Had the boiler (4 years old) serviced yesterday, now it locks out with a flashing light after running the CH for 20 minutes. Engineer has replaced the flame probe and cable to no effect and the heat sensor, also to no effect. Next step is a new PCB, but that, and the heat exchange unit were replaced 2 years ago and I'm beginning to think that I'd be better to spend my hard-earned cash on a new boiler ............

Any ideas gratefully received

Chillymortal, November 2008

Try opening the pump bypass valve. This seems to work with mine after spending / wasting at least £450 on call outs and spares. This poss solution is mentioned in the manual under fault finding.

John, December 2013

Dusty fan blades and/or sticky motor bearing. Vacuum-clean blades, then apply no more than one drop teflon oil to motor bearings and this should fix it. (Worcester won't tell you this, of course.)

Oilydoyle, January 2013

Not an answer really, more of an empathatic response. I've had nothing but problems with my 19/24 since the day it was installed. It had only been in a day or so when the pcb needed replacing. A year later it needed a new heat exchanger........then another one a couple of years after that.......then another one a couple of years later, by which time I decided to effect my own repair on the leaky exchanger and it has been fine ever since......until now. It has just decided to fire up, then go out almost immediately. No wonder they discontinued this boiler. It's only good as scrap metal.

Ian, August 2012

I have had all the same problems 2 PCBs 1 heat
exchanger and ignitors sensors leads every few months for the past 5 years. British Gas now suggest a power flush £750. I had agreed on the basis that if it does not fix it then I do not pay they have refused my offer. But why should I pay if they do not fix the defect. Boiler stops for no reason with a flashing light then when reset it can last 2 weeks or 6 months.

Bernie Cold and frustrated., February 2010

For the information and possible help of others....my original problem was a failure to ignite first thing in the morning/evening. The boiler was only 50% reliable in this respect. PCB, air pressure switch and various other bits replaced. Following advice on these boards I got the engineer to check the three electrode leads carefully. He did this and scraped clean the electrodes and BINGO ! - its been perfect ever since. So my advice before replacing the fan/PCB etc is to check these electrodes if you have this annoying going-to-lock-out ignition problem.

Dave, December 2009

Just thought you might like to see the extremely helpful (sarcasm) reply I had from Worcester-Bosch when I asked if they could make a few suggestions based on their knowledge. I quote,
"Firstly we must point out that we actually do a fixed price all inclusive call out service which would have cost £220 although you would need to check this price with our service department, and you may want to consider taking our service and maintenance agreement up in the future that "Which" magazine voted us service contract of the year in 2008.
regrettably we are unable to fault find boiler by e-mail and we would need to speak to an engineer on site to carry out diagnostic faults to recommend what the fault is. we would not want to recommend any parts be changed without carrying out any tests which may cause you to go to further unnecessary cost.

We can confirm that there are no common faults with this boiler and still could be down to a few components which can all be tested. fitting a PCB on any of our boilers is relatively rare and we would not diagnose this unless it was either obvious or a last resort.

we would suggest that you either book one of our engineers by phoning 0844 892 3000 or you get your current engineer to phone us on 0844 892 3366 when they are in front of the boiler".

No comment !

Dave, December 2009

Richard what was the fault on the pcb?

mark, November 2009

I have a 19/24 cbi which we use on average 2 hrs a day as we have real fires through the house. It's only three years old, but for the 2nd time I'm having to call them out . Last time cost me £175...they said the right jets were fitted, it just wasn't working properly! This time they say it will be £210! The boiler fires up for a minute, then cuts out, fires up, cuts out etc, although it doesn't lock out. Apparently it could be the pcb or the gas valve, either way it's a piece of junk! Let me know how you go on re contacting Worcester .

angry Paul, March 2009

My 19/24 CBi is just over 6 years old and tomorrow my gas fitter will replace the pcb for the third time!! Same symptoms as you. Tried replacing the Air pressure switch first but it failed to make any difference. This pile of junk has been serviced regularly but still proves to be the most unreliable boiler I have ever had the misfortune to buy. I intend to get in touch with Worcester Bosch and demand compensation based on the component part being not fit for purpose. Anyone else out there had similar problems?

AngryandFrozen, February 2009

We repair these pcb's have a look at www.lumaco.co.uk, I have just mended the same pcb as yours in the last day or so.

Richard, November 2008