Ravenheat CSI85T

[laurennareed]

Close to breaking point - me and the boiler!
The boiler is only 18 months old but now I have no HW or CH. The boiler fires up when the hot tap is on but then cuts out after 5 seconds and keeps retrying with no success. A friend had a quick look and said there are no sticking valves/leaks or fan problems but he didn't actually fiddle with anything. When he replaced the front cover the hot water miraculously worked again for 2 days - then I took a shower, which is run from the boiler and it turned cold after 5 mins and no hw since. I have been through the entire phonebook and no-one will come out to look at it. I have three babies - please help!

 

[ChrisR]

Had a Ravenheat recently doing a similar thing. Turned out to be that the case was so floppy that it didn't want to go together properly without misaligning things inside. It worked OK after much bending of thin metal.
Nobody's favourite boiler. Requires patience and understanding.
If you say where you are you never know...

 

[laurennareed]

Hi,

Thanks for your reply. I have been looking at the various queries and replies relating to this particular boiler and have found that most answers mentioned a replacement thermistor. I got in touch with the Warm Front grant scheme as my husband is on a low income and I can't work because I have 3 children - one of whom is disabled. They have said I might be eligible for a grant towards a new central heating system. They usually only arrange for a replacement boiler but it seems the house originally had a back boiler which was removed and a new combi boiler fitted onto the existing pipes and rads, so it seems I can't replace just the boiler. Unfortunately there is a 6 month wait to be considered for a grant so I will need an interim measure until then.
I am willing to pay (although I can't afford a huge amount) if anyone in the St Helens/Merseyside area is CORGI reg and has some knowledge of the Ravenheat CSI85T Condensing Combi.

 

[fitz1]

check theres no blockage in ur condens pipe

 

[laurennareed]

Been told to get hold of a 'dry thermistor' - have checked on internet but can't seem to find on any parts lists.

Can anyone help?

 

[Agile]

I would be more inclined to suggest you contact Ravenheat. Its possible your boiler is still under guarantee.

Warmfront would be the next one to call saying you dont expect their installation to fail after only 18 months.

As a last resort ask Ravenheat for details of their local service agent but not before you have told them that you did not expect their boiler to fail after only 18 months. John Wilson is their technical director.

Tony

 

[laurennareed]

Thanks for your advice. I will try Ravenheat tomorrow and see what they say. The only issue is that I don't have any documents for the boiler as the fitter says he left the log book on top of the boiler but I distinctly remember him saying he would fill it in and post it to me and we have had this ongoing wrangle as he keeps arranging to come out to fix the boiler and doesn't turn up - now he says the workmanship is only guaranteed for 12 months and he doesn't want to know. The company were recommended by a friend and have adverts in the phone books and they weren't cheap either! I have the fitters' CORGI no. but he just says its my word against his! My only option really is to try and get someone to fix it.

Could I just mention that the boiler wasn't fitted by Warm Front. I have contacted Warm Front to apply for a grant for a total refit.

 

[Agile]

I dont think you will be recommending that company to anyone else!

Merely having adverts in the phone book does not mean anything.

It might be an idea for you to check if they are CORGI registered on the corgi-gas website.

Tony

 

[laurennareed]

Just to let you know that I have checked out the company who fitted the boiler on the CORGI web-site and they are actually registered! I think its a shame that there are CORGI Reg fitters out there that are giving the profession a bad name. Anyway, its not worth reporting them as the gas aspect of the boiler is safe.

Had a very, very nice man called in after hearing my tales of woe! He switched the thermistors around and hey presto! it worked! As the weather is not too bad at the moment he has left them switched around and is calling back tomorrow with a new one. My faith in human nature is duly restored. THANK YOU ALL !!!

 

[mr-crs]

I am familiar with this model and am near St Helens If boiler not sorted give me a call I have worked for warm front and was for a time sent out to inspect systems for upgrade/boiler exchange and given that your boiler is only 18 months old it would be unlikley to be replaced if repair costs are £250 or less P.S warm front often fit Ravenheat CSI boilers.

 

[laurennareed]

Thanks for your advice. The boiler seems to be sorted at the moment but I've lost faith in it now! If it takes a nosedive again I'll be sure to drop you a line.

Out of curiosity, what area do you live in ?

 

[mr-crs]

Sutton St Helens