Bay Area: unable to clear F13 error on Munchkin T80M-R2 - time to replace?

jfmhh

Hi,

Bay Area - may need a recommendation

I have been reading a lot on here in the last few days - thank you all for providing so much info!

I have a Munchkin T80M R2 that is about 14 years old. Though winters here are fairly mild, it has performed like a champ. I cant remember the last time it was serviced. While I was out of town it seems to have failed with a F13 error that I cant seem to reset by pressing the S4 button. When I leave it off for an extended period and turn it on again, I can hear a hum, but not the loud whoosh it makes on startup. When I pulled the cover off there was very little dust inside (in case that is relevant).

From what I have read in the manual, it sounds like it needs a new fan. Does that sound right? Given the unit is old and no longer manufactured, is it likely better to replace?

I am fairly comfortable with electrical and basic plumbing repairs but not with gas.

While I'd love to replace it with a air-to-water heat pump, electricity prices here are insane so I would likely do a like-for-like replacement with a high efficiency gas system. I also have tankless for water (Takagi), also fairly old. Would it make sense to replace both with a combi? I don't mind paying a little more for installation if running costs are significantly lower.

Thoughts / recommendations / referrals welcome.

Thanks in advance.

John

EdTheHeaterMan

Sounds like there is an ignition problem. There may be a bad ignitor or a defective control that operates the ignitor. A Professional repair technician will be able to determine what to do. Sometimes the lack of maintenance is the cause of the problem and a professional tune up will make things right.

Alan (California Radiant) Forbes

Yes, it sounds like you need a new fan and you could get a couple more years out of your boiler. 

I haven’t verified it yet, but from what another contractor told me, no more gas equipment can be sold here after 2025. And a neighbor told me that she is getting a new furnace even though she doesn’t need one yet because gas replacements won’t be available. 

So, depending on your domestic hot water (DHW) needs, a combi could work for low DHW demand or you could get an indirect water heater for larger demands. The indirect uses the boiler as its heat source. Or just get another on demand for DHW as some people like to keep them separate in case one breaks down. 

In the meantime, I’m in Berkeley and carry replacement Munchkin fans if you want me to replace it and also service the boiler. It probably needs a cleaning. 

Alan Forbes

Forbes Plumbing

(510)773-9870

jfmhh

Alan (California Radiant) Forbes said:

Yes, it sounds like you need a new fan and you could get a couple more years out of your boiler. 

I haven’t verified it yet, but from what another contractor told me, no more gas equipment can be sold here after 2025. And a neighbor told me that she is getting a new furnace even though she doesn’t need one yet because gas replacements won’t be available. 

So, depending on your domestic hot water (DHW) needs, a combi could work for low DHW demand or you could get an indirect water heater for larger demands. The indirect uses the boiler as its heat source. Or just get another on demand for DHW as some people like to keep them separate in case one breaks down. 

In the meantime, I’m in Berkeley and carry replacement Munchkin fans if you want me to replace it and also service the boiler. It probably needs a cleaning. 

Alan Forbes

Forbes Plumbing

(510)773-9870

Hi Alan,

Thanks for the response. I've read a lot of your posts on here.

I am in Menlo Park, so a bit of a trek for you - is that ok?

If yes, I would love to schedule the fan replacement, as you suggest.

What is the best way to reach you - can I txt you on the 510 number? (I realize it's Sunday so will wait until tomorrow).

Thanks,
John

HomerJSmith

If you have concentric venting, which I hate, that could contribute to fan failure. The Bay area, I would suspect, is not a high use area for a boiler. Not like the High Sierras. You might try re-plugging in the two plugs on the blower. Do the same for the controller.

jfmhh

Just to close the loop on this: the fan was replaced by local company, HH Hydronics thanks to a recommendation from Alan. All working great now. Thanks to all for the responses and offers to help.