3 port valve replacement

Horizon81

I've got a conventional heating system (Y plan) with a 3 port valve. The valve head/actuator has been temperamental lately and has now started making a clicking noise when in the mid position.

I'm thinking of changing the head (not the valve) - is it as simple as it looks? i.e. isolate the electrics, remove the head, then remove the 4 wires from the junction box, then wire in the new head? Is there any more to it than that?

Myser

Have you confirmed that it is actually the actuator and not the valve body seizing up?

Remove the actuator from the valve body and see if you still hear the clicking when operating the appropriate HW/CH control.

Horizon81

I've taken the head off and turned the spindle on the valve body by hand. It's a bit stiff but can be turned by hand. I turned off the power before doing this so didn't check the head whilst it was off the spindle. I'm sure the noise is coming from the head as it's a plasticy clicking sound.
To be honest it may well be wishful thinking that it's just the actuator rather than the valve, as this was something I would be able to change myself. The valve on the other hand - I'd be calling a plumber.

WobblyDog

Replacing the actuator is easy, if new ones that fit your valve are still made.

The manufacturers sometimes make small changes to the valve/actuator mechanical interface, meaning that new actuators will not fit old valves.

A third option is trying to repair the existing actuator - some of the components inside, such as microswitches, might be widely-used off-the-shelf items.

sillygoose

I have done what you are proposing in the same way the describe without problem. In my case one of the microswitches inside had a snapped actuator arm and I could have got a switch and repaired it but its fiddly and as it was so old you don't know how much longer the other bits have got left. (also it was very urgent - it was very cold!)

My system has a 'classic' Honeywell 3 way valve and I got a compatible clone head assembly from toolstation for about £30.. been working fine ever since.

http://www.toolstation.com/shop/Corgi+Replacement+Actuator+for+Motorised+Valve/p38858

Myser

sillygoose wrote: »

I got a compatible clone head assembly from toolstation for about £30.. been working fine ever since.

http://www.toolstation.com/shop/Corgi+Replacement+Actuator+for+Motorised+Valve/p38858

Be careful of the Honeywell clone actuators, some of the cheaper branded ones such as Tower - I believe aren't as reliable.

The Screwfix one in the link above appears to be a Corgi one so might be better.