Replacement PCB and/or Replacement Boiler

[kmmr99]

Hi,

I have an Ideal Response FF80 with a blown PCB 38. I am getting the fan replaced, but have been told that probably the PCB needs replacing too, but they are no longer produced.

Can anyone advise if it is possible to source the PCB from somewhere else?

Also, I have been advised that this is the beginning of the end of this boiler, so I am looking around for another one. Any advice on a good smallish combi boiler (flat is tiny, with only 3 radiators, and 1 bathroom).

Thanks as always for the good advice!

Kath

 

[gas_man_gaz]

dnt waste any money on it they are rubbish! one of the 1st in a long list made by ideal with alot of design faults.. id get a new combi either a valliant or a worcester, wateva ya do dnt get a isar

 

[simond]

Yep, total crud.

Doing up an old car is fun. Doing up an Ideal boiler is quite simply a complete waste of your cash. They were never any good when they were new.

 

[kmmr99]

I think I am starting to get the message on this boiler! I found the part, but it is £150. Minor in the scheme of things in replacement boilers, but no point if it is just a stepping stone to it dying anyway. BG Homecare are coming with a new fan on Monday, so if that works for a while, then at least I have breathing space.

So (and I know this is a very tough question) any ideas on how much this should cost to replace? Or more importantly, what should I ask the person quoting to ensure I have no hidden surprises.
I would prefer a system that is about the same size as the one that I have, so any advice on which model would be appropriate?

Thanks again. I think I have realised this has to be replaced, but I am worried about creating a new problem if I buy the wrong one from the wrong people!

Kath

 

[kmmr99]

And as a side rant - how can a company make a product that is supposed to last for 10 years, and stop making parts for it before the 10 years is up?

BG thinks the boiler is about 9 years old, but that Ideal has written this model off.

Should a boiler come with a guarantee? Well, I assume so... what is the period of the guarantee I suppose I should ask.

And, finally, how do I find a good installer? I am in central/east london.

Thanks

K

 

[Agile]

As I suggested you could call Parts Centre and see if they have it listed.

If so then pester BG to get the replacement for your boiler.

As it only had the heat exchanger replaced last January then there should be a few more months life left in it.

Tony

 

[gas4you]

As it only had the heat exchanger replaced last January then there should be a few more months life left in it.

Tony

Very funny Tony, but sadly true

 

[kmmr99]

Hi,

Thanks Tony for the advice on the phone. Much appreciated!

I called parts centre and they don't have the part, but he said that PCB 40 is the manufacturers replacement. Very nice guy at the branch said he would call the manufacturer on Monday and see if they have approved this for the Ideal FF80. If the manufacturer says it is ok, then presumably BG can't refuse to fix it.

In the mean time my electric heater, and then the oven and stovetop have all blown, so I suspect I have a larger electrical problem - or I am just jinxed this weekend!

Thanks again,

From a very cold Kath!

 

[Agile]

All the other failures are totally coincidental.

Tony

 

[kmmr99]

Hi all,

Thanks Tony for the advice the other day. BG came out with the new fan and the system is working again.

I am investigating with Parts Centre (and Ideal) if the PCB 40 is an approved replacement for PCB 38 - which I think it is. But BG claim they have not been told.

I must say though, despite a certain lack of knowledge, and having to wait half a day each time, I have got value for money from my BG homecare agreement so far. Some would say I wouldn't need them if I had a reasonable boiler, but for a dodgy one they have replaced a lot of the parts in the space of one year.

So far I have had a new heat exchanger and a new fan. Plus at least 5 callouts between diagnoses and parts installs. If I can convince them to use this new PCB if it goes, I suspect I might get a bit longer from the machine!

They do keep suggesting to me that I could do with a new boiler, but since BG can't come and even quote for 2 weeks in my area, I don't think they are doing it for commission. And I have recieved only a very half hearted CO2 detector sales pitch - where the guy actually told me to get one, but to get it from B&Q as they were much cheaper than the BG ones!

Having said that, I will cancel the agreement once I invest in a new properly installed and guaranteed boiler - but for a dying but repairable boiler, it is good value. My friend uses them for the full homecare400 service, and seems to have them out once a week - and can't work out how they make any money! It depends on your needs (and your willingness to wait at home) but I do think there is some value in the service. Just my 2c worth.

Thanks as always, and I am sure I will be back on the forum soon!

Kath

p.s. Other power issues were unrelated - sort of. Not related to the boiler, but possibly due to me using the oven as a kitchen heater while cooking!! Overloaded the fuses...