I have just boiught my own home and need some advice about my boiler. (Apart from check the boiler works prior to exchanging contracts!!!!!!) The boiler is a Halstead Ace High (I've already learnt that they aren't the best). I turn on the power and turn it to on with the heating and water temp up to max (as per manufacturers instructions). It goes through its checks ad then makes a noise like its trying to fire up the boiler, but then stops and the power light starts flashing. Here's the quote from the manual 'C.H Water Flow Switch - This device prevents the burner from igniting if there is inadequate water flow through the main heat exchanger. If the Power On LED
flashes, this indicates failure of the flow switch and your installer or service engineer should be contacted'.
Obviously my next step is to call an engineer out but I was wondering if this is: 1) a persistent problem 2) An expensive problem 3) Would I be better off buying a new boiler?

Coops, December 2011

i wud get a breakdown engineer 2 visit and repair boiler could be low pressure, faulty pump, no power 2 pump, faulty flow switch, or faulty pcb no point guessin these parts cost

Blaiross, December 2011

I used to have a boiler, often gave similar problems, it was down to the way they used to sense water flow, in my case, they used a reed switch in a plastic case, which when water flowed moved the outer component. Used to stick. quick clean all ok. Might find yours is similar, If you are up to it, Open the outer case, look for a couple of wires going to a point on the pipe work within the boiler area, might be a black screw on type of thing. turn off boiler, turn off all the boiler valves, unscrew the unit, after unplugging it, (otherwise you will get twisted) You will get some water coming out, not a lot, Careful of any seals, give the fitting and the bit that come out a clean, If you have a test meter, check the bit that comes out for continuity, use a magnet to see if the reading changes, if it changes, all ok, refit, done. if no change to continuity when you put a magnet next to it, switch is faulty, and you will need to get a new one, fairly cheap. I did eventually make my own reed switches to go in, using a higher quality reed, But that is a different story.

SD, December 2011