Potterton Promax HE central heating boiler

[enleather]

The heating system is about 6 years old and was installed when the house was built. The system has been working fine until about six months ago. The problem. The boiler cuts out after 30 minutes, the reset switch will only work once the system has cooled down which is about another 20 to 30 minutes. This happens if on CH only or HW only or both. We have changed the water pump and drained and fully flushed the complete system. But the problem still has not been cured. It should be noted that ever since we moved into the house two years ago we have had problems with the radiators (all upstairs work, but one down stair comes on sometimes and at other times will not heat up). Any advice before we call out Pottertons

[Papaleekie]

Is this the Potterton boiler problem that was featured on BBC's Watchdog programme a few months ago?

[gasman]

The radiators may just need the TRV's freeing as they can often become seized if not used once a month, Or the radiators need balancing properly. The lock out problem sounds like there is a circulation problem with a blockage somewhere. But also could be a faulty flow temperature thermistor, or control PCB a simple muti-meter test will find out if a component is at fault. OH just had another thought also make sure the by-pass is open to at least 3L/min and is not blocked... You mention it has been flushed but was it a power flush using correct chemicals & agitating the rads aswell ??? If not then do so. A local engineer if you do need one will be far cheaper than calling out a potterton employed engineer.

[smudge742]

We also have a useless Potterton boiler. I wouldn't bother calling them as when we did, they denied there was any problems with their boilers and weren't particularly helpful. We have a Suprima, which is the model featured on Watchdog. We've been told we need a new control unit, which should sort the problem out. I think it retails at around �135. I would call an independent engineer in the first instance, as I said Pottertons weren't bothered.

[gucciman]

have to diasagree with you on pottertons not being bothered. they currently offer a fixed price repair service of �225 which includes all parts and labour and can offer incredible value for money when you consider a circuit board or fan costs up to �200 each these days.
recently we were called out to a noisy baxi combi boiler (baxi and potterton are same company) and we diagnosed it needed a new heat exchanger. there was no way we could have bought and changed the heat exchanger for less than what baxi potterton could of so we advised the customer to call them and sure enough they came within 2 days and did change the heat exchanger.