Another AGA Question...

[Bridge not logged on]

The temperature of my Aga (oil fired) seems to have dropped drastically. I usually have the dial set at around 4 - 4 and a half but found at the weekend that my roast potatoes just weren't browning (they took twice as long to cook and didn't taste great) and the hot plates weren't as hot as they usually are (even the hottest one wouldn't boil). I turned the Aga up to 5 and a half and this morning the temperature gauge shows that it is only just out of the red.

Silly question, but could the cold weather be affecting it? The burner seems to be fine and is glowing red.

[marigold]

It might be the cold and also when theres no wind at all I think it affects the draw on them a bit. Have you had it serviced recently or changed the wicks or cleaned off the smutty deposits? My Dad is having huge troubles with his at the moment as well and he found those things helped. Mine seems ok now we filled the oil tank up (ouch at least we are house sitting and didn't pay for it!!) I think there may have been low oil pressure affecting it as well.

[Bridge feeling the cold]

Thanks Marigold. Don't think it's the wicks or burner as it was only services about 3 months ago. I'm reluctant to call them out as they charge £45 call out charge and then the work on top, which means I've never had a bill for less than £85 in the past, but I won't be able to cook a Christmas dinner on it the way it is. Just can't think what it might be. We did change oil suppliers when we had a top up recently. I wonder if the oil is different. Would that make such a difference?

[marigold]

I wouldn't have thought so as if you've got a full tank the pressure would be the same whatever oil you have in it (some physics geneius who can spell may put me right on that one)
I'll ask my dad for you later and see what else he's done, cos on 5 it should be hot enough to cook your crimbo dinner! After I filled the oil up I had to turn it down to 4.
Hmmm, you don't leave the lids open for ages or anything? Or heat too much water for the output?
I'll ponder a bit more and get back to you.....sorry can't be of more help, its miserable when the Aga's down isn't it? Where to dry the wellies and keep the cat warm is my problem!!

[lucitania]

The quality of oil (purity) will make a difference, in the very worst case clogging up the burner and switiching the whole thing off! Mine started to lose heat towards last spring (I only have it on during winter and shut off for summer) and when the service guy came this October to clean it and turn it on, he asked if I had been losing heat as the burner was so filthy and pretty clogged up.

I f you know how to clean the burner yourself, I would in that case turn the Aga off, let it cool and give it a good clean. I would never do that, however, as I have the man out once a year and that keeps it going. (and I would get it wrong anyway...) A correctly fitted aga/flue should not be bothered by high or low winds. My bet is that you current oil is less pure than before, and there are deposits building up somewhere near the oil pipe/burner joint. If you can get a man in before Xmas, then perhaps it is worth trying a new guy? If you happen to be in Wiltshire, then I would give you the number of my Aga guy who is very reliable and good...

[thistle]

Check that the plug has not switched off. Mine sometimes just needs resetting.

[marigold]

I was going say that too thistle!
Also why not call up previous guy and say since he came the heat has reduced and you aren't pleased with his service? Aga people are supposed to make 'em better afterall! Three months ago it should still be in tip top condition I would think....

[Bridge still not hot]

Thanks everyone.

I don't leave the covers up and it doesn't heat the water (got a seperate boiler for that) so there really is no reason that I can see. Turned it up as high as it would go last night and this morning when I checked the line on the gauge it is only just out of the black area and nowhere near the line that indicates the right temperature. I'll give the service guy a call and see what he has to say.

Thanks again.

[Bridge in a panic]

Grrrrr! Phoned Aga man and he said to check the oojimee flip on the whatsitcalled. Damned if I know what he's on about. Asked him if he could come out and he said "NO CHANCE BEFORE CHRISTMAS". Been through Yellow Pages and can't get a reply from any of the numbers. All Answer Machines. What am I going to do? No Christmas dinner!!!!!!!!!!

[lucitania]

Bridge, where are you? Honestly, if you happened to be in Wiltshire, then my man would surely rush out to you. (well, he does to me....) I haven;t had any joy, ever, with Aga companies that advertise in the Yellow Pages (even in the spring they want you to wait for months!), I would always recommend that you ask your friends and neighbours about who they use, and often you can get someone out if you say that you got the number from Mrs X.
Failing all this, get him on the phone and insist that he talks you through what you need to do, as you are doing it. I know you may end up looking a bit stupid, but at least you might get something done.

Getting and Aga guy out is like getting a plumber to show up on time (or at all), so at least I can sympathize with you and take virtual part in your frustration.

[marigold]

Bridge on the side there is a black box with Aga written on it. Take off the black cover and you will find a black box. Now most importantly on the top of the box it another small metal catch thing. Check out this webpage it explains it all - this is what I was trying to explain, which is what my aga man told me the other day as we keep having power cuts. You have to flip the top lever - see the diagram for where I mean on this website www.aga-web.co.uk/agatech/fuel3.htm
Good luck - pm me for my phone number if you want me to talk you throuh it while your standing in front of the Aga! Or for the number of my Aga man - he can explain it to you over he phone, he won't mind he's lovely
Good luck ;D

[Bridge very cold]

Hi everyone and thanks for all your advice.

Lucitania, I'm in Surrey, so a bit far for your guy to travel unfortunately.

Marigold. I know what bit you are talking about and I've tried that already (well Steve did actually) and it isn't that, but thanks anyway.

I got hold of the Aga guy yesterday and he said it sounds like it is "Carbonned up". He says it needs a service (he always says that though). Anyway, didn't want to risk being without it for Christmas day and I BEGGED him to come out this week and he's coming today. Phew!

[marigold]

Good! Hope you get warm soon.

[swaynes]

Please give me Aga Man phone number, we have the same problem with our aga. Thank you

Arthur At Swayne's Firs