Glowworm Ultimate - replace or not

[codgemeister]

Hi,

I've got a Glowworm Ultimate 80FF which has started making a 'pulsing' whine noise. I had it serviced, (because it hadn't been serviced for a couple of years anyway), by a local company and they said it was the solenoid making the noise which, IIRC, was part of the valve assembly but I might have got that wrong. They also said the heat exchanger was corroded and that the boiler itself probably needed changing in the next 12 months but, the thing is, they said it only had 12 months life left in it 2 years ago when they last serviced it

I've checked online and the cost of a valve assembly, (including the solenoid I assume???), for an 80FF is about £120 and a valve, (which, again, I assume includes the valve assembly and solenoid???), is about £226. These prices are from...

http://www.plumbtraders.co.uk/category/glow-worm-boiler-spares/products/?page=3

The bit that's making the noise is the brass fronted item in this picture.



Anyway, my question is, do I really need to get a new boiler because of a noisy solenoid OR is it worth putting the probably £2-300 for changing the solenoid towards the cost of a new boiler anyway which would also save gas, albeit by only about £100 p/a.

The decision is further complicated by the fact that the fitter tells me that the installation of a new boiler would necessitate re-piping the supply from the meter to the boiler with upgraded pipework from 15mm to 22mm AND fitting all the rads with TRV's because we've only got them at the moment on about 12 of the 19 rads installed in the house.

 

[mickyg]

in your picture you can see the data label. at the bottom of this will be a serial no.. What is it?

 

[Boilerman2]

The Glow-Worm Ultimate is a solid boiler, not the most efficient in the world, but very reliable and given the cost of bringing the system up to Part L blg regs, unless you are Cash rich, Replace the Gas control Valve
Boiler might need a flush if the heat exch is noisy, but it's cast iron so should be good for a few years!

 

[codgemeister]

in your picture you can see the data label. at the bottom of this will be a serial no.. What is it?

It's 960010006

I assume the 96 is the year of manufacture and that's about right because the house was built in 1996 and it was installed new at that time I believe.

 

[codgemeister]

The Glow-Worm Ultimate is a solid boiler, not the most efficient in the world, but very reliable and given the cost of bringing the system up to Part L blg regs, unless you are Cash rich, Replace the Gas control Valve
Boiler might need a flush if the heat exch is noisy, but it's cast iron so should be good for a few years!

Presumably the increase from 15mm to 22mm pipework is the Part P bldg regs 'bit'?

Do you think the gas control valve includes the solenoid?

BTW, I've just realised that the link I gave didn't display correctly. It SHOULD have been...

http://www.plumbtraders.co.uk/category/glow-worm-boiler-spares/products/?page=3

In case it STILL doesn't show properly it the www.plumbtraders.co.uk website, Glowworm spares section.

As I say, the gas valve assembly is £120.31 but the valve itself, (which may include the valve AND the assembly?), is £226.96, both plus VAT. I assume the solenoid bit is on the valve assembly but maybe it's worth replacing the complete unit?

Oh! Also, it's noisier when it's starting from cold than when it's warmed up if that tells you anything

Thanks for the help guys

 

[BingoBongo]

ive had 2 ultimates in the last fortnight with seals virtually gone completely.and 1 with a damaged lug that the wingnut attaches to.

 

[gassafeman]

www.abcotuk.co.uk/Product.asp?ProductId=P398&Catid=C2

Hardly worth changing the boiler for.

Paul

 

[codgemeister]

www.abcotuk.co.uk/Product.asp?ProductId=P398&Catid=C2

Hardly worth changing the boiler for.

Paul

Does that fit the Glowworm Ultimate 80FF?

 

[mickyg]

your boiler is only 13 yrs old then. These boilers should last 20yrs+ no problem. Get it fixed. Sounds like someone is looking for some extra work.

 

[namsag]

dont think that solenoid does fit ultimate as they are usually seperate (could be wrong) , gloworm will tell you solenoid does not come seperate but they do at 32 quid each.
But cant see how it would cause a noise as you describe
sorry dont know part number perhaps one of BG guys will look it up for you it is on there parts l

 

[Boilerman2]

I changed the Gas Control on an Ultimate 120FF due to a very loud humming noise from the coils, which did quiten down after an hour or so, but the householder didn't like the inpromptu alarmn clock at 5-30 in the morning!!! I can't remember what the cost of the control valve was but it was about £150 and yes it does include the coils!! it is a RGI job to fit though so expect to pay £60 - £80 + vat to fit, set up & test

 

[gassafeman]

www.abcotuk.co.uk/Product.asp?ProductId=P398&Catid=C2

Hardly worth changing the boiler for.

Paul

Does that fit the Glowworm Ultimate 80FF?

Yes. It fits all tandem SIT valves. Yours has one, as does every Glowworm Micron. (Yes I know you have an ultimate) £20 quid Vs new boiler..... simples.

Paul

 

[codgemeister]

I changed the Gas Control on an Ultimate 120FF due to a very loud humming noise from the coils, which did quiten down after an hour or so, but the householder didn't like the inpromptu alarmn clock at 5-30 in the morning!!! I can't remember what the cost of the control valve was but it was about £150 and yes it does include the coils!! it is a RGI job to fit though so expect to pay £60 - £80 + vat to fit, set up & test

Hmmm.. that's interesting. Thinking about it that's probably a better description of my sound. As you say, it quietens down when it warms up, presumably as the coils expand with the heat which stops them vibrating as much.

I might try and record the noise, (just for a larf), so you fellas can see what I'm talking about.