URGENT Leaking PHE inlet block on Heatslave II 25/32

[BMWJEFF]

Heatslave II 25/32 water leak from PHE Inlet block. When DHW PRV fitting was removed a white flat seal/washer was found in 3 pieces. This seal is not listed on any diagram. It sits ahead of the rubber o ring item 45 on drawing and has has the same ID and OD as the oring but is made from white plastic/pvc/ceramic.
The seal is also fitted ahead of the rubber oring on pipe item 44 which uses the same item 45 oring too. Worcester Tech Support say this white seal doesn’t exist but I can see and touch it. Must have been fitted in original factory build so someone should know about this seal. Young family without heat/hw so need to resolve this quickly.

 

[ShaunCorbs]

You sure it wasn’t a nrv ?

Have you tried putting it back together with the white part ?

 

[BMWJEFF]

You sure it wasn’t a nrv ?

Have you tried putting it back together with the white part ?

White seal in 3 pieces, that’s the cause of the leak. If Worrcester can’t identify it what hope is there for me?

 

[ShaunCorbs]

Where are you on this diagram?

 

[BMWJEFF]

Item 45 is the oring for the prv item 51 which fits into item 50. Pipe 44 also goes into the same PHE inlet block and this is the pipe that also has the white seal backing up the oring 45. Neither white seal shows on the diagram.

 

[ShaunCorbs]

Any pictures of the white seal ?

 

[BMWJEFF]

Any pictures of the white seal ?

DHW PRV in foreground pipe item 44 with white seal in rear. Ignore purple oring was just trying it out.

 

[Basher]

Could the broken white ring/washer/seal actually be the dried residue of a sealant applied during production (eg to ease assembly), or alternatively a residue build up perhaps due to a small leak over time? True the latter is unlikely without other evidence.
Surely the o-rings are supposed to provide the sealing function? I don't understand why there would be an additional hard material added as a separate component when the plastic moulding could have included that function at reduced cost.
If you just assemble with new o-rings does it still leak?

 

[ShaunCorbs]

nope defo no washer supposed to be there so silicon grease maybe as bash says

 

[ShaunCorbs]

if its leaking from the prv you will require a new one as there one use so need a new 87186834990

 

[BMWJEFF]

Could the broken white ring/washer/seal actually be the dried residue of a sealant applied during production (eg to ease assembly), or alternatively a residue build up perhaps due to a small leak over time? True the latter is unlikely without other evidence.
Surely the o-rings are supposed to provide the sealing function? I don't understand why there would be an additional hard material added as a separate component when the plastic moulding could have included that function at reduced cost.
If you just assemble with new o-rings does it still leak?

Thanks to all for the advice. I’m guessing it could be paste/sealant but seems a poor way to effect a seal. Yes, still leaks with new oring.
Maybe I should try some jointing compound. Best photo I can take of the seal? In 3 pieces.

 

[ShaunCorbs]

That’s a 1/2 fibre washer

 

[Basher]

Thanks to all for the advice. I’m guessing it could be paste/sealant but seems a poor way to effect a seal. Yes, still leaks with new oring.
Maybe I should try some jointing compound. Best photo I can take of the seal? In 3 pieces.

Perhaps there was a previous problem with a leak, and someone stuck it in there as a remedy! 🤪
If there's any damage on the mating surfaces, and a genuine new o-ring still leaks, surely time for new components?

 

[BMWJEFF]

Will try a 1/2 inch fibre washer too but already assessed as OD being too big and ID too small.
Bought and slaved in a new inlet block too, with same result.

 

[Ben-gee]

Can enlarge fibre washer id with a rats tail file and reduce od with a flat file - wouldn’t be the first one to get ‘adjusted’ for a new purpose.

 

[BMWJEFF]

True. Thanks for the idea. I’m away to have another go. Adjusted fibre washer and jointing compound. What can go wrong? Cheers.

 

[Ben-gee]

I wouldn’t use jointing compound, just let the fibre washer do it’s job - it’ll swell up and seal.
Tighten it all up and if it drips a bit, catch the water and wait…. it should seal…..

 

[mitchino]

Did you ever get to the bottom of this problem? I have the same leak and also found a broken grey/white washer. Doesn't look like fibre. It's 20mm outer diameter 10mm inner and maybe 1.5mm thick.