My dad has an Glowworm Energysaver condensing boiler that's a right PITA

Seems to always play up after its serviced too :confused:

Anyway, sometimes it leaks, but I haven't any clue where it's comming from. I've checked the condensate drain, its clear, as is the tank, I flushed through the collecting tray incase that's blocked.

It still leaks. I then wondered if it was a leaky heat exchanger, and if it only did it when cold, swtich off for the day, dry as a bone. Switch back on, it still doesn't leak, then a few days later it's leaking again!! ARRGGH!

Another problem it has is the safety cut out on the burner if it doesn't light. Sometimes (normally if it fires up from cold) it will light, run for few seconds, then cut out, it'll have another go, then cut out and won't relight again until it's been turned off manually and reset. It seems to be worse on "low" flame. Checked the pilot injector - clean, as is what I can see of the burner. Air pressure neon is on (OK) as is the stat neon, so it should be ok. I've made a slight adjustment on the gas valve to increase the pressure, so hopefully that has cured it. But I maybe missing something that this boiler is prone to.

Any help anyone? Especially the leaking, it's driving me crazy.

Call an expert? It really is a dangerous venture in respect of boilers. Rather than call an unknown corgi chap, I would say that british gas would be your best bet for the guarantees and back up if nothing else.

Have you checked the flue for condensate traps, just because there is a condensate tray doesn't mean that that the water will all collect there. The other problem with condensing boilers is the condensate is acidic it may have eaten it's way through something allbeit rather slowly.

I would certainly check the flue before anything else.

I'm guessing you are probably a heating engineer or someone with experience of such!! And i'm sure you dont need telling stay away from British Gas!!! ;)

Unless you are CORGI reg you should not be making adjustments to the gas valve or stripping down any parts. Just call the manufacturer and get an approved local engineer out.

Mog

I would call a qualified "engineer" out, if we could find who can come out! Already had one out which just scratched his head a few times. Cleaned out the holding tank, checked the drain, and then ran off! Thinking further it could never have been the tank, as that has an float switch to cut the boiler off if it's full. Manufacturer uses Heatcall....do I need say anymore?

The one heat exchanger (unsure if was primary or secondary) was replaced a while back, which I found odd as it's only 3 or 4 years old. Still, not my boiler or wallet ;).

I didn't mean the gas valve itself, I actually meant the adjusting valve for the "Low" flame position, as the boiler has a facility to be adjusted to suit the installation, "full" flame hasn't been touched (doesn't need to be). I worked on alot of industrial a/c systems that included AHU's, so although no longer qualifed I know what I am doing.

It's decided to stop leaking now for the past week, so can't do a thing....that's the problem, by the time someone comes out to look at it (2 days usually). It's sorted itself and dried up.

I was just posting in hope that it may be a common problem with that make and model boiler - obviously not. <sigh> :(

corgi-shmorgi :nono: .

chuck an egg in it :D

corgi-shmorgi :nono: .

chuck an egg in it :D

LOL...was thinking of draining the expansion tank and the system a little, and pour in some dye or food colouring....then at least I'd be able to tell if was leaking from the system or if it was condensate.

Ali-B,

I have a Glowworm Fuel Saver MK2 Boiler.
Moved into the house in Novemeber and it was playing up, i managed to clean it etc, and got it working through the winter.
2 Months ago, put it on, it pissed out carbon monoxide like no ones business, called out Trabsco emergency cos i didnt have a clue what to do, he diconnected it etc and told me to call Transco to get a list of Corgi Registered Fitters, just call Transco and ask for Corgi fitters in your area.

BTW, Transco bloke advised i get rid of the boiler as Glowworm are pretty dated now and once a problem occurs, it never seems to go.
Had it serviced since then, but the service guy said the same, Glowworm play up and then generally never seem to work properly. It worked fine for a month, and its now pissing out carbon monoxide again.

Npower are doing deals on new boilers etc, service exchange etc, so ive got them coming to give me a free valuation. Might be worth giving them a buzz if you have no joy fixing the problem.

Transco talk out of their backside, they are not authorised to work on domestic gas appliances all they can give is their opinion and take it from me 99% of the advice they give is utter sh*te.

There is nothing wrong with a gloworm condensing boiler, all condensing boilers have a problem with acidic condensate.

Stay away from British Gas and Local power companies their markup is horific.
From the amount of work that we get after customers have had their BG estimates through believe me I'm in a position to know. Check the Corgi-Gas website to find an installer in your area (you just have to put in your postcode) failing that call them and they will tell you.

My money is still on a condensate trap in the flue, this will cause a leak and also cause boiler to lockout as it will think there is an obstruction in the flue.

I misunderstood your post originally, I thought you were an installer!! ;)

If you are still having problems locating an installer PM me your postcode and I'll find a locally recommended one.

Matt

Everyone has their own oppinions on everything, theyr'e better than them etc etc

For a list of Corgi Registered fitters / servicers its worth calling Transco, as they will only give you the names of Corgi Registered Companies in your area.

What ever you do, please dont get a cowboy on the job, ive had a friend who did this cos it was cheaper, turned out a con!

mgg it's not an opinion, it is a fact, Transco can deal with gas leaks not appliances if there is an appliance leaking gas in a property they turn the gas supply off they do not repair and have no training in repairing appliances.

http://www.corgi-gas-safety.com/section_gas_law/about_installer_find_installer.asp

Most registered Gas engineers are reliable and do work to standard, everyone has dreadful stories of this engineer did this or this plumber did that but make sure you ask to see the engineers Corgi card on arrival if they dont have it dont let them in.

You do pay a premium for good engineers try and get a recommendation from friends or failing that use the link above.