IBC Boiler Error Code 5

HeatingHelp

This discussion was created from comments split from: IBC DC 20-125 Error Code 5.

Ponderosa

Did you ever find a solution? We are having the exact same problem with our IBC boiler. It is 5 years old, and this is the first time we've had an issue. Technicians tell use the same thing - this is an amazing boiler. However, a quick google search has told me that error code 5 is not a "rare" problem anymore...there seem to be others complaining about the same thing on various forums. We have already had one technician out to look at it, but they were unable to fix the problem. Before we start spending money on additional diagnostics, it would be very helpful to know if you were able to find a solution. Thank you!

Teemok

Dynamic gas pressure drop related to the boilers own gas volume draw or simultaneous gas volume draws of other appliances is the first suspect. Those problems ruled out you need a print out, picture or video of an exhaust analysis being done in both hi and low fire proving your unit has been tuned properly for your installation. It should have dates corresponding to the service visit. Current calibration certification of the exhaust gas analyzer is important and should be verified. Propane tends to burn dirtier than natural gas, a combustion chamber / heat exchanger cleaning may be due. Five years on propane would not be surprising. Five years on natural gas that was not properly tuned at commissioning is not surprising. Replacing any parts without these things being done first is just guessing and tossing parts at it.

GGross

Ponderosa said:

Did you ever find a solution? We are having the exact same problem with our IBC boiler. It is 5 years old, and this is the first time we've had an issue. Technicians tell use the same thing - this is an amazing boiler. However, a quick google search has told me that error code 5 is not a "rare" problem anymore...there seem to be others complaining about the same thing on various forums. We have already had one technician out to look at it, but they were unable to fix the problem. Before we start spending money on additional diagnostics, it would be very helpful to know if you were able to find a solution. Thank you!

I would advise a new post on here to avoid confusion, often a poster will bring an issue to the forum and once resolved will never come back so you may not get an answer. In addition to that the error code in question seems to be a general combustion/maintenance error code so what fixes it for one person will likely not fix for another person. It always worries me when a tech arrives for a combustion related error and can't diagnose it, its not every time but generally seems like that tech may just be looking to change parts. Often with combustion related errors its not a faulty part at work, it is something else. Now whatever is causing poor combustion may also take out the flame sensor or igniter but generally those foul up as a symptom of a problem not a cause. What @Teemok posted is what you need. The tech needs to take gas pressure readings while the unit is off, while it fires, and measure the total drop during a cycle. They need to clean and inspect the burner chamber/ heat exchanger, and make sure the condensate drains freely, they need to do a combustion analysis with a digital analyzer to make sure the unit is set up correctly.

Erin Holohan Haskell

Welcome, @Ponderosa! I've created a new discussion for you here so that your post doesn't get lost at the bottom of an older thread.