Firebird Boiler "lock out"

KierKenn

Would be really thankful for advice on how to get my firebird superQ 50/82 boiler running again. It failed to come on at the usual time yesterday and when I went to look I found that the "lock out" light was on on the front panel. I turned off the boiler and left it over night (tought maybe there might be an air lock of some sort and that it might pass). Still will not start this morning. I removed the front panel and found that the red light was on on the restart button. I held this down a few times (for 5 seconds or so each time). When I do this and let go the lock out light goes off and I here a faint humming noise, which then suddenly gets a little louder, then there is a click and then everything goes quiet again and the lock out light comes on again.

I also dipped the oil tank - plenty there at the moment. I notice there is a small circular metal "valve" on the pipe that brings the oil in to the boiler (located just a few inches from the boiler). This has a black circular plastic "switch" on top that can be pushed up and down. I think it functions to prevent an air lock in the oil line. Anyhow, I tried moving that switch up and down and restarting the boiler in each position. I have left in the "up" position (assuming that is where it should be).

Where do I go from here?

Thankful for help.

Kieran

shane0007

It will be either a seized oil pump, burner motor or faulty capacitor. Most likely to be a faulty capacitor.

KierKenn

Can I fix that myself? Is it a DIY job? Know anywhere that I can get directions on how to do it?

shane0007

It is the capacitor, it is a simple fix. If it the fuel pump, then you will need specialist equipment such as pressure gauge & flue gas analyizer. If it is motor, then it is a burner strip down or new burner complete.

To test if it is the capacitor, spin the fan to see if it will start. If it starts it is the capacitor. Then it is just as simple as unscrewing the capacitor, removing two wires from the control box and fitting new one in reverse. The capacitor is an energy store to kick start the motor. It is the white cylinder like component on the front of the burner.

shane0007

If you have a multi-meter you can test the output of the capacitor in farads. It written on the side of the capacitor whether it is a 4.0, 4.5 or 5.0uf capacitor.

davidoco

see here http://www.rielloburners.co.uk/index.php?section=98&page=&sparesA=957 item 11 is the photocell and should be in a similar position on your burner. Plug it out (it is held in place by a grommet) and clean the tip with some tissue. I suspect it is dirty.

DGOBS

My money is on a seized pump, disconnect and remove oil pump, run burner without it, if the motor spins, you just found your problem.

KierKenn

shane0007 wrote: »

It is the capacitor, it is a simple fix. If it the fuel pump, then you will need specialist equipment such as pressure gauge & flue gas analyizer. If it is motor, then it is a burner strip down or new burner complete.

To test if it is the capacitor, spin the fan to see if it will start. If it starts it is the capacitor. Then it is just as simple as unscrewing the capacitor, removing two wires from the control box and fitting new one in reverse. The capacitor is an energy store to kick start the motor. It is the white cylinder like component on the front of the burner.

How do I spin the fan?

KierKenn

anyone able to tell me where and how to find the photocell so that i can try cleaning it, on a firebird superq 50/82 (non-complicated directions please!)

Kieran

DGOBS

Access fan by removing fan cover (rhs of burner)

Riello G3b, access photocell by removing control box (grey box, single retaining screw on lhs) for RDB remove red plastic cover, photocell pulls staring out towards you

Billy Bunting

KierKenn wrote: »

anyone able to tell me where and how to find the photocell so that i can try cleaning it, on a firebird superq 50/82 (non-complicated directions please!)

Kieran

If the burner doesn't run and just hums then your barking up the wrong tree with the photocell, as previously said, capacitor, motor or pump.

KierKenn

I think your right. The photocell looked really clean.

How do I get the capacitor out? It does seem to click out too easily - I am putting a lot of pressure on it - It looks like it will snap. Is there a screw holding it in that I cannot see?

How much will a new capacitor set me back in the shop tomorrow?

Billy Bunting

The capacitor has a threaded stud in it, disconnect the 2 cables and turn the cylinder anticlockwise out of the fan casing.

20 quid tops for a capacitor.

DGOBS

Why are you trying to take out out, have you got a capacitance tester?

Billy Bunting

DGOBS wrote: »

have you got a capacitance tester?

Good one!