Boiler Dead

Don't quite see why a failed pump would cause no pilot light?

That's what you're paying for, surely?

That's what I thought.

You're right it is, but a 3 hour response and fix is quite remarkable in my book. I work in an industry dictated by SLA's and this kind of service response is usually only reserved for the highest business critical down-times. Not moi's abode which was empty when they came to fix it.

Opt away from BG cover and go for the cheaper competition and you might see my point.

Last time I had to call BG their pre-arranged "morning visit" took place around 5pm - and only after numerous chasing from me. I asked the "engineer" (politely) why and he said he was busy. I gave him about three opportunities to say the S word but it obviously didn't enter his head.

My Potterton Kingfisher is about the same age as your Ideal, and has broken down only once - which was the thermocouple. An easy DIY fix. If I'd had a BG service contract throughout this time it would have cost many times that of the original installation.

I have, however, cleaned it a few times (when it suited me) and also replaced the O rings between the segments of the heat exchanger after a small leak. For pennies.

BG make a fortune out of their 'cover' - and are very likely to say your system - or parts of it - can't be serviced anymore when it suits them. Regardless of the facts.

I doubt it has a an overheat cutout but if it did this could cause the symptom. The OH is in series with the thermocouple.