On Sat, 22 Nov 2003 17:55:44 +0000, Stephen Clark wrote:
"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.
I think it is unlikely that the thermocouple is up the spout. Much more
likely given these symptoms is a loose connection on the electrics to the
gas vavle. Also the themrostat contacts can get 'jumpy' with age and that
could easily cause the clicking. These contacts are essentially a
microswitch with all the usual problem that such switches sometimes have.
--
Ed Sirett - Property maintainer and registered gas fitter.
The FAQ for uk.diy is at
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http://www.makewrite.demon.co.uk/GasFitting.html
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