 2017 Author Report Share Posted October 13, 2017 17 minutes ago, Tony Brooks said: If this is the tall slim Alde - probably is as the newer ones use spark ignition - the have a good look through the little window near the bottom. The pilot light flame should be asymmetric with more of the flame going towards the4 thermocouple (on the right I seem to remember). I have had a couple of occasions where rust/spiders etc have prevented this although the main burner would ignite as I let go of the control it went out almost straight away. I solved mine by getting an air duster with a plastic straw in the nozzle. Taking out the three screws securing the little window and giving the pilot burner a good blast through every hole I could get to. However put the window back before you try to light it because it seems the pilot light blows out with it off. As this does not touch the gas part of the boiler or installation it should be safe to do even if you are not happy doing gas work. Thanks Tony. Had the burner out today. Banged it, thumped it, blew it and poked it. Put it back together, no joy. Having said that the pilot flame isn't regular shape and all over the place as in shape. May have another go tomorrow when I've calmed down having struggled almost standing on my head getting 16 tiny little screws back in and tight. Martyn Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rustydiver Posted October 13, 2017 Report Share Posted October 13, 2017 I had problems with mine a few years ago it wouldn't stay a light. Had it serviced still no joy. Had it sent here to be refurbished http://www.grahamcutmoreengineering.co.uk/home/4513331777 there was a crack in it somewhere. That and I think the main gas valve on the bottles needed replaceing. All works a dream now. I can't remember how much it cost to referb but was shocked how much it didn't cost for a change. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nightwatch Posted October 13, 2017 Author Report Share Posted October 13, 2017 (edited) I know of Graham Cutmore. But I think I will try a couple of things first. Thanks for the link. Thanks also to the mod in the ether. For the change of title. Edited October 13, 2017 by Nightwatch Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cereal tiller Posted October 13, 2017 Report Share Posted October 13, 2017 6 hours ago, cuthound said: And there was me racking my brains to work out how LEDs could be used to heat water. Simples, just connect them to to an EcoFan! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David Mack Posted October 13, 2017 Report Share Posted October 13, 2017 7 hours ago, cuthound said: And there was me racking my brains to work out how LEDs could be used to heat water. They might do if you buy 'warm white' LEDs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jess-- Posted October 13, 2017 Report Share Posted October 13, 2017 47 minutes ago, David Mack said: They might do if you buy 'warm white' LEDs. then in summer use the "cool white" ones seriously though on my alde the pilot light appears V shaped, very occasionally the right hand side of the V doesn't light and in turn doesn't hit the thermocouple, usually it lights ok on the next attempt. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cheshire cat Posted October 13, 2017 Report Share Posted October 13, 2017 I tried to use Graham Cutmore two years ago and he had retired. Shame as he used to work for Alde and knew his onions. He passed us on to someone else. Maybe his understudy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
haza Posted October 14, 2017 Report Share Posted October 14, 2017 is it the aldi comfort Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nightwatch Posted October 14, 2017 Author Report Share Posted October 14, 2017 Alde 2928 Slim Jim. Yes I think sometimes called a Comfort. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Opener Posted October 17, 2017 Report Share Posted October 17, 2017 Every Spring mine refuses to light and I go through the gamut of possible problems. This year it was 'no spark' - sorted last time by replacing the little green box ('spark generator' to me) but that was second hand so I shouldn't complain that it didn't last. This time I fitted a brand new box and the pilot ignites on the first flash of the orange light rather than after five or six. Probably no help to you but one thing that did interest me. The earth lead from the 'green box' used to lead to a convenient bolt at the side of the Alde case. The wiring diagram for the new box requires that lead now to attach to one of the '16 tiny little screws ' holding the burner assembly in place. I'm guessing that this gives a much better earth path for the spark and maybe!! for the thermocouple (spoken like a total amateur!!). I also have to perform contortions/remove cupboard door in order to lie on my side to do anything so you have my sympathy - hope this works. They are so damned frustrating when they just sit there and refuse to work or give you any clue as to why they won't!!!!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nightwatch Posted October 17, 2017 Author Report Share Posted October 17, 2017 Fitted a new thermocouple, just finished. The pilot lights instantly. Hold knob!! Down for count of 12/15. Release,it goes out,blasted thing. The pilot does not look like I think it should. It is not blue and gentle, it's yellow and larger than I thought it would be. Who mentioned a hole somewhere? If it's getting too much of a breeze would that effect the flame. What's hacking me off is that I have to take it apart every time and reassemble before testing. But that's life I guess. I will persevere, I have to, and go searching for a hole that may or may not be there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave Payne Posted October 17, 2017 Report Share Posted October 17, 2017 where are you at the minute? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nightwatch Posted October 17, 2017 Author Report Share Posted October 17, 2017 FIXED!!! Took apart again tonight, with the help of someone on this forum, and his blowing skills, that are far more superior to mine, a tiny bit of s**t was cleared from the pilot housing. Put back together and wowee we have a boiler. Didn't need a new thermocouple. Hey ho! Thanks for all the comments and suggestions, as usual all welcome. 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MtB Posted October 17, 2017 Report Share Posted October 17, 2017 Excellent news. You can do it yerself next time then!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nightwatch Posted October 17, 2017 Author Report Share Posted October 17, 2017 Thought I could do it this time!!. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MtB Posted October 17, 2017 Report Share Posted October 17, 2017 As always, when you watch someone fix something, you think 'oh I could have done that'. Well I usually do anyway! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mross Posted October 18, 2017 Report Share Posted October 18, 2017 9 hours ago, Nightwatch said: FIXED!!! Took apart again tonight, with the help of someone on this forum, Please tell us who helped you. He deserves the kudos! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WotEver Posted October 18, 2017 Report Share Posted October 18, 2017 10 hours ago, Nightwatch said: Didn't need a new thermocouple. Hey ho! So now you have a spare for when you do I had a boiler at home that needed a new thermocouple each year for 3 years and then never needed another for 5 years. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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