Gloworm 600FF Problem - parts availability?

[TheGovernor]

Hi all,

My boiler stopped firing yesterday due to a seized fan - luckily we have BG Homecare so I've been able to get someone out to unseize it (which was naturally a fairly easy job when you see how!)

The guy said that BG have the 60FF on a "restricted parts" list - he did say he was surprised as it was only discontinued in 2001, but the computer says no

Obviously I'm wanting to think ahead - is there a good reliable place to source parts for this boiler at the moment?

 

[Steve69the69Gas]

Google keeptheheaton and partsarena

 

[TheGovernor]

Google keeptheheaton and partsarena

Thank you very much Steve, the keeptheheaton site looks really good.

The partsarena one is an applicaiton I need to buy as far as I can tell? I guess it's used by the trade while they're on the road.

Is there a way for me to identify parts numbers for the boiler online anywhere?

 

[simond]

According to the online search at Parts Centre, if you have an Ultimate 60FF, they have your fan on the shelf at the Millbrook, Southampton branch.

There are hundreds more at other Parts Centre branches around the company.

The same Parts Centre (Wolseley Group) that BG use for their parts distribution.

Part no is 441692. Only an RGI should fit it, and you are unlikely to be able to buy it from HRPC direct over the counter unless you are in the trade.

 

[TheGovernor]

Can i just say thanks to both of you gents for your help and speedy replies I genuinely appreciate it

Simon - point taken on the fitting, don't worry I'm not a mentalist, there are some things I leave to the experts I just want to make sure BG don't pull a fast one and start trying to strong arm me into a new boiler by saying parts are scarce (I may be misjudging them but you read such worrying stories!).

Could I just ask, that part number you quoted isn't the same as the one in my instruction manual for the 60FF (I guess they get superceded over time). When i search the Parts Center site I get no results found, but if I use your PN I get it - it's probably my weak searching skills, but is there an updated parts number list somewhere.

The numbers I have are 800421 (GC Part No 278008)

Or am I being thick!

 

[gas4you]

I have just entered 'your part number' into the parts center site and it comes up straight away with

GWORM 2000800421 FAN ASSY WFFB0226-011

Parts center cat no 441647.

I will refrain from agreeing with your last statement

 

[TheGovernor]

I reckon you could go further than my last sentence and call me a cretin

I put it in the key word search bit and it came stright up - problem solved

May I aska follow on question - if it comes to pass that I need a new boiler, in general terms what would be a good replacement for a the Glowworm 60FF?

It's a conventional system, 17 rads, hot water tank in the airing cupboard.

Is there a favoured manufacturer that I should be on the look out for?

 

[simond]

Worcester, Vaillant, Viessmann, Broag. 18Kw versions in each case.

But it's best to canvas opinion from two RGIs, local installation conditions can often influence the decision over the best product for the job, which we can't see from here.

 

[TheGovernor]

Thanks for that, I might start getting quotes in preparation over the next couple of months just in case. Of course the ext trick is finding a good, reliable local fitter!

None of my mates have had a boiler fitted so it looks like I'm going to have to test them out!

 

[gas4you]

Visit the ARGI website and use the find an installer page, this could be a good starting point for you.

 

[simond]

Please bear in mind that most installers giving quotes do it free, and we prefer someone to have decided in principle to have a new boiler before using our time.

If you have decided, then it could be a worthwhile investment of our non earning time to have the chance of obtaining your custom.

If you are just window shopping at this stage, most of us are less inclined to invest our time, for obvious reasons.

Contrary to popular wisdom, we don't earn £80K a year, and quotes do not put food on the table.

Faced with repairing a boiler and getting an hour's labour, or taking an hour unpaid at someone's house then an hour in the office writing a quote.... which if you get three quotes you have a 33% chance of translating into income, installation is not the money spinner most customers envisage.

Fixing a boiler = 1hrs labour guaranteed
Quoting: 2 hrs unpaid, need to quote three jobs to win one (basic statistic based upon each customer getting 3 quotes), therefore 4hrs unpaid per job.

Some customers get five quotes, this means 8 hours lost per installation job won. And people wonder why plumbers are expensive.

Quote please?

 

[TheGovernor]

Thanks both.

I understand Simon - I guess it's a toss up between me being properly prepared and not timewasting.

As and when I get quotes I'll make sure I stick to local firms as at least then I won't be dragging people across country unnecessarily. I compltely understand the point you're making though and will try to time my enquiries appropriately.

Thanks once again for all responses, they've been invaluable.

P.S Should be concerned that the www.trustcorgi.com website can't find Installers in my area (for Water/Central Heating)?

[Edit] Ignore me, modified my search better

 

[TheGovernor]

I dropped Glowworm an email yesterday to ask them about parts availability, their reply:

"Good afternoon,

Currently all parts are available for this model, the boiler stopped production approx 2001 parts are generally made available for 10 years after production stop.
Regards "

Which does make me slightly suspicious of British Gas' motives - I wonder should I expect a call telling me they can't cover me anymore and need a new boiler...

 

[corgiman]

they just dont want to cover older boilers?

not many people do