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WM CGa control board

PDB2
PDB2 Member Posts: 29
in Thermostats and Controls

Boiler wouldn't start any further than the first green indicator in startup sequence. Luckily I had invested a spare board some 14 years ago soon after installing boiler and it got me back up and heating. So now I'm looking at getting another spare to have on hand and finding the price has increased 3-4 fold over the years. Yikes….is there anyone that rebuilds these things or is it just to much of a liability ? Not that the unit has required much over the years other than an igniter maybe, but just curious mainly.

Comments

  • 109A_5
    109A_5 Member Posts: 3,048

    High failure items on control boards are, solder joints, relays and capacitors. If you (or a friend) can deal with those items it can be an inexpensive repair.

    For most industrial electronic repair companies the hourly rate makes it not economical to repair circuit boards that can be (rather) inexpensively replaced.

    There are places that seem more focused (and probably others out there)

    https://www.upfix.com
    http://hvac-circuit-board-repair.com

    That appear to do that type of work, I have never dealt with them.

    IMO (I'm not a Lawyer, but have done a tiny bit of research) where the liability issue mostly comes in is when someone modifies the circuit board away from the manufactures original intent. Simply correctly repairing age related or use related defects, is not a big deal.

    The pipe is leaking, the plumber replaced it.

    The capacitor is defective the electronics tech replaced it.

    Not the big drama some folks seem to want it to be.

    National - U.S. Gas Boiler 45+ Years Old
    Steam 300 SQ. FT. - EDR 347
    One Pipe System
    GGross
  • PDB2
    PDB2 Member Posts: 29

    Exactly the information and take I was looking for, thanks! I've repaired a few circuits over the years and will definitely have a look at this one.

  • 109A_5
    109A_5 Member Posts: 3,048

    Another perspective;

    Plumbers and HVAC Technicians are usually not Electronics Technicians. So the fastest way for them to get their customer up and running again is to replace the control board (if needed). All depends what your talents are to do a quality, competent repair.

    The days of the TV repair guy with a tube caddy are long gone. And even then sometimes the TV went to the shop.

    National - U.S. Gas Boiler 45+ Years Old
    Steam 300 SQ. FT. - EDR 347
    One Pipe System
  • PDB2
    PDB2 Member Posts: 29

    Yah I get that. Sounds like it might be an idea for a refurbishing sideline for someone with the skills and time. There seems to be some of that going on in the automotive area. I recently sent off an ABS control for my 24yr old BMW to be repaired by a one man online shop, for about a third of the cost of a new one . He claimed most repairs were cracked solder joints brought on by unit being located too the close exhaust manifold, so heat cycles as well. He must have built himself some test gear that was specific to a few models that were prone to failure. Anyway repair still holding 3 yrs and counting…

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