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roy m · Joined: 10 Sep 2003 Posts: 6 Location: Cumbria

I have a Vaillant 242E. The problem is that, when starting up immediately after a shutdown it sparks and lights the burner but then shuts off and tries again - this can happen up to 7 or 8 times. It sounds something like a relay not latching and the sequence having to try again.

Anybody come across this before?

Roy

Dan Robinson · Posted: Wed Sep 10, 2003 4:45 pm Post subject:

Does it eventually fire up? Does it affect both heating anf hot water?

When was the last time it had a good service?

Have there been any works - building or electrical in or around teh boiler (including neighbours)?

roy m · Joined: 10 Sep 2003 Posts: 6 Location: Cumbria

Yes it fires up after a while - it doesn't appear to lockout. The symptoms seem to affect both heating and hot water but it's obviously less apparent on heating.

The boiler was last serviced just before the summer but, although I didn't watch the whole thing, that appeared to be a simple check and clean. No works around the boiler.

Regards

Roy

DP · Joined: 08 Sep 2003 Posts: 26 Location: Glasgow

Boiler needs a service. Not one that takes 10 minutes but one that is done according to the book.

roy m · Joined: 10 Sep 2003 Posts: 6 Location: Cumbria

Problem is that it's had a service recently - I didn't specify how long it should take but asked for an annual service. If the problem is a servicing fault rather than an equipment failure then I've obviously been wasting my money on servicing and am reluctant to throw any more that way!

This may sound odd but I can live with an equipment failure (these things happen) but a servicing fault worries me as what else has not been done? - do you believe there is anything specific I should ask about with the servicing company - i.e. should this fault not have happened if the job was done properly in the first place?

Roy

DP · Joined: 08 Sep 2003 Posts: 26 Location: Glasgow

The problem is some people will hoover the floor of the combustion chamber and call that a service. To tinker with the boiler and take some reading is a an operational check. A service is where parts are removed, cleaned lubed and replaced. Worn items are replaced only when needed.

Went to a Vokera Flowmatic on Wednesday. This boiler is 11 years old (similar age to your boiler). It took me 2 hours and 45 minutes to carry out service and repairs. By the way the client told me that the boiler was serviced every year.

You have been mislead by the person who 'serviced' the boiler. On this boiler I would have among other things, stripped the components above the heat exchanger, swept the heat exchanger, checked/ cleaned the fan, checked/ cleaned venturi, checked flue for compliance with manual with respect to restrictor

Just because you were unlucky to get a person who has no idea of how this boiler works (to be able to carry out repairs) does not mean you should give up hope. Ask the next person you invite to look at the boiler, explain to you how the VCW 242 operates in hot water mode and CH mode. He should be quite comfortable to let you watch him work on your boiler.

Dan Robinson · Posted: Fri Sep 12, 2003 8:59 pm Post subject:

This certainly sounds like a problem with the fan/flue/air pressure sensor... Seen three Vokeras and a Halstead that showed identical symptons. Removal and cleanse of the fan assembly and flue venturis got the boilers working as efficently as the manual states...

DP... you'll be pleased to know my liking for the Flowmatics and Excels is increasing... I'm still not too keen on the diverter valve and flow switch arrangements...

roy m · Joined: 10 Sep 2003 Posts: 6 Location: Cumbria

Thanks for the replies - I'll try and contact some people later this week to see if I can find someone who knows what they are doing! - sounds like the money I've spent on servicing so far has been wasted!

Roy

Dan Robinson · Posted: Mon Sep 15, 2003 2:27 pm Post subject:

Could you post the solution when it is sorted so that others can benefit in future... cheers.

roy m · Joined: 10 Sep 2003 Posts: 6 Location: Cumbria

Will do

Roy

roy m · Joined: 10 Sep 2003 Posts: 6 Location: Cumbria

OK - I had a look at the thing last night. Given that it didn't involve the gas side and the problems I've had with servicing I thought I'd give it a go.

The problem was the fan - and a very unusual problem it was! - Motor was running but not driving the fan as the armature was spinning on the shaft - obviously eventually the shaft started moving but not until the boiler had cut out a few times due to lack of airflow! In fairness I can't see how this would have been picked up in servicing.

Need a new motor now but they're not cheap!

Thanks for the help

Roy

Dan Robinson · Posted: Fri Sep 19, 2003 11:31 pm Post subject:

If this problem was there during servicing then it should have been very much apparent during a service.

Glad you found the problem though; thanks for posting back.