Johnson & Starley; chronic lack of engineers and parts.

[Phil473]

I have the J&S Quantec 28HC boiler, its hooked up to radiators. (The Worcester mentioned in the other threads is in another property, now replaced with a Worcester 4000.)

In short, its been given an F 53 code and cutting out. Had the flue sensor replaced as per the advice given from J&S. This didn't resolve, so have been advised it may be the thermal fuse that needs replacing, or the heat exchanger.

This is where things have got difficult. J&S gave a list of their engineers in London, only one of them will look at the boiler. A thermal fuse isn't available as J&S don't have the fuse. A Valiant part was recommended, however the engineer can only find them used on ebay. The boiler isn't even a decade old and parts are obsolete.

A new heat exchanger will cost £700 plus 4 hrs labour. The engineer has advised replacing some other parts at around £500 parts and labour, but if its the heat exchanger also, the cost is getting up to the £2K mark. I can't get another engineer to comment, as there aren't any.

Looking at the reviews on trustpilot https://www.trustpilot.com/review/www.johnsonandstarley.co.uk, others are getting the same code and problems with repair. Parts will become more scarce in future, and if this engineer stops working there won't be anyone in the South East to repair it.

If the longevity of the boiler looked good I'd chance it, looking at the reviews the longevity looks bad.

Rather than invest any more money in a sinking ship, I'm thinking of replacing it with a Worcester. This is a more expensive option, though one that could save money long term plus peace of mind of having a boiler with a 12 year guarantee, that any local engineer can repair.

Thoughts and experiences appreciated.....

Repair or replace?

 

[Fred Blogs]

I'm no plumber but if you are having that much trouble with it and spares and engineers are scarce or non existent I would change it.

 

[Gasguru]

J&S specialise in warm air systems but got into combis in order to survive as the warm air market gradually becomes obsolete.
They are a very low volume boiler manufacturer (with not a great reputation afair) and few engineers will want the hassle of dealing with them.
That heat exchanger is a standard French/Italian design...probably about £50 to manufacture and used by several other boiler manufacturers...they're all now ripping off customers with extortionate prices- don't give them the business. Bin it.
Take all long warranties as marketing nonsense...there's so many clauses in the small print that they can void it very easily. eg. annual water sampling and test evidience.

 

[Phil473]

I'm no plumber but if you are having that much trouble with it and spares and engineers are scarce or non existent I would change it.

Yes, I'm thinking that’s the best solution. Even if a repair sorts it out now, any future issues would be the same problem. With costs rising, an installation would be cheaper sooner than later.

Will have to be a scrooge Christmas, but warm and boiler trouble free.

 

[Phil473]

J&S specialise in warm air systems but got into combis in order to survive as the warm air market gradually becomes obsolete.
They are a very low volume boiler manufacturer (with not a great reputation afair) and few engineers will want the hassle of dealing with them.
That heat exchanger is a standard French/Italian design...probably about £50 to manufacture and used by several other boiler manufacturers...they're all now ripping off customers with extortionate prices- don't give them the business. Bin it.
Take all long warranties as marketing nonsense...there's so many clauses in the small print that they can void it very easily. eg. annual water sampling and test evidience.

Its actually the engineers recommended by J&S, that don't want to deal with J&S!

Fair point re the heat exchanger. £700 to replace exc labour and VAT, yet can't supply a £15 fuse.

Interesting re warranties. But at least with Worcester or equivalent, any local engineer can attend and parts are available.