Danfoss motorised valve problem

[AP77]

Hi,

A few weeks ago our CH came on when HW only was selected. I seemed to fix this by moving the lever on our Danfoss HSA3 3 port valve a few times, backwards and forwards between Auto and Manual.

A few weeks later and it has happened again, so the same as before, I seem to have freed this by moving the lever.

I see lots of posts about motorised valves and I know I can replace just the actuator, if this is the problem, as it can be unscrewed from the valve.

Before taking a look at this, last night the motorised valve has started clicking every few seconds, but only when HW and CH are both selected. If one or the other are selected on their own, it doesn't click. At the moment HW and CH are working as expected.

Just wondering if the clicking noise gives any more clue as to whether its the actuator that is the problem?

Could a low level of central heating inhibitor cause the valve to stick?

The motorised valve is about 5 years old.

Many thanks.

 

[cross thread]

the base tends to get stiff causing the motor to burn out i would replace the full valve

 

[AP77]

OK thanks.

So if I replaced just the actuator, it may burn out again if the base gets stiff again?

Is 5 years about the life expectancy of one of these?

I see from the Forum that some people are not big fans of Danfoss valves. Any suggestions about replacing it with another make?

 

[oilboffin]

With these actuators it's kind of a lightbulb syndrum you'll get one last for years and one that lasts 5 mins so you pays your money and takes your chance IMHO.Bob

 

[RigidRaider]

The synchronous motors do conk out a lot but they are easy to change. However you will find that the retailer will warn you that if it turns out to be a fault with the actual valve, they won't accept the motor back. The 2 or 3 I've replaced have always worked fine with a new motor fitted but they were Honeywell not Danfoss. If I was you I'd change the motor first and if it turns out to be a valve fault, keep the new motor for spare.