Water being heated when it shouldnt be!

[mangroa]

Hi,
I've got a small problem with my system. i could live with it, but its probably wasting energy....

The problem is that the hotwater is being heated when the central heating is running. If the hot water cylinder thermostat is turned down the water still gets hot if the heating is working. I think that this a problem with the 3way divertor valve. I've had to replace the motor on it once before as it had stopped working. Maybe the actual valve itself is failing? What do you think? Is there anything else that might cause this to happen? Maybe some other valves etc that I should be aware of.
Central heating with 8mm microbore to the radioators if that makes any difference.

Also, if I was to replace the whole valve can I replace it with a 3-way mid-postions type valve? I'd like to have independent control over the heat and water. I know that this would require a new controller aswell. Looks like the pipe work will all fit. Anything else to know if I was to go down this route?

Any advice here would be great
Thanks
Alan

 

[corgiman]

what boiler is it?

 

[mangroa]

Its a Gloworm Micron 50FF. 4 years old I think. And Honeywell 3 port diverter valve.

 

[Gasguru]

The motor may be weak preventing the valve ball from fully closing the hot water port.

Alternatively the valve ball can become affected by the system water and fail to fully seal the port.

If the actuator head has a small pimple on top (near the fixing screw) then you can remove the actuator head from the valve body. The check the spindle is free to move and not binding.

AFAIK you should be able to replace the existing ball and plate and fit the new ball and plate/actuator from a new mid position valve therfore avoiding any pipework reconfiguration. You will need an extra wire (hot water off) from your timeclock to operate the mid-position valve.

 

[mangroa]

AFAIK you should be able to replace the existing ball and plate and fit the new ball and plate/actuator from a new mid position valve therfore avoiding any pipework reconfiguration. You will need an extra wire (hot water off) from your timeclock to operate the mid-position valve.

Do you mean this?
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/HONEYWELL-POW...6QQihZ018QQcategoryZ63907QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Mine is a 4044 so might just work.
Thanks dor replying.
Alan

 

[corgiman]

or just replace the whole thing???

 

[mangroa]

or just replace the whole thing???

Agreed, i think I may aswell replace he whole thing if I'm going to that much effort.

 

[Gasguru]

That part will fit your valve but don't get ripped off on ebay - they are normally only £10.00 new.

It will be cheaper to buy a new Honeywell mid position valve than a sepearte ball and plate and actuator.

I suggest swapping the ball/plate rather than removing the whole valve body since disturbing the pipework may create leaks and is normally unnecessary.

 

[mangroa]

Ok I'll have a think about it.

Many thanks for your replies!
Alan