Worcester boiler no heating

[dest]

Hi,
Found the forum via google, and hope someone can help
Ive got an Oil Heatslave 20/25. When using the hot water everything is fine, the burner fires up and everything works fine.
However, when putting the central heating on there is a solenoid click and then hum which I would describe as similar type of sound of when a small electric motor is being held back. Nothing happens apart from that

Thanks in advance for any help!

 

[aqualogic7]

sounds like motor in diverter valve square box just above pump there maybe a manual override lever at one end

 

[dest]

I think you're spot on!
The sound is definitely coming from that area.
I cannot see a manual valve though.

 

[dest]

Ive just been for another look and thought it might be worth giving the diverter valve a little tap just incase it had got stuck.
I also spotted a 3 position level on top of the pump, so moved that between settings (put it back on the same one of course)
I then tried to CH and the burner kicked in straight away, the HW is working too
I guess it was a combination or one of those two things I tried that got it working again!

As an aside, would I be right in thinking that the boiler is getting towards needing replacing simply due to age, or would it be worth carrying on with it while it works fine?
No doubt a new one would be a lot more efficient to run!

 

[WHPES]

Heatslave not that old, should be good for a few years yet provided it's looked after and regularly serviced

 

[dest]

It looks like its going to need a new diverter valve, its stopped working again
Now to find a decent plumber in Northamptonshire!

 

[WHPES]

You don't need a new valve, just a synchronous motor. They are widely available and on Ebay for a tenner. Make sure you get the Honeywell type. They are easy enough to replace but if you aren't confident, ask an electrician to do it for you.

 

[dest]

Im pretty handy with electrics, but not plumbing!
I would imagine that the whole valve would need removing to fit it?

 

[WHPES]

No, if you slacken the screw above the label on the valve head cover the cover will come off and you will see the motor. It's held on with either 1 or 2 screws. You get 2 crimps in the box with the replacement motor.

Sometimes it's easier to take off the head for access to the motor, again you will need to remove the cover off the actuator and you will see 2 screws holding it onto the valve body. Take off the head and check the valve stem moves freely.

You don't want to have to change the valve body unless it's seized as it's a major and expensive operation.

 

[WHPES]

PS there's probably a Youtube video showing how it's done