3 port valve

[reg7]

Hi all, I fitted my own central heating about 24 years ago, all worked well. It's a "Y" system but over the years I have had to replace the 3 port valve about 4 to 5 times. But now I have to replace it again after only 10 months use. It is getting a bit silly any ideas as to what may be wrong, Cheers, Reg

 

[CBW]

Hi Reg,

What brand are you fitting? You may have sludge in your system which could be creating resistance for the motor to burn out.

 

[reg7]

Could be the hot water tank has been in place for the 24 years, but the only thing I can do is change the tank, I believe the tank cant be cleaned out, I have cleaned and flushed the system.

 

[Burnerman]

I've had a few problems with after market power heads (Toolstation but no disrespect to them) but Honeywell heads last much better.
John

 

[reg7]

I now have a Honeywell to fit, fingers crossed it's the answer, but is there anyway to clean out the tank, or is it a new tank, as this one is very tight in a cupboard.

 

[denso13]

but is there anyway to clean out the tank

The central heating water doesn't mix with the water in the HW cylinder. Cleaning out the cylinder wont affect the CH system water.

 

[Burnerman]

I'd suggest turning the valve when the power head is off, just to make sure the shuttle is moving freely before replacing the power head.....there may be sludge in the system but unfortunately a tank clean won't do much.
If there is crap in the tank - there will be - consider removing the tank for a clean or maybe a wet vac could help.
John

 

[Jajodu]

I used to get through honeywell actuators regularly but about 6 years ago I changed the rubber ball underneath and have had no further problems. You can buy that part separately from honeywell.

 

[75pete]

That's a good point jajodu and worth a try given the amount of motors that have been replaced.

 

[ianmcd]

just change the whole valve

 

[reg7]

Is there anything I can put in the hot tank to clean it then flush it out. At 82 I'm not as fit as I was.

 

[ianmcd]

You have already been correctly advised that the water in your HW Cylinder and the water that passes through your 3 port valve never meet, stop worrying about your HW tank as you call it

 

[reg7]

Hi Ian, yep that's part of getting older you worry about most things. Thanks again.

 

[dilalio]

If you're worried about the coil inside your HW cylinder being furred up, there's an old trick that involves temp shocking it, but results are unpredictable... You could also try and have it cleaned out, but again results can't be guaranteed.

Just get the valve changed and maybe flush the system through.

 

[reg7]

Yep that's what I'm going to do. Thanks for your help.