New boiler or repair?

knightstyle

So our 13 year old Baxi Solo3 boiler has failed again. Think it is the PCB which will cost £189 to replace. Already replaced flow unit, fan and gas control valve in the past few years!
So should we replace the whole unit for a condensing one? if so which one? Or just go for another repair?
Plus any help out there with the cost, we are not on any benefits.

bris

Pretty good boilers tbh, might last another 13 years if you have had all the main parts replaced in the past.


It's a choice you have to make between around 2k of £189.

*j*

Have a look on ebay. A quick search of "Baxi Solo 3 pcb" lists ones from £35 upwards.


Try to keep it going... it's a nice old simple boiler. They tend to last much longer than the newer ones. The only price you pay is that it uses a bit more gas.

knightstyle

Thanks, have ordered an exchange unit, hope my diagnosis is correct!

*j*

knightstyle wrote: »

Thanks, have ordered an exchange unit, hope my diagnosis is correct!

There aren't too many parts in the whole boiler and you have already replaced the fan and gas valve. Not many original parts left!


https://www.baxi.co.uk/-/media/websites/baxiuk/files/discontinued-products/heat-only-boilers/baxi-heat-solo/baxi_heat_solo_3_pf_user_guide.pdf?la=en&hash=AA591777BDE9F5193C4993A9DA304536ACCFCE05




Googling "baxi solo 3" gave a 48 page pdf of installation and servicing instructions, but this link doesn't seem to work for me.


https://www.baxi.co.uk/-/media/websites/baxiuk/files/discontinued-products/heat-only-boilers/baxi-heat-solo/baxi_heat_solo_3_pf_installation_and_service_manual.pdf?la=en&hash=E5B89DC0DF4F67FB437567CFD59B67561C10A94E

jk0

You might want to order some spares to keep in the cupboard. Then you avoid the new boiler sales spiel from anyone you call to repair it in future.

knightstyle

well it wasn't the PCB! Now waiting for another gas control valve to replace the 14month old one!
Wish there was more help available to diagnose the problem correctly.
The Baxi fault chart is not good.
To sum up the boiler goes through the start cycle, the pilot lights and all the indicator lights including the main burner are on but the main burner does not light.
Any experts out there?

Alex1983

I be questioning how good your repair guy is, those boilers are pretty bulletproof and not particularly difficult to fault find, I'd be checking the pilot is really lit and not just the led being on.

missile

I have been down that road;

Replaced the fan Replaced the Expansion vessel Replaced the circuit board

Now the heat exchanger is leaking :mad:

knightstyle

Well, I am doing this myself. Yes, the pilot is well alight and flow switch, fan pressure switch and overheat thermistor are OK.
EDIT
Well the gas control valve arrived this morning and all is now working!
So we will be nice and warm for Christmas!
In case any one is worried about me working on gas I should say that before I retired I worked on commercial heating and A/C systems, both gas and oil so have been extra careful with this, good old soapy water shows no leaks.

bris

knightstyle wrote: »

Well, I am doing this myself. Yes, the pilot is well alight and flow switch, fan pressure switch and overheat thermistor are OK.
EDIT
Well the gas control valve arrived this morning and all is now working!
So we will be nice and warm for Christmas!
In case any one is worried about me working on gas I should say that before I retired I worked on commercial heating and A/C systems, both gas and oil so have been extra careful with this, good old soapy water shows no leaks.

There's more to it than that. Is the gas valve even set up properly, good old soapy water isn't going to tell you that.


Whats the inlet pressure? The burner pressure? is it burning too much gas, not enough gas, what does the gas rate say? What is you analyser reading telling you?


Yes anyone can use a spanner but working with gas is not just about fitting the part.