UTEC 1003-600A Controller

JCW2

Hello,

I'm new to this forum and was hoping you can help. I had this controller (UTEC 1003-600A) installed as part of the overall-all boiler solution (system also includes a new Hydrostat 3200+ and a new Mcdonnell & Miller Low Water Cutoff). These are the replacement electronics to the original Lennix electronics (7 yrs old) which died.

I notice this controller immediately started making a squealing sound at the time of a call for heat, and before ignition of the flames. That short 3-7 second (or so) period of time it takes to ignite.

The technician told me this is normal and is expected - but it seems to me, an electronic box should not make squealing noises - sometimes it's fairly loud. Upon the technician's first visit, he indicated the unit was bad and was likely the result of low voltage to/from a transformer. Upon his second visit (after discussions with his management) he changed his tune and said it is normal.

I'm hoping for insight as to the normality of this. Is it normal and something I need to live with, or could the technician be misinformed? If it is not normal, what questions or comments should I make to the technician to encourage the proper corrective steps are taken?

Thank you in advance for any guidance or insights you could provide.

Steamhead

It's not normal. Have them come back and replace it.

JCW2

Hello Steamhead,

Thank you for the reply. I tried that but unfortunately, his goal was to convince me it was normal.

Can you suggest some questions or technical comments that I could tell the technician that would drive him to reconsider the need for a replacement? I think he will need to hear a technically sound argument justifying the swap out.

Steamhead

I think you need a more competent tech. Where are you located?

109A_5

Hello @JCW2,
I also agree a squealing noise is not normal.

Your options, as I see it, from the least expensive to the most;

Maybe it will fail prematurely and under warranty. (you would have to live with the noise until then)

Get Reznor's (the manufacture) opinion. As possible leverage towards your service company.

Replace it yourself (or have a handy friend help) and keep it for an emergency backup (some noise is better than no heat).
https://www.supplyhouse.com/Reznor-257009-Ignition-Control
The part number is slightly different you would have to verify compatibility.
1003-600A versus 1003-638A

Get the opinion of another service company and have them change it and keep it for an emergency backup.

JCW2

Hello,

I would like to take a moment and thank everyone for the replies, suggestions and ideas how to proceed. I used the wisdom provided to me by you and addressed my concerns with the technician.

As a result of igniter and temperature regulation issues - and dead-head circulatory pumping, he is replacing the Hydrostat 3200+. Unfortunately, he is holding firm on the UTEC 1003-600 and I got nowhere with a replacement.

Several of you have suggested I find another company/tech. I need to stay with this one because the unit has a 10 year warranty (P&L) so, ultimately I am saving money in the long run.

Anyhow, I am seriously considering the suggestion of replacing the UTEC myself, and keeping the old one as a backup. I will first however contact Reznor as advised. I do like both of those suggestions. If I gain any ground on this topic - I will post an update.

I certainly appreciate your input and thank you all very much.