Internal Insulation on Valiant Eco Max

[jwpetal]

We have a Valiant Eco Max 824/2E and is about 10 years old. We had the boiler's yearly check about 3 months ago and the readings came out good and all was working as should be.

yesterday, we had the plumber come to disconnect our gas fireplace and and drain the system so that we could remove a number of radiators. As part of this, he was checking the boiler and found a few things that were concerning and led Vaillant to state that we have to get a new boiler for what to me seems a very strange reason.

The insulation on the side of the boiler is coming off. The size of the space that is gone is about 2 inches by 2 inches and toward the bottom end of the boiler. We can buy the insulated front panel from Vaillant but they do not sell the side panels...and stating that we would have to buy a new boiler.

We had an idea but wanted to see what you might say. We want to buy a front panel costing about £300 inc VAT and remove the insulation from the panel and put it onto the side panel covering the space. This seems much better than £2000 for a new boiler.

In addition, we will have to get a new seal for the heat exchange as the metal is discolored. This costs about £70.

Has anyone else had this problem and is this a doable solution? Any down sides or concerns?

Thank you,

 

[hertsboilers]

Do suggest you get a second opinion please.

But if you phone any manufacturer, you will always get the same cautious answer like this.

It is a pre-mixed burner, well sealed.

 

[Agile]

Current similar model of the Vaillant combis are about £1000-£1100 to buy. To fit as a very similar replacement might be about £300-£500.

Most would leave the side panel insulation as it is. Its there for sound proofing.

The discoloration on the burner may be because its been leaking as a result of not having the boiler serviced and the seal changed every three years.

That can do significant damage but if only a slight discoloration can usually be sorted out with a new seal.

Tony

 

[simond]

The burner seal on a Vaillant domestic is meant to be changed every 5 yrs. Units fitted from 2004 had a rubber gasket which disintegrates and ultimately can result in a fire - they were subject to a nationwide recall and replacement with a different graphite seal, but only on boilers that had been registered. So some dodgy installs slipped the net.

Found one still with the old rubber seal last year, had started to melt the air intake tube. If there is no record of it being changed, get it done asap. Part costs under £20.

The black insulation on the casing appears to be water soluble so a small leak inside normally results in disintegration. As said above, it isn't strictly necessary to replace it unless you have a combustible surface very close.

 

[Agile]

As I recall the black foam on the cover also seals the boiler from the room so that part is important.

Tony