I have a rather old Potterton boiler. Suddenly it stopped working. When I try turning it on I get power and flame (it seems it is starting as usual). However after about 30secs it switch off. I am completely dumb on the issue...any help??? it is bl**dy cold in here.

dan, January 2007

I had a similiar problem last year. in my case it turned out that the chimney was blocked and the "spill switch" on the flue stack was shutting down the boiler because it sensed the backdraft of flue glass.

paul, January 2007

feel pipes at top of boiler if the are warm then boiler is igniting if its cold then boiler poss not igniting.can u see flame thru site glass.

paul, January 2007

have u got zone valves or a zone valve with 3 pipes to it .does pump have water at it [undo screw on top of pump].i think at moment boiler is firing then as pump isnt working water is not being force round system.causing it to over heat and go off

paul, January 2007

dear paul,

I've repeatedly tried to ignite it, it starts producing noises (like it is heating up the water) but then it dies...it happened few years ago on another boiler and the reason was that there was too much air into it...

also, there's a switch: pumped or gravity, might touching this make anything happen?... sorry for stupid questions
[[the name of the model is 'potterton netaheat 40e']]

dan, January 2007

poss pump

paul, January 2007