Recharge/Filler Key snapped off inside Worcester 26CDi extra Combi Boiler

[baldyblade]

hi,
i have a worcester 26CDi extra combi boiler and after bleeding the radiators i had to recharge/fill my boiler.
i inserted the plastic key as normal and filled the system.
Unfortunately as i have tried to remove the key it has snapped at the shaft and left the top part still in the boiler.
does anyone know if i can still use the boiler with it still inside without blowing it up or damaging the boiler more than i have done.
as with the weather being below freezing i need heat as you can understand and until i get paid i cannot afford to call anyone out yet!

Thanks for your time

Bodyblade

[GREENBANK]

british gas do a boiler breakdown service for less than a tenner a month, they'll service it regularly. we have the cover and are quite satisfied..

[Hymie]

The filling line of the boiler has two valves, one the key (which you have broken off) and an adjacent small grey knob. Both must be open to fill/re-pressure the boiler. If you only used the key, then the grey valve has been left in the open position. If both values are open, the boiler will over pressure. If one or both valves are closed and the boiler pressure is within operational limits � the boiler will work OK.

Your problem is that the key value is either stuck open or closed. If it is stuck closed you will not be able to re-pressure the boiler until you remove the broken key and operate it with a new one. If it is stuck open, control of filling/pressuring the boiler will be controlled by the grey knob (valve) only.

[gucciman]

the answer to your question is yes it is perfectly ok to use the boiler with the key stuck inside.

hymie is correct in everything he says.

You may be able to remove whats left of the key with a pair of long nosed pliars, and you should then be able to get hold of a new key quite easily from a boiler spare parts stockist or a good plumbers merchant.

[baldyblade]

thanx alot for your answers.
At least now i can sleep without worrying about the house being flooded or the boiler exploding.
The pressure is at a constant when running.
Thanx again for your time it is very much appreciated!
i'll try to remove it with the long nose pliers or get me Dad to do it (probably less damage that way)
Thanx again
baldyblade.