i have a glow worm 50bf space saver ,i can put the pilot light on but when i turn the burner on it burns for a little while then turns the burner and the pilot off .our enginer has said it is the gas valve witch we cannot get and said we need a new boiler system .

larry shinners, November 2006

Same problem with Space Saver 40B Mk11.

I have replaced..thermocouple, thermocouple connecter lead, pilot burner, and gas valve. All worked well after replacing gas valve, but only for six weeks.

I have since replaced the thermostat and pump and power flushed the complete system.

All the above work was done by myself at a total cost of...£408!!!

Today I took out the flue and cleared a few leaves etc from it..but it made no difference.

However, if the seal between the wall sleeve and the outer flue has the slightest bit of a gap between them, this may cause oxygen deficiency.

I have this evening re-sealed the 'gap' with some fire cement and believe it or not...all is well!

Although I only have the thermostat on its lowest setting, I am now sitting here monitoring the system and all appears to be spot on!

I have requested advice from this forum on numerous occasions, but eventually sorted it out MYSELF!!

RSD, November 2006

I would check the thermocouple before getting in too deep, the thermocouple is the device that is in the flame of the pilot light, if its not kept hot it will do its job and cut the gas. sometimes cleaning the connector ( where it is held into the control valve with a nut) will fix it,but if the thermocouple is faulty, they are easy and cheap to replace. the thermocouple looks like small bore pipe, but it is an electrical device. Indo the nut holding it into the control box, ease it out and clean the end with a pencil eraser and replace it, dont use any sealant , it doesn't need it.make sure the other end is in the pilot flame.
I hope this helps. (oilysump@aol.com)

Pete, November 2006