Vokera flowmatic quoted expensive repair

[lukas125]

After resurecting the Flowmatic for a few months, a new problem: Boiler is taking a long time (~20 seconds) to fire up after opening a hot water tap.
Apparently not the diaphragm. Plumber has quoted around £300 to replace a sticking valve near to the diaphragm which switches between CH and HW. Also there is a risk of damaging another expensive part during the repair, so he has suggested a new boiler.
For anybody who knows this boiler, does all this sound realistic?

 

[diamondgas]

Hi lukas125, well my first thoughts were towards the fan, air pressure switch! I've had to clean more fan's than i care to mention coz of a build up on their impellars! Also the venturi gets covered in crud which effects the pressure diff!

 

[GrahamM]

3 way valve, flow switch, heat Ex. blocked ????
To be honest the boiler is on its last legs, so I would consider his advice on changing it as soon as. If you really cant afford to change it, I would definitely get 2nd opinion.
Without actually seeing it it is hard to comment on exactly what may be the issue.

 

[aggis]

The Flowmatic's an old boiler, if the micro switch on the end of the diaphragm/changeover is slow at being activated & the dhw diapragm is good [ changed ] it'll be the changeover valve that requires replacing. At one time you could get a service kit for the c/o valve, prob' can't get now. The parts for this boiler will be on a reduced list, so next time the part might not be available, sounds like alot of money to put into an old boiler!

 

[tamz]

Without seeing the boiler no one can give you a definitive answer as it could be a few different things and i won't comment on prices.
These boilers are reliable enough and easily fixed but like everything else there comes a time when it is better to replace than repair. Your boiler is getting on for 25 year old and sometimes you have to bite the bullet.
Get a second opinion in any case.

 

[pobsdad]

If you ran your car as much as you run your boiler,would it last 25 years?

 

[dave1]

Or just live with the 20 sec wait until you can afford a new boiler/repair???