Gas smell on ideal RS50 boiler

Melblad66

Recently noticed a gas smell coming from my ideal classic RS50 boiler. It is 25 years old. Cadent have been out and confirmed a small leak and capped off the gas. Gas smell only appears when the boiler fires up not when the pilot is burning normally.  

Gas safe engineer came out today and repeated TT and all good. As the smell was coming from outside of the sealed boiler casing, he did think it was perhaps the gas valve leaking as it’s the only component outside the case and he detected some gas in that area. All of the pipes and joints inside and outside the case were also tested with spray to detect gas and were fine. 

 Replacement valve ordered to be fitted later this week . Is this a common fault based on people’s experience - do gas valves leak ? I’m not an expert so just wanted some thoughts. Thanks !!

Melblad66

Area outside the casing where the smell was detected 

EBEBRATT-Ed

I wouldn't say it was common but it is also not uncommon. Any component in a gas line can leak. That is why gas lines are leak tested.