I believe the heating logic or heating relay on my control board has seen better days. Hoping for feedback and replacement advice based on the following testing I've performed:
Colman Journey 110v self contained (1996)
Balboa 51118 (Possibly very similar to Lite Leader Digital 51056??)
- Topside control panel shows heat active
- Pump runs non stop and does maintain current temp (presumable from heat generated by pump), but never increases to desired temp
- When heat is on, pump typically sounds like it's running every so slightly faster but I'm not hearing that slight change now
- Mechanical relay for heat on Balboa board does activate when the panel shows heat active
- Made attempt at cleaning relay contacts, didn't seem to be overly dirty
- Reading is 0v between element ends when heat is supposed to be active
- If I jumper from the heater relay (RL4) to 120v (J3), the element does activate and temp increases normally. Reading is 115v.
- Pressure flow switch seems functional. My only test was unplugging it from board which threw error. Maybe this isn't thorough enough.
- Temp sensor in spa has been off by -2.5 degrees F for almost a year. I typically set at 104 so it's actually been at approx 106.
- Overheating sensor has worked in the past on really hot days to shut down spa. Doesn't seem to be intruding now according to panel readout.
- While troubleshooting, I cut off about 6 inches from the hot and neutral (J7&J3) wires as they were char-broiled at the ends going into the Balboa
Have I tested thoroughly enough? If so, would you recommend that I get an exact replacement or will the very similar Balboa Lite Leader Digital 51056 ($200) work with my 6 pin Colman Control Panel? I've found at least one source online which stocks the 51118 exact replacement for $270. Image included below along with descriptions of all connectors
J1 - Colman Control Panel with Jet Button, Heat button, Temp readout, Heat indicator
J20 - one plug for 2 separate sensors: hi-limit and spa thermometer
J9 - Pressure/flow switch
J21 - Water level jumper (I can guess at what this does, but never touched)
J23 - 20A/30A jumper (20A)
J4 - Optional Ozone (not installed)
J5 - common to pump
J7 - White to external GFCI plug->outlet
J8 - To heater core
J3 - Black to external GFCI plug->outlet
RL1 - Hi-Limit (nothing attaches to this)
RL2 - High speed pump
RL3 - Low speed pump (1 pump, 2 speeds)
RL4 - Heater (my jumper wire for testing is pictured)
RL5 - Optional Ozone blower (not installed)