Aqua Hot fluid

[Jerry Carr]

Hello Members,

Can you help me with an Aqua Hot issue.  I have had issues with loss of fluid.  Recently I brought the coach down to Bend for some repairs.
The service folks found a drain plug was leaking.  This we had fixed.
The problem now is I still use or leak fluid during use.  I don't see any puddles under the rig, but I would guess I lose about 1/2 quart per 2 weeks.

1. Is it normal to use fluid in normal operations?
2. I also have not been able to locate a source for replacement fluid.  Does anyone know of a distributor in the Seattle area?

[Richard And Babs Ames]

We found the hose from the fill cap to the expansion container on the side had aged and cracked and fluid was leaking on the top of the Aqua Hot and evaporating (we guess). Replacement of the inexpensive hose cured the problem.

[Jim Shaw]

We had the same problem on our Hydro Hot and also found the hose to the overflow tank was cracked and leaking. Replaced the hose and all was OK for awhile then we found the pressure cap was also bad. Replaced the cap and no problems for almost a year.
Jim

[Joel Ashley]

Jerry-

If your local True Value outlet doesn't have the Camco propylene glycol -100 Boiler Antifreeze, they can get it for you from their warehouse or Camco distributor.  Usually at a far better price than an RV parts dealer - $13/gal Bandon True Value vs. $25/gal Guaranty RV in Eugene.  I've often seen it at small town True Value franchises (s.a. Bandon or Christmas Valley, Oregon) when larger True Values (Portland) don't have it;  so you may have to be a bit pushy with them, or call several outlying True Values.  

-Joel

[Jerry Carr]

Thanks Everyone for your help.
I will check the tubing and also with True Value for Camco propylene glycol -100 Boiler Antifreeze

Jerry

[LEAH DRAPER]

I had heard that even CAMPING WORLD, which carries Camco, did NOT carry the fluid.  That "might" have changed, as the CW I was in had it, so I grabbed one.  Check it out also.  It was the boiler fluid not antifreeze.

[Joel Ashley]

The last few times I've looked, our area CWs didn't have it, nor did their crew know what it was, which I always thought strange.

And the name is "Camco Boiler Antifreeze -100" on the bottle.  Leah wants to be sure you don't confuse it with Camco RV Antifreeze, used for winterizing water systems.  Adding the wrong stuff could really mess up your hydronics.

Jerry, be sure to mix the boiler fluid 50/50 with clean water before adding to the tank.  You don't need protection down to -100 degrees unless you're shipping your coach to the North Pole.  Our resident hydronics expert, Orman Claxton, recommended a 70/30 mix in another forum thread, though I'm not sure which is 70 and which is 30;  50/50 is easy enough for me.  Keep in mind also, your tank fluid level changes whether hot or cold, so add fluid accordingly.  Consider also that may be part of why you notice what you perceive to be fluid loss, though the bad expansion hose issue is apparently common and a likely culprit.

-Joel

[LEAH DRAPER]

Hey Joel
Thanks for the additional clarification on the boiler fluid.......they are both pink in color and could easily be confused, although the shape/size of the containers is very different.  

I think it was the MESA, AZ Camping World, probably because they have so many "snow birds" down there.

[Denny Wagaman]

I purchased some from Holiday Motorhomes either in Fife or Everett.  Can't remember when but I will look it up when I arrive back to the garage where my coach is.

Denny

[Orman Claxton]

Jerry
The proper coolant can sometimes be purchased at Camping World, It MUST be Boiler Type.-100 deg. The domestic looks the same
I also stock it,
I am now in the Northwest, I will be here for the next 2 months if any one needs assistance.
As was mentioned by others the leak can be most anywhere, Ie: coolant return line, any place that has a connection.
Feel free to contact me at any time.
Thanks
Orman

[Larry and Heidi Lee]

I recently purchased a gallon of 100% propylene glycol (non-toxic) antifreeze from a local auto part store and added about 3 cups to my overflow bottle. The product I purchased was GREEN. It then dawned on me the original mix is pink. Did I make a big mistake here or ? :-/

[Jerry Carr]

Hi Larry,

I have been looking for the camco 100, I did contact true value and they will order this for me in a 6 pack of gallons, they quoted me 14.88 per gallon FOB the store I have also contacted Holiday RV in Fife they have in stock the 1 gallon bottles for 21.00.

On are return to Seattle we stopped at the bend service, here they stock the anti freeze in a 55 gallon barrel  so we picked up a gallon jug and had them fill it for 8.50/gallon.

Joel Ashley indicated that this product could be cut with water to a 50/50 mix. I am unsure about this as the product is used as an anti corrosive lubricate. but if Joel is correct then this would make sense I really doubt that we need a -100 product.

I plan to run down to Bend while we are at the FMCA rally and pick up a couple of gallons.

I will also be checking the return lines for leaks as some members have found this to be a common leak area.

I am still loosing about 1 cup per week, I don't see any wet spots on the ground so finding this may be a challenge, for now I will just plan on servicing the system until the leak is more apparent..

I think we may have an Aqua Hot seminar at the FMCA rally?

As far as mixing green product with the red I don't think I would do this  

Jerry

[Joel Ashley]

Jerry-

You should send an email to Orman.  He may be close enough to you to come and check your system out.  Worth a shot.

-Joel

[Jerry Carr]

I did talk with Orman today, he was very helpful and does have anti-freeze.  I hope that he will do a seminar at Harrisburg or FMCA during the August meetings.

Jerry

[barbhalsell]

The last few times I've looked, our area CWs didn't have it, nor did their crew know what it was, which I always thought strange.

And the name is "Camco Boiler Antifreeze -100" on the bottle.  Leah wants to be sure you don't confuse it with Camco RV Antifreeze, used for winterizing water systems.  Adding the wrong stuff could really mess up your hydronics.

Jerry, be sure to mix the boiler fluid 50/50 with clean water before adding to the tank.  You don't need protection down to -100 degrees unless you're shipping your coach to the North Pole.  Our resident hydronics expert, Orman Claxton, recommended a 70/30 mix in another forum thread, though I'm not sure which is 70 and which is 30;  50/50 is easy enough for me.  Keep in mind also, your tank fluid level changes whether hot or cold, so add fluid accordingly.  Consider also that may be part of why you notice what you perceive to be fluid loss, though the bad expansion hose issue is apparently common and a likely culprit.

-Joel

Joel, I am ordering the Camco 32 oz concentrate from Amazon. I am trying to determine how many quarts I should get. 1 quart concentrate to 2 quarts distilled water will make 3 quarts of fluid for protection down to -100. Since the Hurricane is supposed to hold about 4 gallons should get enough to have the full -100 protection or can I dilute it further and do the 50-50 ?