Vaillant VCW-SINE 18 T3 WF H

[plumsdai]

Hello all, long time reader first time poster.

I have an old Vaillant VCW-SINE 18 T3 WF H and have seen various discussions about this boiler on here.
The problem I have is that I cannot get the hot water working without switching the heating on, then works fine. I have been told that this is the flow switch/diverter valve?
Is there any specialists for this boiler in the Coventry area? I have spoken to my local plumber and he just wants to fit a new boiler, the part is still available for about £160 but I would rather pay a specialist to do this than the replace it guy as this might not be the/only problem.

Many thanks, plumsdai.

 

[Gasguru]

Might just need a diaphragm and stuffing box...about a fiver. But with these old boilers there can be other issues...cracked flue hoods etc that write them off.

 

[plumsdai]

Thanks gasguru, are there any part numbers for these parts? and do you think that a novis boiler repairer could cope? am an experienced mechanic so good with the spanners....
Or is there a specialist out there who fancies some work in the Coventry area?
plumsdai.

 

[plumsdai]

I have now found the diphragm part no. - 010318 but cannot find the stuffing box, is there another name for this?

Many thanks,

plumsdai.

 

[Agile]

I can fix these boilers and rather enjoy bringing them back to life. Some jobs need space on the left side and all need some space underneath.

The test to see if the stuffing box/diaphragm is failed is to run the hot tap while listening to the boiler and see if it makes any sound.

Part of the problem with this boiler that they are a little tolerant of some faults and we often find when we have repaired one fault that there is another fault on the boiler.

Tony

 

[plumsdai]

Thanks for the reply Tony, pity you don't live closer!!
If I run the hot tap and it makes a noise does that mean it is the diaphragm/stuffing box or vise versa?

We have plent of room below and to the left of the boiler...

 

[Gasguru]

You need to check if the arrowed pin rises when a hot tap is opened.

Open up the front of the alloy box above the lower center water section to see.

Untitled

• Gasguru
• 20 Feb 2009
• 2

 

[plumsdai]

Guys,
Just opened up the front of boiler as suggested and then opened hot tap to see if the pin would rise, low and behold, the boiler operated perfectly and I got scolding hot water!!!! tested several times and it keeps getting hot?!?!?!?
Going to give it a good clean and put back together.

Massive thanks to all who replied, much appreciated!

Would still be interested to know of anyone in the coventry area who knows this boiler and could quote for a service and check over.

Fingers crossed that it keeps working.

Thanks again.

plumsdai.

 

[vulcancontinental]

Nothing to add but as I haven't worked on one for years I just want to ask, what about the wax stat?

Didn't the pin get stuck and that would have the same effect and same temporary cure? Particularly problematic in hard water areas.

I'm lost in the mists of time, it's all ebbing away, it's all ebbing away....

 

[compheat]

The first combi i ever installed 26 years ago

 

[kevindgas]

The first combi i ever installed 26 years ago

didn't know you'd been to Cov

still one of the bestcombi boilers out there in my opinion

 

[Agile]

I do a few repairs in Cov and Warickshire but if its working then its possibly better left alone if its working apparently OK.

As I suggested before, they are very tolerant to malfunctions and I often find several problems when I check them out.

Got to repair one this Sunday!

Tony

 

[plumsdai]

I guess that the pin got stuck due to dirt ingress and poss hard water and I dislodged something when taking the box apart. Am glad that it has started working again, I would always rather keep an old good quality machine working than get a cheap new one!
Though I have to admit that this was more luck than judgement!!!

If and when it plays up again I would like to know if Tony would be happy to come up to Cov and carry out any repairs?

Many thanks again for your advice all.

plumsdai.

 

[Agile]

Usually the pin gland leaks and forms lime scale which jams them.

Its best to change the diaphragm at the same time. Sometimes its as a result of a failing diaphragm lessening the "push".

Tony