YEP.
should be 1 bar cold, and why isnt the system pressure venting?? the pressure relief valve should operate with a banging sound at 3 bar.....
if its still hitting 3+bar when youve dropped the COLD pressure to 1 bar, then as said, the expansion vessel is ruptured and needs renewal, or a cheaper option, fit an external 18litre vessel on the return pipework to the boiler and leave the faulty vessel where it is.
yes, this IS allowed!!
Mark properjob, February 2012