Cointra Instantaneous Heater

[michaelc291]

Hello folks, this is my first post.

My problem is that the instantaneous water heater is not living up to its name.

I have two Cointra heaters a COB 10 and a SIP-11.
The COB fires up the moment a tap is turned on, the SIP has to think about it for a good 30 secs before ignition which justs wastes water.

I have done all the usual checks like de-liming and checking the flow which are OK. The batteries are OK. So I think it might be the diaphragm that may have gone hard.

Has anyone had a similar experience who can help? All suggestions welcome.

I have tried to source a new diaphragm for the SIP but have found it impossible. Ferroli/Cointra simply are not interested and many of the usual caraven dealers don't have anything either.
I am reluctant to strip the valve until I have got the new bit since it does actually work. The valve on the SIP is totally different to the COB and somewhat bigger where the diaphragm goes.

So, I am open to all offers of help.

*****
Moderator's note.

I gather this is a gas-powered water-heater in a caravan. This forum does not support DIY gas work but you may get some other suggestions. What country are you in?
*****

 

[muggles]

I don't think that's a UK model, so I doubt you'll get spares for it without importing them directly from Spain

 

[michaelc291]

Thanks muggles. You are right, it came from Spain. I have tried Cointra/Ferroli direct in Spain but have not found the right place to ask as yet, so I am struggling. The place where it came from was no help either. Typical of Spain they just want to sell you the stuff but offer no after sales help. The last thing I want to do is replace the heater because of a £3 part.
If I get the part, rest assured that to change it requires no intervention into the gas side, see picture. Just removal of the screws in the brass bit and two water pipes.

 

[muggles]

Does this help? https://repuestoscalefaccion.com/es/449-repuestos-calentador-cointra

 

[michaelc291]

Hello muggles. You have found the one site I missed!!!! I have been through it and cannot find one so I have sent them an email and picture. I'll keep you posted.
Thanks
Mike

 

[michaelc291]

Just a thought.
I still have the problem of slow ignition. I am hoping that someone who has worked on this type of heater may have encountered this and can offer some suggestions.
I can't fathom out why one lights instantly and the other doesn't. I'm sure it's only as case of a pressure differential across the diaphragm that causes it to move and trigger the ignnition. Is there something on youtube that explains the process?

 

[muggles]

Has it ever lit instantly?

 

[michaelc291]

We have thought very hard on this one and we think that it was always slower than the COB10. The COB is several years newer than the other and really is instant.
We think that even from new it was never instant and there was always say 3-4 secs delay, as I have said it now takes anything up to 30 secs and sometimes it needs a second tap to be turned on to get it to light.
Sorry that's the best we can do.
Ref your previous post, they have identified what I need which is a 65mm dia diaphragm, so I'll get one on order.

 

[michaelc291]

Here is what they sent.