comedy of errors ... boiler dead, advice sought

[deadbaxi]

Folks, we have a problem ... and I've probably made it worse. Have a laugh and then tell me what you think might be the problem/cost to fix, thanks.

We came in to find the RWB200 controller on the CH/HW looking like it had no power (nothing in display).

I removed the in line 3A fuse and found it had blown. So I replaced it ... inattentively ... with a 13A fuse. Oops, not my finest moment. The controller went 'POP' (and the RCD on the mains board flipped too)

So apart from the controller needing replacing (it'd be LOL were it not so cold today!) there's a problem with the system somewhere that initially caused the fuse to blow and which continues to provide an open circuit which blows new fuses.

I can clearly replace the controller easily enough - there are plently that fit on the same backplate - but I do not know where to start on the original problem which is blowing fuses.

The boiler is Baxi solo PF (early one ~ 10 years old probably), powering HW and CH. The boiler was NOT running (beyond pilot light) when it blew the first fuse, and appears to have shut itself down.

I'd appreciate opinions please on
- where is problem likely to be?
- are parts likely still available?
- ballpark figure for repair? (less or more than £150?)

Yes, I do realise this is a bit 'long long is piece of string-ish, but that <£150< is the clincher. Thanks. And if further info about system would help please ask. Thanks.

 

[swbjackson]

Could be pump, 3 port valve, boiler, wiring chaffed. The only way is to check all the individual components to find the fault. If you are not competent with a multimeter and wiring diagrams you'll have to pay someone to look for the fault and this could easily amount to more than 150 including parts.

 

[Agile]

You dont bother to say where you are!

Prices vary a lot across the country being high in sunny Sussex and misty Norfolk. Much cheaper in the north Midlands and northern England larger cities.

We diagnose faults for a fixed price of £84 in our local area but thats sometimes a loss leader as it can often take more than 30 minutes.

Very few of the repairs we do for that fault come to over £150 though.

You could always power the pump from a seperately fused 3 A supply as a start and see what effect that has. However based on your previous efforts you might be better just getting a professional.

Tony

 

[deadbaxi]

You dont bother to say where you are!

Prices vary a lot across the country being high in sunny Sussex and misty Norfolk. Much cheaper in the north Midlands and northern England larger cities.

We diagnose faults for a fixed price of £84 in our local area but thats sometimes a loss leader as it can often take more than 30 minutes.

Very few of the repairs we do for that fault come to over £150 though.

You could always power the pump from a seperately fused 3 A supply as a start and see what effect that has. However based on your previous efforts you might be better just getting a professional.

Tony

OK - thanks for the suggestions.

for clarification, given that the system was not running (ie was not generating either hot water or driving the CH ... it was just on pilot) at the time the fault caused the fuse to blow, doesn't this rule out the pump & three way valve as fault location (since neither were in use)?

Therefore would you agree fault is likely local to boiler rather than to pump/tank/TWV?

Ta

 

[namsag]

Have a look around your pump/valves good chance it could have a water leak dripping into the motorised valve ,

 

[Agile]

Therefore would you agree fault is likely local to boiler rather than to pump/tank/TWV?

Ta

You dont seem to want to take my advice which is based on my own experience of dealing with these faults professionally.

Of course I have not seen your installation, but you ( and others ), would be better taking the advice of a heating professional rather than thinking that you are better at fixing it than we might be.

Of course I know that plumbers fix boilers. Plumbers are thick because they leave school at 14 ! Everyone else must know far more about boilers because they are fixed by stupid people. So your logic decides that boilers are easy to fix because plumbers are thick!

I am very glad that I am not a plumber!

Tony

 

[deadbaxi]

Therefore would you agree fault is likely local to boiler rather than to pump/tank/TWV?

Ta

You dont seem to want to take my advice which is based on my own experience of dealing with these faults professionally.

Of course I have not seen your installation, but you ( and others ), would be better taking the advice of a heating professional rather than thinking that you are better at fixing it than we might be.

Of course I know that plumbers fix boilers. Plumbers are thick because they leave school at 14 ! Everyone else must know far more about boilers because they are fixed by stupid people. So your logic decides that boilers are easy to fix because plumbers are thick!

I am very glad that I am not a plumber!

Tony

Tony,

Apologies in abundance, that was not the intended message. Never in a gazillion years would I presume to think I could fix a boiler better than a pro ... tho I did presume to think I might have a go at trying, aided by the wealth of experience that's on offer on this forum.

However, I've taken the casing off the boiler and one look was enough to persuade me that this wasn't going to be something I can take on, despite having a wealth of time on my hands from having been made redundant at the beginning of the month.

So I'll be calling a pro in to get the system back in action.

Thanks for the advice.

Cheers

PS Are the comments on this forum regarding the quality of Baxi PCBs entirely justified? Or have the electronics professionals just been waving their expertise around?

 

[Dan Robinson]

No Baxi electrics are pants.

 

[deadbaxi]

No Baxi electrics are pants.

Thanks for that Dan, very reassuring )))

I see you're in Letchworth. I'll just down the A1M in Knebworth; any chance that you'd like to work on a pants Baxi boiler sometime this coming week? You've seen the scenario from my question to the forum ....
... will it come in at less than £150?

Cheers

 

[Agile]

However, I've taken the casing off the boiler and one look was enough to persuade me that this wasn't going to be something I can take on, despite having a wealth of time on my hands from having been made redundant at the beginning of the month.

So I'll be calling a pro in to get the system back in action.

We keep telling you that your problem is probably NOT in the boiler so I dont know why you are fixiated with expecting the fault is in there! Thats the last place to look in your case!

Do what we have recommended with the pump and motor valves and wiring center. A visual inspection will often reveal the problem and seperate powering the pump will test that.

Tony

 

[Dan Robinson]

We would have a look for you, but the cost would depend on what it was and how long the actual repair may take. Initial survey is gratis though.

You would however be waiting until a week Wednesday for a visit as we are snowed under (ahem) cancellations notwithstanding.

You are welcome to drop me a line during office hours...

 

[Slugbabydotcom]

It could be one of many things as already stated but just as a pointer when the PCB goes in a big way on these they usually smell of fish.
Finding that the pump has gone and taken the PCB out with it is not uncommon from my experience so prepare yourself for a big bill.
Might be better getting a BG guaranteed fix on it.

 

[Dan Robinson]

Sounds like BG are the ones who b*ggered it the first place.

being a Sauny wouldn't it smell of Cheese - a nice Brie maybe