"Stephen Clark" wrote in message
...
"BillP" wrote in message
...


Hi Stephen,

I've got a Baxi WM381. I'd definitely go for the thermocouple first,
universal thermocouple kit will do the job. Over the 20 odd years
service
this boilers given I've needed to replace the thermocouple three times,
and
the symptom you describe is typical. The gas valve solenoid failed once
and
had to buy the complete valve assembly, about £75 + vat three years ago,
this gave a different fault to what you are describing, the pilot light
was
ok but the main burner didn't light. The WM381 has no overheat. The
internal
circuit is shown in the manual and consists only of boiler thermostat
and
gas valve.

Replace the thermocouple first, it's a straight forward job and you
won't
be
disturbing any gas joints.

Good luck

Bill

The plumber has just been and had a look at my boiler. Listening to the
value he say that it is "constantly" clicking making him think the value
is
faulty. Anyway he did not do anything because its not really something he
likes doing (he didn't charge me for this visit!) and recommends I call
around plumbers in the Yellow Pages for someone who would have the spare
and
replace the value (today's plumber ws recommended by a friend). BUT first
I
will follow the suggestion of members on the group to replace the
thermocouple. It looks easy - just:

1) unscrew the current one at both ends;
2) insert the new one;
3) tighted the bolts.

Is there a guide on what I might need to look out for? For instance is it
just sufficient to ensure the boiler is "switched-off" (ie no electricity)
or do I need to do more (no gas).

Don't go to a plumber!!!!! Go to a heating engineer. No wonder he didn't
have a clue. If the company say heating and plumbing avoid them. Go for
heating only.


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