How much to replace boiler thermocouple?

[Tab22]

The pilot light on my boiler keeps going out. When relit, it goes out immediately when the gas button is released. I suspect that the thermocouple is dirty or faulty.

Around 4 years ago a similar thing happened. When I look out the invoice I see that we were charged for 3 hours labour for replacing the thermocouple, which I now suspect was excessive.

The boiler is a Baxi WM 381RS and is probably about 25 years old. I can't remember if the last repair guy went off to get the part, but is a thermocouple for this boiler a fairly standard type of part that you could expect to be carried as van stock?

I'd be really grateful for any advice on what would be a reasonable time to charge for this, and how to avoid getting ripped off.

Thanks.

 

[buffy27]

Turn off the gas to the boiler. Wait 15 minutes for the thermocouple to cool.

Gain access to the thermocouple and pilot light by using a screwdriver to remove the access panel screws. Remove the access panel.

Use an open-end wrench to remove the thermocouple. There will be a bracket nut at the thermocouple end and a nut at the end where it connects to the gas valve. Note its position in relation to the pilot flame nozzle because it will be important to make sure it's in the same location when you put it back.

Connect the voltmeter to the valve end of the thermocouple wires. You should get a voltage reading in the millivolt range. While holding the thermocouple with needle-nose pliers so that you don't get burned, hold the thermocouple over a flame from a lighter. The voltage should increase. If it does, the thermocouple is good.

Replace the thermocouple after it cools by putting it back in the thermocouple bracket and tightening the bracket nut and tightening the nut at the gas valve.

Turn the gas on and relight the pilot flame.

Replace the access panel and screws.

 

[Toddyplumb]

Get a Gas Safe registered engineer . A universal TC should be van stock , certainly less than an hour to change even with a couple of hiccups in there Of course it could be the gas valve.
3 hours I guess you are right to ask the question !
Was at a boiler the other week , customer was charged £50 for TC change and boiler still did not work , a quick look , a quick blow through of the pilot injector and everything tickety Boo

 

[Tab22]

Get a Gas Safe registered engineer . A universal TC should be van stock , certainly less than an hour to change even with a couple of hiccups in there Of course it could be the gas valve.
3 hours I guess you are right to ask the question !
Was at a boiler the other week , customer was charged £50 for TC change and boiler still did not work , a quick look , a quick blow through of the pilot injector and everything tickety Boo

Thanks for this. We got a new valve a year ago, so suspect it is TC.

I was too naive 4 years ago!

 

[Billy Bob Bob]

£25-£40 dependant on area and hourly rate should take 10 mins max to replace but if the pilot injector is worn this will take the thermocouple out prematurely

 

[moony]

looking around 45 plus thermocouple - 5 quid.

 

[moony]

could just be the overheat lockout - button situated to the back of the control panel

 

[gasmarc]

depends if you want the job done properly ,apparently you are suppose to use manufacturers parts only ,make of that what you want

 

[Blackcatgas]

If you were just round the corner from me £55.

 

[Tab22]

Ha, thanks, that's good to know. That's what I was charged today.

 

[Blackcatgas]

Nice one, just remember to me its just replacing the thermocouple, to you the customer Iam giving back thier hot water and heating so its excellent VFM. Well I think so anyway.

 

[Tab22]

Yes, I agree. It's been really cold here the last couple of days. It may just be a thermocouple but to me it was the end of misery!