Thank you both for all for the info!
If these were obsolete in 1983, then it looks like it was put in as an obsolete device - that's the year the house was built. It was the show home for the estate, and there are a few things that have been commented on as poor, or older than the rest of the estate (small bore pipes entering the radiators, asbestos ceilings etc).
That said, it's a bit noisy, but has otherwise served well considering it's 25+ years old.
To clarify, yes, I am the home owner (barely atm! lol), it's not a business, nor am I a landlord. My father was an electronics engineeer, and I'm reasonably happy with basic electrical stuff, and have done housewiring etc.
Well it does appear to be intermittent, rather than having failed completely. I was going to refute that, and say it had flat failed but then I got it on again. It ran for a few hours and died sometime whilst I was out this evening.
No rhyme or reason why that I can fathom, but the problem definitely appears to be lighting that pilot light.
I've blown and sucked on both pressure tubes, banged everything with a wooden spoon, wriggled wires etc. I've also pulled of the spade connectors and reattached etc, it's a bit grimy, but nothing is corroded, and good metal to metal contacts. All to no avail. It doesn't seem to be the mercury switch (as I understand it) since the pilot isn't coming on at all, not failing to heat it sufficiently.
There is some kind of relay (that I think was a replacement from work done 3 years ago ish) with a circular set of pins that plugs into a distinctive socket - a Schrack MT326230. This produces one of the clicks, and also seems to spark on activation sometimes unless my eyes are playing tricks. It gets very hot, even if the gas is not lighting - I'm guessing this is normal though. I've taken it off, cleaned the contacts, rattled etc .. just in case.
There is a labelled 'ignition' unit there - I've checked the wires, but it's otherwise a sealed black box. Is the pilot failing to light, as simple as a dodgy ignition switch, or are there other possibilities?
Incidentally I keep hearing of the 16/22's 'widowmaker' reputation. anyone know why? Is it on the electrical or gas side? Or just prone to explode? lol
At the moment everything I have done is in the basic electrics when you remove the access panel at the bottom. I haven't touched the big white casing over the main area - is that safe to remove?
Jonathan
March 2009
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