Yes I am new to CONTRIBUTING to fora (that is the plural isn't it, Scat?) but not new to watching, listening and hopefully learning from the sidelines - mainly a sharedealing site. Unfortunately, there too, the discussions usually end up in personal slanging matches rather than sticking to the point. Pity really but I guess it's just too much testosterone, alcohol or ego around.
BUT I have to say I learned more yesterday about CH control systems than I ever knew in my life before. And you all had me laughing out loud which is something the Telly these days doesn't manage.
Anyway back to the point: I'VE FIXED IT!!!
There is no frost stat in the garage. I went to my local friendly Plumb Base this morning and purchased a motorised valve. The worrying thing was that when I got the old one off, the manual open lever suddenly worked - quite stiff to move to the open position and returned nicely on the spring. The man behind the counter thought the actual valve in the pipe might be seized and keeping the motor in the open position so sold me the whole assembly not just the power head. What a salesman! What a soft touch me!
BTW he knew our Mr Sweeney... the one withn the German helmet in Citizen Smith... in The Sweeney too... what it is to have a famous person to service our boiler!
Anyway, didn't want to drain down the system and risk getting stuck with water all over the place and no CH on a freezing day like today so just fitted the power head for now. Bingo! All back to normal.
If George does ever keep his promise and come back to me with his gleaming new Corgi card, I'll get him to fit the new valve body. I've paid for it so I might as well use it.
So, Guys, in less than 24 hours I have learned a lot, had a laugh and fixed the heating. What can I say except many, many thanks to you all for your contributions and assistance. If only it was as easy to get a real plumber/gas man to call (with card of course).
I might be back if/when it all goes per-shaped again. If not over and out.
Respect
Graham 46