Problem with Honeywell 3 port valve

[nickrob76]

Hi
My rads didn't come on the other day when called for. I isolated the problem to the Powerhead on the Honeywell 3 port valve. My friend is a sparky, he found that when the stat was calling for CH the powerhead wasn't firing the boiler however the HW seems to be ok. Someone on one of these forums suggested that the microswitch could be the problem, so i pushed the switch in with a screwdriver and the boiler fired up. Is this def the fault or could it be the motor? I'm assuming the switch as the motor is turning the valve when HW is called for.

I have been turning the valve to man position when HW is called for to heat the rads. Is this something that could harm the system?

Any advice would be much appreciated before I commit to buying a new powerhead.

Thanks in advance

Nick

 

[tamz]

If you have the patience you can repair it as the switch is still working. Just make sure the arm hits the switch when it motors across. Something has moved a mm or so and just needs repositioning.
If you don't have the patience just get a new head.

 

[diamondgas]

Hi Nick and welcome to the forum

It sounds like the synchron motor is no longer working rather than it be a switching issue. The motor isn't used when calling for hot water, it's energised to move the valve to the mid position or to heating only position

 

[nickrob76]

I have already changed the motor, but no difference. Thought it might not have been strong enough but is the same. I did however replace it with a drayton one from screwfix for £13 rather than a synchron like for like. Are they all the same?

I have very little experience with plumbing. Have assisted my Dad and watched him but this is my first solo experience!

Would love to know exactly how the system works in my house so i can gain a better understanding of what is going on. I have a condensing Ideal Mexico boiler with tank in airing cupboard next to red smaller tank (feeder tank?) Then rest of the gubbins next to the boiler. Any links to websites which explains how it all works would be great!

Nick

 

[diamondgas]

They all do the same job Nick. Just re-read your op and you say the motor is turning, I missed that bit when I first read it So it does sound like a new actuator is required me thinks ... If you turn cyl stat off and room stat on you should have 240v on white & grey wires, motor moves the valve right across to heating only and then 240v on the orange. If that isn't happening then its deffo the microswitch not making.

 

[nickrob76]

thanks, ill check that when i get home

Nick

 

[nickrob76]

right, i get 240v on white & grey with cyl stat off and room stat on. only when i move lever to man do i get 240v on orange. do i need a new powerhead?

 

[quality]

Yes is the answer

 

[diamondgas]

right, i get 240v on white & grey with cyl stat off and room stat on. only when i move lever to man do i get 240v on orange. do i need a new powerhead?

Most deffo Nick ...

 

[quality]

Most deffo Nick ...

Is that a parrot lol lol

 

[diamondgas]

Is that a parrot lol lol

Pieces of eight , squawk !! :grinningelf:

 

[quality]

Pieces of eight , squawk !! :grinningelf:

Ha Ha

 

[nickrob76]

Thanks everyone very helpful. Any suggestions where to get one from? Local plumb center is over £100.

 

[quality]

Google abcott uk cheapest place joe bloggs can buy from - or try ebay if you dare

 

[nickrob76]

Found a site with Honeywell power head for £68 or Compatible one for £37. Should I get honeywell one?

 

[Mbear]

Honeywell will most likely last much longer than a cheaper one. They do a valve that can be used for either a 2port or 3port valve. U just need to make sure u read the instructions when it comes to the wiring