Potterton Puma Pilot Light Problems

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Hi,
Read a lot about Potterton Pumas on here, but don't know much about plumbing so hope you can help.

I have a Potterton Puma and the pilot light goes out regularly when I use the washing machine/shower. There's obvious moisture in the pressure gauge, but no pressure problem.

It's about 8-9 years old, has had 2 PCB replacements in the last 6 years.

The engineer I called has quoted £500 to replace 3-4 parts (gauge, hot water regulator(?) etc), plus £500 to descale, but also said it wasn't worth keeping and I should buy a 14L Vaillant for £1800 including installation.

Can any of the experts on here tell me if this is a good deal? Or what I should do? Thanks.
 
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The Puma is an unreliable boiler and suffers from PCB and diverter valve failure every three and five years respectively.

We repair a lot of Pumas and the typical cost is always less than £200 inc.

I cannot see how any normal repair should come to £500 and suggest he is more interested in fitting a new boiler at a rather elevated price for you. It could also be that he does not really know how to repair it.

Whilst a new condensing boiler would be nice its always cheaper to repair a boiler and the Pumas do work quite well.

Tony Glazier
 
londonmarc said:
I have a Potterton Puma and the pilot light goes out regularly when I use the washing machine/shower. There's obvious moisture in the pressure gauge, but no pressure problem.

Assuming this is the permanent pilot model (you have to manually relight the pilot every time it fails) then it appears the pilot is being extinguished by the overheat 'stat, thus it could be caused by a faulty overheat 'stat or by an overheat condition.

Try turning the hot water temperature down, does this reduce the frequency of failure? This may indicate the diverter valve is sticking / faulty.

Check the resistance of the DHW temp sensor against manufacturer's spec. Is it normal? If not change it.

As an aside, I believe the gauge front will pull off, use a hair dryer to dry out the moisture.
 

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