CH on only when HW on!!!!(merged threads)

tollanarama

Hi,

Sorry to be a pain - but before I go out and spend money, one more question!

I said yesterday that i got the CH working again on the advice given in this forum - I was only partially correct!

The CH does not work again!!

Now what happens is this: I turn on the CH and it seems to come on. Then there is a "Click" sound and CH goes off. Observing the diverta valve shows that the "paddle" is in the correct place to begin with but as soon as CH is switched on the "paddle" moves out of position and turns off CH!!!

Is this a duff motor?

If so, it looks easy enough to replace, but how much is one and where can I get one? (I live in Southend area of Essex if that helps!!)

If not - what can I do & how much will it cost to repair?

Thanks and apologies for more questions!!

tollanarama

1st off - thanks very much for the help already provided.

BUT - I'm still having problems with my CH.

Quick recap.... I previously posted stating that I had HW but no CH.
It was helpfully suggested that I remove motor on 3 port valve and "wiggle" the spinde.
This I did and yes, the CH worked, but only until the timer switched off; in the morning the CH didn't come on!

Hmmmm... thought I, what can be the problem now?
It was suggested that the motor could be at fault. I replaced this, turned and turned on the system. £15 and a new motor later (and much teaching my 4 year old new words!!) the problem still remains!

When I turn on the CH, I can see the "spindle" move position in the valve, but it doesn't seem to move far enough to turn on the CH.

I can have CH when HW is on, but of course only until HW has reached temp.
I can't get CH on it's own!

I'm moving house 10 days time and so do not wish to spend ££££££'s, but my wife wants to leave CH working for the new folks!!

Any ideas now - is it possible that the microswitch is up the spout (as I've changed the motor), or is it something more drastic?

Is it something I can do myself with my rudimentary plumbing skills?

If it helps the valve in question is Tower 3 motorised port valve.

Thanks.

littlereddevil

I think the central heating has to be in working order when you hand over house if you advertised central heating and didn't tell them it doesn't work

tollanarama

littlereddevil wrote:

I think the central heating has to be in working order when you hand over house if you advertised central heating and didn't tell them it doesn't work

Thanks for the advice! - Although when marketed the estate agents details stated that all heating appliances have not been tested!

Legalities aside, any ideas on how to fix CH problem????

glosman555

Not sure what type of three port valve you have is it the same as the one in my previous post: the spindle may not be going far enough because of corrosion in the valve,try turning it with a pair of pliers half a turn in each direction.Also check your programmer has not been altered.

tollanarama

glosman555 wrote:

Not sure what type of three port valve you have is it the same as the one in my previous post: the spindle may not be going far enough because of corrosion in the valve,try turning it with a pair of pliers half a turn in each direction.Also check your programmer has not been altered.

Yes, it is similar to the photo you posted. The only difference is that the cover is grey (different make I guess!!)

Sorry, I'm a thickie!! When you say turn the valve with a pair of pliers - do you mean take the motor off and turn the spindle (the small "post" which sticks up) with a pair of pliers?

Is there anything I need to do 1st (apart from isolating the power???)

glosman555

yes take off the motor and turn the post; with it being left in the same position in the summer dirt in the system may have built up, you may have to turn it many times back and forth to clear it.

tollanarama

glosman555 wrote:

yes take off the motor and turn the post; with it being left in the same position in the summer dirt in the system may have built up, you may have to turn it many times back and forth to clear it.

Thanks for the reply glosman555!
I'm having a bit of an off day and I'm completely confused now!!

Just to clear up - you're talking about the valve spindle and NOT the "gear" on the bottom of the motor?
Once again - (just for me) that's the valve spindle on the valve head that I must turn around?

Yep, I know I'm thick when it comes to plumbing - ask me to MRI scan you and I'd have no probs!!!

many thanks

glosman555

yes the valve spindle (post) which is connected to the pipes on the valve. leave the motor alone as there are no serviceable parts inside. When you replace the motor make sure the lever on the side is set to the normal position.

tollanarama

Bless you glosman555!

I'm at work for the rest of the day - so I'll try when I get home and (if you have no objections) I'll post the results tonight/tomorrow!