[Tech1] Wish I'd trained as a plumber...

Sun Sep 18 07:25:41 CDT 2022

Not even five years, Chris, as politicians are thinking about making themselves popular well before the election. And the American four-year cycle is even worse, coupled with the fact that even the most brilliant president can’t have a third term. 

Mike G

> On 18 Sep 2022, at 11:49, Chris Woolf via Tech1 <tech1 at tech-ops.co.uk> wrote:
> 
> 
> Sadly 10 years really is a typical design life, and trying to keep anything going longer than that becomes a problem. In fairness to manufacturers a great deal changes in that length of time - electronic components often go through a complete series change, control and instruction systems that make use of the web will be outdated, government and international rules on safety etc can completely change designs.
> 
> I have a 17 year old Defender - exchanged from new for some work on the garage's computers for a nominal £10k. I've just had it fitted with a galvanised chassis, and a few other bits replaced - well worth it because it has gone up in value by about 130% - but despite the demand for these iconic vehicles, and that production only stopped in 2016, it is almost impossible to get spare parts from Landrover.
> 
> Fortunately the very high value of them means that after-market suppliers can provide most stuff and keep them running, but the short-termism of modern constructions is a big problem.
> 
> Most crappy timber-framed houses that people are buying (and not distinguishing from more solid masonry built versions) only have a design life of 40 years, and may be demolished because of high running costs and poor structural integrity before that. 
> 
> Still, with governments that can't even look to 5 years...
> 
> Chris Woolf
> 
> On 18/09/2022 10:05, John Ade via Tech1 wrote:
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> Sent from my phone
>> 
>> 
>> -------- Original message --------
>> From: Dave Plowman via Tech1 <tech1 at tech-ops.co.uk>
>> Date: Sat, 17 Sep 2022, 23:25
>> To: tech1 at tech-ops.co.uk
>> Subject: Re: [Tech1] Wish I'd trained as a plumber...
>> Old to my chap seemed to be anything over 10 years. And this one is a 
>> state of the art (at the time) Viessmann 200W. Microprocessor controlled 
>> with onboard diagnostics. Which gave the fault as the fan. It is mounted 
>> low down. I'd guessed on a fan (or controller) problem as the fan 
>> normally runs at full speed when the boiler first starts up. I presume 
>> to vent out the burner chamber  fully. And reverts to normal speed when 
>> the  boiler fires. It was only running at normal speed when first 
>> switched on, so something not right.
>> 
>> The service manual (provided with the boiler) isn't that comprehensive. 
>> Perhaps just to nudge an engineer already trained on the boiler in the 
>> right direction. The software in particular being a nightmare (to set up 
>> the weather compensation, etc) Later versions are Wi-Fi connected and do 
>> this via a PC.
>> 
>> Odd thing I discovered when installing it (and having a good look round) 
>> is that all the high current outputs on the PCB are relay switched - and 
>> with PCB fuses (though hole mounting) on those outputs. No mention of 
>> those fuses at all in the manual.
>> 
>> On 17/09/2022 19:22, Hugh Snape via Tech1 wrote:
>> > Yes we too have an elderly boiler with a top mounted fan (Ideal Classic.) Twenty plus years old, yet it feels only yesterday that it was being installed. But we’re lucky as our local service engineer is only a bit younger than we are and cut his teeth on such models so he’s quite happy to go on servicing it.
>> >
>> > NB, the boiler’s been through 2 fans in its life so far. The design is unfortunate as, being top mounted, the heat from below dries out the bearings and the fans inevitably seize despite regular lubrication . . .
>> >
>> > Hugh
>> >
>> >> On 17 Sep 2022, at 12:45, Dave Plowman via Tech1 <tech1 at tech-ops.co.uk> wrote:
>> >>
>> >> Boiler packed up. Only being used for hot water this time of year. Last service chap I used not answering his mobile number. He was Eastern European, so perhaps gone home.
>> >>
>> >> Went to the maker's site and chose a local firm from a list of their approved repairers. Phoned them and made an appointment for last Monday.
>> >>
>> >> Chap arrived, had a fiddle, and said it was too old to be worth repairing. But said he would replace the fan - at my risk, so no warranty - for £1100. But said I'd be best to replace the boiler at about £4000.
>> >>
>> >> As it happens, I installed the boiler myself, so quite familiar with it. The fan is pretty accessible, and held in by four Allen head set screws.
>> >>
>> >> Retail price of the fan, from the boiler maker, £212 delivered. So about £900 for an hour or so labour.
>> >>
>> >> Out of interest, the fan is made by Papst. Better know to us as makers of tape machine capstan motors.
>> >>
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>> >
>> -- 
>> Dave P                                                             London
>>                                                                       SW
>> 
>> 
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