Is it the actuator valve?

Inkers92

Hi all,
I know nothing about plumbing so please bare with me. There is a blue box in my hot press connected to electrical supply. It has a kind of lever on top that used to slide back and forth. It used to whirr occasionally in the past but in recent months started making a kind of grinding sund like stuck or something when the heat was on. Last week the radiators stopped heating and nothing happens with the box. I cant really see any name but it says MUT SF20 2EB on it. The water for the shower etc still heats fine but it's been a cold May and some heat would be nice.Three questions:
Anyone know what this is?
How easy is it to replace?
How much will it cost? I'm skint.

DoneDL

If you feel confident enough, disconnect it and take it to your local plumbing merchant for a replacement head. But it might be an idea to post a pic of the valve.

JohnnieK

If it's blue it's more than likely a Hortsmann or Heatmerchants actuator. If your confident you can just replace the motor inside it.

Ryan T

Motorised valve for zoned central heating. About €80 for a good one like a myson

DGOBS

For the time being, just remove the valve actuator (the blue box) and twist the spindle underneath to get heating, it is like having a manual lever valve, turn it until you feel the pipe at both sides getting to and your on your way.

sullzz

JohnnieK wrote: »

If it's blue it's more than likely a Hortsmann or Heatmerchants actuator. If your confident you can just replace the motor inside it.

I think terrier are also blue.

JohnnieK

sullzz wrote: »

I think terrier are also blue.

I'll take your word on that:D. Just said those two because there all over the place.

JohnnieK

Ryan T wrote: »

Motorised valve for zoned central heating. About €80 for a good one like a myson

Only €6 or €7 for the synchronous motor.

Inkers92

Hi all, thanks for the replies. I will try and take is off and have a bash myself. Is there anything I could really mess up if I go wrong?

Ryan T

JohnnieK wrote: »

Only €6 or €7 for the synchronous motor.

Are those blue ones not sealed units. I thought you couldn't replace the motor and had to buy a whole new one

aujopimur

DGOBS wrote: »

For the time being, just remove the valve actuator (the blue box) and twist the spindle underneath to get heating, it is like having a manual lever valve, turn it until you feel the pipe at both sides getting to and your on your way.

If you look closely you will see a man/auto lever, moving to manual will get you going until you can source a replacement actuator.

DGOBS

Yes, but tends to pop out of it when powered on/off, that's why I always find it better to remove the actuator altogether. (normally only use the lever for flushing etc)