Firebird Super Q

monseiur

I have an indoor Firebird Super Q oil boiler, fitted approx. 14 years ago.
The side & front insulated panels are rusting for inside out and the white enamel finish on the outside is beginning to rust & flake
My plan is to remove all panels, treat rust and paint the insides with suitable paint.........but I have run into a bit of a problem trying to remove the panels.
Is there some knack to it ? The top one will slide out about half ways and seems to hit something and will not budge any further. I tried pushing down on it in the middle, lifting it etc. etc.
If I managed to get the top off would the sides lift off ??
Any help would be greatly appreciated
Thanks M.

Tom44

The rusting is due to dangerous fumes escaping (where they shouldn't) from the boiler and turning to condensation forming on inside of panel.
You need more than a tin of paint. You need an expert service engineer with the appropriate flue gas testing (electronic) equipment.
Do you have a carbon monoxide alarm near the boiler ?

monseiur

Hi Tom,
Thanks for reply, there is a carbon monoxide alarm fitted.
I think in this instance the rust is caused by lack of use over long periods similar to the way a solid fuel cooker rusts if left idle for long periods - although our climate is mild it's very damp even in summer and this effects steel/metal if not treated especially after being exposed to heat.
If I could get the panels off and treat & paint them it would prolong their life as the boiler itself if working fine and is regularly serviced etc.
M.

Tom44

Clean fumes leaking does cause rusting too. I've seen it hundreds of times.
Painting will help, but get an oil service engineer to service & repair it, + they'll show you how to remove panels.