New Installation Issues

Caper

On November 22, 2024 I had a new propane boiler/hot water combination unit installed. It is a Lochinvar Epic EPC150L.

The install was timely and clean but two days after the install, I did not have heat or domestic hot water. There was an error message, “LOCKOUT- Flame Fail: Running”.

I immediately called the installer and they came back and replaced the igniter/flame sensor. The unit Rand for a day and the error message came back. The installer was notified and they came back to replace the main control board. After doing so, they recalibrated and did some diagnostic work and got the unit running.

Yesterday, the unit when into lockout again. The same error message is displayed so I have a call into the service group now.

I just read a few very good posts but does anyone have any experiences like this? I can see if a unit is aged but for a brand new unit to have these faults seems to be unreasonable. If this is a logic issue, replacing the main control board should fix it…..could this be fuel supply related?

Mad Dog_2

Anything is possible. Did the guy check gas pressure? Combustion numbers? Keep all your receipts for your warranty, especially if this keeps happening. Mad Dog

jesmed1

Has the installer adjusted combustion and done a combustion analysis? Do you have a printout of the results? Have they checked the regulator pressure? Were the intake and vent pipes installed correctly?

You may already have seen this earlier thread, but if not it discusses your problem. In the case below, the intake and vent pipe outlets were installed too close together, and the boiler was sucking in its own exhaust.

https://forum.heatinghelp.com/discussion/183003/lochinvar-ignition-lockout

HVACNUT

Those installers install only, apparently. The next time they walk to your door, ask if they have their combustion analyzer.

There's a reason page 67 exists.

Can you post pics? How is the exhaust vented? Is combustion air from the room or outside?

GroundUp

I install a ton of these boilers and 60% of the time, the cause of a flame fail: running lockout is venting related. Whether exhaust gas recirculation or simply too short of a run with 3", it's very common with amateur installers. The other 40% is poor combustion. They fire around 45% and ramp up from there so if the combustion is out of whack (high co2 tends to be the bigger culprit) at a higher firing rate, it'll choke itself out and throw the lockout. The installer needs to provide a combustion analysis and adjust according to the chart HVACNUT shared above, both low and high fire using their respective adjustment screws. While they're doing this, they also need to verify gas pressure at static, ignition, and 100% fire. The venting terminations NEED to be at least 2 feet apart (absolutely no concentric vents) with an elbow pointed down on the intake and if vented in 3", at least 20 equivalent feet long in my experience. Some photos of the venting would help eliminate that from the equation.

EBEBRATT-Ed

Your installers are not very confident. They throw the parts cannon at the boiler immediatly. Call their boss or service manager and tell them you want someone who knows the equipment.

It's not like a washing machine you don't just hook it up and turn the switch. It needs set up and commissioning.