Boilermate 2000 and Glow Worm Micron 60FF

The glow worm boiler has cut out. I have tried the reset, and then switch on. It fires up the burners, and I can see the gas lit, but after a little while I can hear gurgling of water, and then it cuts out. There is a banging sound coming from the Boilermate when the glow worm switches off. I saw that one of the common faults of the boilermate was that the water tank was not fully topped up, I lifted the lid, and it looked OK but pressed down the ballcock to release more water.

I went back to the glow workm started the process all over again. It lasted longer but still cut out.

I turned the emergancy setting on the Boilermate, and it heats the radiators. I've then set it to water only, and occasionally there is some hot water, but only lasts for about a litre. I'm not sure how much time it should take to heat up the water.

Basically I need to ascertain the fault, bear in mind I'm not the typical DIYer, that means I won't understand any of the technical terms. Please keep it simple.

Crumhorn wrote: I saw that one of the common faults of the boilermate was that the water tank was not fully topped up, I lifted the lid, and it looked OK but pressed down the ballcock to release more water.

Looking under the lid is not enough. The pipe from the water tank to the Boilermate tank can be blocked so water tank stays full with the same water all the time. You will need to drain some water from Boilermate and see if after it water topped-up into water tank. I would close water tap to water tank, drain some water from Boilermate(usually under right hand side pump on Boliermate, but carefully, water is hot), then check water level in water tank. If the same then pipe is blocked, if lower then it is not the main issue. Don't forget to open tap again.

My friend the plumber replaced the pump on the left hand side which connects to the glow worm. It took a time before the central heating pump started, but it seem to be working OK. Then this morning,my son said he was cold so I turned up the thermostat, and I was back to the beginning. Loud clanging sound from the boilermate, and a splashing sound in the small tank above. The new pump is working, and is extremely hot but the pipes are cool, or cold. I've tried switching to the emergency system, and the central heating pumps works, but again there's no heat. Yet the pumps are extremely hot. The exception is the hot water pump. I cannot understand if the pumps are working why no water seems to be circulating.

Can air get into the system and cause a problem?

I await the return of the friendly plumber.

As before the Glow Worm boiler will not keep the burners on, and stops.

Obviously I'll take you advice and drain off the water, if only I was sure how to do this with confidence. Is it central heating water I am draining off?

I was able to have a shower this morning, but no I just get cold water.

I wish I could explain things and give the information that might help get this solved. I read loads, and understand nothing.