I have a glow worm economy plus Central heating boiler. It started cutting out, I could re-light it but it would only stay on for a day or so. Then it cut out about 60 secs after I relit it (there was a click from the gas valve). I had someone out to see it and they gave it a clean out and got it going and it seemed fine. Then it started again. The pilot light will go on then as soon as I turn the gas valve there is an electrical buzz sound from the button you hold to whilst you click the pilot light ignitor. I think it's the gas cut off safety. Could the whole valve unit be faulty or would it be possible to replace the sensor. Also the flame is burning yellow causing carbon build up. Could the safety not be faulty and actually cutting out due to an underlying problem?

JP Balbi, February 2009

What is a F26 fault on a Glow Worm 30Hxi and what does it mean

DG, February 2009

hmm, came home and found a huge puddle of water under the boiler?

Jp Balbi, February 2009

thanks for your help

JP Balbi, February 2009

If the flueways havent been cleaned 100% then its a waste of time touching it.You need the correct fluebrushes to push thro the heat exchanger.That way you will see the end of the brush come to the other side hopefully pushing the soot out of the chamber.Its a painstaking job as you cant do half measures.The carbon build up been wet tells me its still sooting up and not clean enough.Just hope the heat exchanger hasnt cracked.

Tony S, February 2009

the grills around the pipe (where the fumes pass through to the Flu) were caked in carbon buildup but the flu itself from the inside at least appeared to be clear. I guess the build up on the heating grills could have ultimately caused it to become blocked. The other thing I noticed was that the carbon build up was wet but only at the front next to where the pipe enters and that the board on the inside front of the boiler was damp at the top same side.
Could it be that there is small hole in the pipe where it passes through the boiler? If thats the case, i figured maybe it expands with the heat and is dripping onto the burners causing them to burn poorly thus causing the carbon build up? My cousin who is CORGI had a quick look at it but he was visiting from Scotland and it was XMAS day so he had no real kit on him and couldnt check it properly. I want to get a pro in but previous experience means I want to be armed with as many facts as possible before I get someone in, that way they dont try and charge me for work that doesnt need doing. cheers

JP Balbi, February 2009

If the burner is burning yellow then its probably a blocked flue and highly dangerous.The bloke you got out should have noticed that.It could be a faulty thermocoupling,but the way youve explained it makes me think the whole thing is baffling out because of blocked flueways.Get someone out who knows what they are doing.

Tony S, February 2009