Mend > Home Heating Systems

Oil Boiler 'Lock Out' Light?

I have a Thermecon oil boiler which for the most part has been trouble free. I've only had it professionally serviced once and I figured that anyone can sweep and vacuum out the fire box and change the jet! So for the past 12 years thats been fine. This year in addition to the jet I changed the Blast tube as well. I ought to say here that the reason for even looking at the boiler and subsequently changing both jet and blast tube is that the 'Lock out' light had come on. Assuming the thorough cleaning etc. would cure it, it came as rather a suprise when after 2/3 hours the lock out light came. It wouldn't immediately re-ignite but after 2 hours it ran for a further hour before locking out. Anybody out there that knows why, I'd be glad to hear from them.
Many thanks, Harry

Harry Stebbing
October 2007

Thermecon Heating, Home Heating Systems Oil Boiler Lock Out Light

Your first check should be the oil supply. Make sure you have a good supply of oil ie check filters are not blocked, fire valve tripped, leaking pipes etc. and also that there is no water in the oil.

bk
November 2010

I can't answer your question but we have the same problem. No heat now for two weeks and the engineer practically lives here. We have had a new motor, new pump, new photo thingy, new transformer and mega exasperation as it still doesn't work. It is five years old, has been serviced every year and more and has cost £££s! Our engineer is exasperated and we are waiting for answers now from the manufacturer. After all this work and expense the lockout comes on after 3 to 4 hours and even then the radiators are barely warm. Has set off the carbon monoxide alarm. I could go on....feel slightly better for the rant but still cold! Any ideas?

bev
November 2010

i run out of oil now i have more oil but i am in lock out . ihave started itup but it keeps going into lock out please can you help thanks

julia nicholas
February 2010

worth checking the plastic drive coupling which is situated between the motor and fuel pump

mike
October 2007

Yes, it could be the oil filter. One way to prove it would be to turn off oil, disconnect flexible oil line from pump, turn on oil and let it run into a clean container or bucket. If it seems to run ok to start with then slow down, the oil filter will be blocked or there is a blockage somewhere on the oil line.

After you've put everything back together pour the oil in the container back into the oil tank.

Hope this helps

Martin

Martin
October 2007

Thanks Martin,
Photo cell is clean. Blast gate was burnt around the outer edge of the perforated dish and the new one is definitely orientated correctly. Electrodes are clean. I'm certain the air intake is clean but will check. Could it be the solenoid on the pump?? One thing I havn't changed is the in line fuel filter!!
Any further thoughts??
Harry

Harry Stebbing
October 2007

Any OFTEC (Oil Firing Technical Association) registered company or technician will tell you, it's not just a case of cleaning out the combustion chamber and changing the nozzle in a service.
There's oil pump pressure, CO2, CO and Efficiency tests carried out on a proper service.
To not service a boiler once a year is false economy. The nozzle wears so you start using more fuel and thats just for starters.
With regards to the "lockout light". Is the photocell clean? Why did the blast tube need replacing? Is the blast tube installed correctly (some types can be fitted 180 degrees out)? Are the electrodes clean? Is the air intake clean?
Hope some of this helps
Martin

Martin
October 2007