Vailliant vcw sine 18 t3- help!

[cheekychopsmum]

Boiler is old, but never been any problems, until yesterday when red lit elec light went out and didn't have heat and hot water for nearly 1 hour, then just came back on.

Gas enginer came out this morning and couldn't find and electrical fault and has worked ok since. Also, pressure was low last night, so topped up water, and engineer topped up again this morning.

Why would the elec light go off? Engineer recomends new boiler, as it is on it's way out. What do you think?

 

[cheekychopsmum]

Sorry also wanted to add, if replacing is only option, have been recommended the Vailliant pro 28. Is this a good boiler?

 

[DP]

It might be on its way out, and has been for some 12 to 15 years ago. Can still get some parts. Built like a brick outhouse.

Chances are you got a boiler/ part changer instead of a real engineer. Nothing a good service will not cure unles the heat exchnager is perforated or hood is cracked.

Get the boiler looked at by an old hand who would know how this boiler works and thus can repair it. If it needs to be replaced, he will say so as well.

 

[cheekychopsmum]

Thanks for reply. Engineer did say it could be the circuit board, and he could try and see if it could be replace, he just didn't think it was likely.

He did fix in in th esummer, when when we got a leak, it just seems there may to two separate faults on it now, so could be just putting more money into a boiler which does need replace. After all it can't last forever, I just wish it could!

 

[DP]

Have yet to replace a PCB on T3 boiler. Could happen, but I have not had a call to replace one.

 

[cheekychopsmum]

Am worried now about the presure drop. Is it ok for me to leave it over night?

 

[Hugh Jaleak]

I think your biggest issue will be waking up cold..... If the system pressure drops too low then the boiler simply will not work until the pressure has been restored. Have you checked the pressure relief pipe outside? These are prone to leaking if its had reason to open, (overpressurised system), they dont always shut off again properly. Therefore the system will slowly lose its pressure again over a short period.

 

[Agile]

Any reduction in pressure is as the result of a leak somewhere.

This could be from the PRV vent or internal to the boiler if its not from pipework or a rad valve.

Tony

 

[cheekychopsmum]

I think it has been established now it is the PVR and we are replacing the boiler. Can't be done until 28th so have to keep topping up till then. not good

 

[compheat]

are you fitting a Vailant back in ? you'l never get another combi to last as long as the sine 18, first comi i ever installed.

 

[kevindgas]

would recommend the ecotec plus 831 over the pro 28 any day better boiler not much more money.

 

[cheekychopsmum]

Yes, planning on replacing with a Vaillant, but can't be done till 28th

More confused now though over what is wrong. Since saturday when engineer came back out and said it more cost effective to replace boiler, he reset something and haven't noticed the overflow pipe outside dripping any water. Would notice as snow outside and it hasn't been disturbed since then.

Pressure is still dropping to just above zero when heating off, and then goes up to 1.5 - 2 when heating up and gas firing up.

Have checked all rads and pipe work and would expect to see water somewhere if leak as ground floor solid floor so pipe work should all be within house. Have only been topping up boiler with water a tiny bit to bring the preasure up to 1 when it is idle.

What do you think? Could it still be the PVR if it's not leaking outside, or the EV? Help, don't know what to do, cos if go ahead and change boiler and it isn't the boiler which is at fault, will still be stuck with the problem.

Waiting in anticipation

 

[Agile]

The EXV is failed or needs repressurising.

See the sites FAQ for instructions on how to check and repressurise.

If you told him about that he is either a nupty or more likely is only interested in a nice big job of replacing the boiler.

If it was me and he had effectively refused to fix it then I would be looking for another installer! I dont encourage those cowboys but of course many of them just dont know how to fix boilers but instead of calling me to fix them they just get the panicked customer to agree they can replace it.

Tony

 

[cheekychopsmum]

Thank you

Is this faily easy and straight forward, and need doing asap. If I can't get it don't this week, will it cause further damamge?

Whats the cost like for this?

PS I have noticed a small bit of rust on the top of a radiator (where you bleed it). There is no water, but this could because it is evaporating? Could this be the cause?

 

[DP]

Tony you will be far travelled to Manchester to fix cheekychopssmum's boiler.

Your posts seems to suggest you are the ONLY person who CAN fix boilers.

Merry christmas and a happy new year