Potterton Bolier Problems

[LKG]

I had a new FSB30E installed in April 2008 and in 3 months the condensate pump and electronics module were replaced. Catastrophic failure after 8 months later - heat exchanger cracked / leaked water - replaced together with burner, fan unit and electrodes. Now 18 months later same problem - heat exchanger cracked and leaked water - luckily covered under extended warranty. Heateam engineer cannot see problem with installtion (straight replacement for an older boiler/system that was open vented gravity water and pumped heating - but now fully pumped and open vented). He thinks it is soft water and therfore will fill with hard water + add inhibitor. Will this fix the problem? has anyone had similar unfortuate experiences with this product - could be a design defect?
Cheers

 

[Vic Spanner]

Is system pumping over in loft as this is one of the main causes for repeat failures.

 

[LKG]

Is system pumping over in loft as this is one of the main causes for repeat failures.

It could be - only that it has happened when I have let the Heating on 24/7 for a couple of weeks. However, the old bolier worked with the current system for 25 yrs and is the only bit replaced with what is supposed to be "new more efficient" condensing one.

I have been advised to install an automatic bypass valve between flow and return just after the pump (to let a small portion of water to always cycle through the boiler - to prevent it from overhating). The Heateam folks just don't know the cause for these two catastrophic failures.

 

[Agile]

Who installed it and what does he say about the problem?

Do you have TRVs on all the rads and no bypass?

What colour is the system water?

Why do you need an open vented system? A sealed system is uaually more reliable as well as efficient.

Tony

 

[LKG]

Who installed it and what does he say about the problem?

Do you have TRVs on all the rads and no bypass?

What colour is the system water?

Why do you need an open vented system? A sealed system is uaually more reliable as well as efficient.

Tony

Many Thanks

A Corgi installer who says it is not the system - but the bolier - so he is not really responsible (but is now recommedning the bypass valve).

No TRVs on any radiators

It is ordinary water - that has been softned by a block salt softner - the Heateam guy did not put anything into it the last time he filled it up

The Corgi installer does not want to seal it in case there is a leak with a pressurized system.

My fear is that the Heateam guy tomorrow will do the repair as per last year and make it work - without knowing what is the CAUSE of the failures.

 

[Agile]

I would recommend you fill from unsoftened water, by bucket if necessary.

How do you test for salt in the softened water?

I have little confidence in your installer! Giving that reason for having an open vent system is pure nupty unless your rads/valves are old and needed replacing which you would not pay for.

No bypass is needed if it has a three port valve but one is needed if you have two two port valves! In that case he should have fitted one at the outset!

It all sounds very odd to me!

And the colour of the water?

Tony