boiler servicing!!

[ADM360]

Afternoon all.

I am looking at changing the way I work and am looking at moving over from only installs to some servicing and maitianance, I have for the last 5 years worked hard and put in a lot of new installs but have passed all break down work over to a very good friend, who in return passes installs back to me.( he has no probs with me servicing as he has more than enough)
but I have found over the last couple of years found my cash flow being so erratic, it all or nothing!! partly due to running larger new or retrofit job, carrying large material cost, which then has to be chased up to clear merchant bills!!
And over the last couple of years I have found that more customers seem to be slower paying than in previous years. even cutomers tht would write me a cheque as I handed over the invoice are now taking longer, even though they have no issues with any of the works done!

So I am moving over to do some servicing, in a effort to keep a small amount of jobs ticking over in an effort to stabilise the all or nothing cash flow!

So I throw my self on your knowlage to ask is there any good referance books/ material I should look at finding, also any good free course out there.

Many thanks for your anwsers!

 

[zeebeedee]

Combination fault finding r reginald search amazon for it

 

[SimonG]

Can you not spend some half days with your mate who's been doing the srvicing for you? It's definitely the best way to learn.

 

[Leo21]

Best bet is follow the manufacturers mi,s, always do breakdowns in office hours so you can call relevant helplines.

 

[ADM360]

Can you not spend some half days with your mate who's been doing the srvicing for you? It's definitely the best way to learn.

probably will ask but don't want to too soon! as already said I'm going to take some work from him!

 

[ADM360]

Best bet is follow the manufacturers mi,s, always do breakdowns in office hours so you can call relevant helplines.

Yes very good idea and I always do folow MI's, but how often do emergency breakdowns fall in maufacture office hours?? Also how long does it take some time to get through to techical?? it dosen't look very good to the customer if you charge for 2hours on site break down and spent most of it on hold to the manufacturer!!
all knowlage gained before entering the customer house is better, even if only to norrow down the search before calling techical!!!

 

[EPH]

Worcester is normally 2 mins maximum

 

[Leo21]

You have to be little bit creative when you call the manufacturers. "Want to double check I'm right" "the book says it could be two things". "in all my years this is a new one on me" etc etc.

 

[northcarr]

Combination fault finding r reginald search amazon for it

I got hold of this well worth the money i keep it in the van.:yes:

 

[smhstu]

Mr combi is a good course I learned a lot of the basics

 

[Deleted member 32524]

boiler repair work is normally straight forward. Mostly broke or not broke. occasionally get pcb giving you the gremlins. Alot of the brands break down with the same problems you will see the same ones over and over again i.e blocked venturi on a vokera or done pcb, ideal isar.

Get to know your way round a multi meter and read the mi's. Always think about boiler sequence, usually brings you to a few possibles.

Best way to learn is to not rely on courses, as you forget most of what you are taught on a two day course, get in about it and keep learning from others and never be embarrassed to call technical, even to solidify what you are thinking.

I do mostly breakdowns and have made a couple of "pals" at various manufacturers and ask for them when I phone. Usually someone who is willing to help and knows their brand inside out.