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[driver115]

Realised there was some sort of blockage in the CH system after draining it down, as the system would not refill via the header tank, read somewhere on a plumbers /DIY site that the likely cause could be a pipe blockage somewhere between the CH header tank and pump, and it was likely to be near a bend in the cold feed pipe as it joins the CH hot water part of the circuit - it was, and so chopped out the offending pipe section and was able to unblock it and refit /replace using a couple of compression connectors inclusive of an isolation valve  located above the repair so that it was easier for me to maintain/repair anything else should the need arise at some later point ie replace  ball cock valve and/or connector without the need to drain the system down to work above the repair location.
Did take some photos of the rough job that I did, but its still holding up ok so far

[Sir Tigger KC]

I didn't do anything to this today, but I've had a scan of the DIY forums and I think that you're right that this is the cause. 

I've been scratching my head as to why there is so much air in the system that I can't bleed out, but if the feed pipe is blocked then air can't escape either as it's a combined feed/vent pipe. 

A good tip on one of the forums was to run a magnet along the pipe as the sludge will attract the magnet and then hopefully you find the blockage.  I guess it's corrosion from the cast iron heat exchanger. 

[Migv6 le Frog Fan]

One of my rads is hot at the top and lukewarm at the bottom. Ive bled it several times but it makes no difference.
Any ideas ? Preferably simple ones, as I know three fifths of fick all about heating. 

[STEMO]

One of my lads is hot at the top and lukewarm at the bottom. Ive bled it several times but it makes no difference.

There...that's much more interesting.

[Migv6 le Frog Fan]

You aint right in the head. 

[Sir Tigger KC]

One of my rads is hot at the top and lukewarm at the bottom. Ive bled it several times but it makes no difference.
Any ideas ? Preferably simple ones, as I know three fifths of fick all about heating. 

Your rad is probably full of sludge at the bottom. You can turn off both valves and carefully drain the rad by carefully loosening the connector nuts at the rad.  I use a bit of polythene to direct the water into a paint tray and it's a bit of a slow process as you have to tighten up the nut to stop the flow and empty the paint tray into a bucket a few times. 

When it's empty, fully disconnect the pipes, Lift rad off wall, take outside and flush with garden hose in much the same way you would a car rad. 

Reassemble, open valves, bleed the rad and hopefully jobs a goodun! 

Now someone will come along and tell you a much easier way!! 

[Migv6 le Frog Fan]

Brilliant, thanks. I will get straight on it sometime within the next year or two.   

[Ever Ready]

Brilliant, thanks. I will get straight on it sometime within the next year or two.   

No need to rush

[Sir Tigger KC]

So it looks as though I've got big problems here.   

I can't drain the system!  As I write I have 2 drain cocks open with hoses going outside with nothing coming out!

If I open bleed valves on the radiators water comes out and I've tried sucking/blowing down the hoses with no success.  It looks like it's clogged up solid...

[STEMO]

Make sure the hose on the drain off cock is (very) secure and give it a quick blast from the kitchen tap (mains pressure). It may encourage it to start flowing.

[Sir Tigger KC]

Make sure the hose on the drain off cock is (very) secure and give it a quick blast from the kitchen tap (mains pressure). It may encourage it to start flowing.

There is a third drain cock so I'll attach a hose to that and give that a quick blast! 

To top it off my dishwasher kakked itself last night!    The bloody place is falling apart!   

[STEMO]

Make sure the hose on the drain off cock is (very) secure and give it a quick blast from the kitchen tap (mains pressure). It may encourage it to start flowing.

There is a third drain cock so I'll attach a hose to that and give that a quick blast! 

To top it off my dishwasher kakked itself last night!    The bloody place is falling apart!   

Did owning an omega not teach you anything about preventative maintenance? 

[STEMO]

I'm the dishwasher in this house and I've been known to cack meself. 

[Sir Tigger KC]

I'm the dishwasher in this house and I've been known to cack meself. 

 

[Andy H]

So it looks as though I've got big problems here.   

I can't drain the system!  As I write I have 2 drain cocks open with hoses going outside with nothing coming out!

If I open bleed valves on the radiators water comes out and I've tried sucking/blowing down the hoses with no success.  It looks like it's clogged up solid...

Very common for the rubber washer in a drain cock to weld itself in place - you might have to pull the guts out with a pair of pliers or mole/vice grips to get things flowing.