Replacing a Powermax boiler

[nickso]

Unfortunately, most CORGIs make their money from installation work

I doubt that you are correct. For example, are you able to say what proportion are in the categories you mention?

I thought not.

dont waste your time softus, typical of tony not to reply. he will be cleaning his shoes again.

 

[Luis21x]

Don't replace this boiler !!!!!

They are good boilers, which engineers shy away from, don't let them rip you off !!!!!!!!!!!

 

[ollski]

Don't replace this boiler !!!!!

They are good boilers,

Why are they a good boiler??

 

[gas4you]

As the old IMI powermaxes are a specialist thing to service and if not set up properly are a death trap. I would suggest replacing it on these grounds alone.

People have died from these, don't be the next.

I think after 17 years it owes you nothing by now anyway.

 

[simond]

The early IMI Powermax was a dog and the new ones aren't much better. If I remember correctly most of the 135s had a recall due to a dangerous gas valve.

I don't know who this chap is saying they were good, but he is on a different planet to me. Get rid of it.

 

[Luis21x]

Simond is there a reason why you are recommending replacing a boiler that can probably be mended for a minimal cost, or is it standard practise to replace everything regardless just because it may be 15 years old plus ?

99% of engineers want to replace these boilers because they are not competent enough to service/fix them, which is ridiculous. When operating well they are good units, if the customer has unlimited funds to throw around, then why not spend 2-3 grand replacing it, but the general public want good value for money, and salvaging the unit SHOULD be the first diagnosis.

 

[Agile]

Simond is there a reason why you are recommending replacing a boiler that can probably be mended for a minimal cost,

99% of engineers want to replace these boilers because they are not competent enough to service/fix them, which is ridiculous.

You dont think that its just because they mostly install boilers and see a £2k-£3k job rather than a £100 repair then?

Tony

 

[petit_pablo]

The OP hasnt said whats leaking. I hope it is water and not POCs as this is how i have read the post.

My Powermax 135 gas boiler has recently sprung a small, but apparently deadly leak

He said the crack was near the spark electrode, this would suggest it isnt water.

there's a removable unit which appears to have the ignition / spark assembly in it, it's the collar that that unit actually slots into that apparently has a crack - at the top.

Not sure if that makes sense - but basically a weld in the collar that sits between the ignition unit and the boiler itself.

 

[Agile]

Well spotted!

Is that likely to be part of an alloy casting?

Alloy can be welded in inert gas but thats unlikely to be the best overall solution for a 17 y.o. boiler with known safety issues.

I do have to agree with Simon that its better replaced when all aspects are taken into account.

Tony

 

[simond]

I don't think it is likely the OP will get 'value for money' repairing his old Powermax heap.

However, if that is what he wants there are plenty of us out there that can oblige. This is definitely the type of job i would charge for just to look at it, whether or not it turned out viable to repair for the customer.

As said before, installation is not necessarily more profitable than maintenance, this is an assumption without any foundation, as far as I can see.

My advice to change it was based upon the likely cost vs future lifespan. Some IMI parts are getting scarce now. I note that those suggesting economically viable repairs are sensible, are conveniently located too far away to back their claims up with a site visit.

 

[petit_pablo]

Well spotted!

Is that likely to be part of an alloy casting?

Tony

Not sure, cant picture the 135 in my head

 

[nickso]

if its on the boss that holds the burner/electrode on then forget it, its gubbed.

anyone who attempts a repair on that is not only asking for a lot of trouble but is also leaving the boiler classed as at risk the minute they do it as ill guarantee the manufacturer wont sanction such a repair.

its a hideous, noisy turd that needs binning now.

 

[Luis21x]

Nickso are you an expert ? You appear to be talking nonsense, the poster hasn't made it totally clear what the defect actually is, but apparantly its a cast iron case for replacing the whole boiler for £2-3 grand.

 

[Agile]

Nickso are you an expert ? You appear to be talking nonsense,

the poster hasn't made it totally clear what the defect actually is, but apparantly its a cast iron case

I suppose that "experts" often talk nonsense!

I think that its more likely to be an alloy case rather than a cast iron one!

 

[nickso]

Nickso are you an expert ?

in that i have worked on these relics more than i care to mention, yes i am an expert. what are your credentials regarding this turd? it seems you are an owner, does this qualify you to give advice on this appliance?

You appear to be talking nonsense, the poster hasn't made it totally clear what the defect actually is

which part was nonsense? the reason i put if in my statement was because there is some doubt over its location. you must have missed that in your haste to defend this abomination of a boiler. however the clues are there for people who actually know this boiler, allow me to assist you in finding them.

My Powermax 135 gas boiler has recently sprung a small, but apparently deadly leak. An engineer came out and said that a welding joint had gone and that the system would have to be replaced. It's a small leak, the effects of which are being contained and is obviously worse when the boiiler is on and at pressure.

there's a removable unit which appears to have the ignition / spark assembly in it, it's the collar that that unit actually slots into that apparently has a crack - at the top.

basically a weld in the collar that sits between the ignition unit and the boiler itself.

this leads me to believe its the boss that holds the burner/ignition onto the cylinder itself, ill be happily proved wrong by the OP but until such time i, and others, are giving good advice with the information at hand. you are not.

but apparantly its a cast iron case for replacing the whole boiler for £2-3 grand.

this merely goes to prove your ignorance.