BAC Forum
General Boards => Technical Support => Topic started by: Joel Ashley on December 12, 2019, 04:27:49 AM
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I thought this would be a good review “how-to” video for any of us, experienced and newbies alike. The tech gets sidetracked here and there and could probably benefit from using our own Bill Sprague’s camera assistance, but I’ve seen a lot worse. Overall you come away more knowledgeable about your AquaHot and it’s service.
Put aside an uninterrupted hour to watch it if you can. It might be a good link to add to our Coach Assist section, if it passes administrator diligence.
https://youtu.be/nj_BqehNu64
Joel
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I added it to the "Video Links; Maintenance and Information" post on the Private Members Only board. While it is long, it does provide good information and troubleshooting techniques. It complements an existing video on burner maintenance. THX Joel
Steve
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Joel, I watched that video a couple of weeks ago. You are right it is very well done and I learned a lot. For a non mechanic like me it takes a lot of the mystery away and I will undoubtedly do more of my own maintenance on the system. Thanks for sharing it.
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Thanks Joel, I might even attempt an annual service on my own.
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I too agree that the video did a very good job of describing annual servicing and some trouble shooting. One item he discussed briefly was the topping up of the heat transfer fluid with the appropriate and recommended boiler fluid. I've been told and I believe it's been mentioned on
this forum that unless the system has a leak or fluid loss for some reason while repairing or replacing a component the reservoir should be topped up with distilled water. The antifreeze does not evaporate as quickly as the water component and the addition of more antifreeze can increase the concentration to a point where the heat transfer effectiveness of the fluid can be detrimental.
Similar situation with topping up a wet cell battery, we don't add more sulphuric acid we just add distilled water. I do not intend this comment to be critical of the video just a contribution.
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Bob,
I suggest use of a refractometer to check the fluid before just adding distilled water. (If you don't know where you started, you won't know where you end up). The optimum mixture of 50/50 will yield a freeze temp of -28F and a boil point of 222F.
Steve
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Point well taken Steve, thank you. I do have a refractometer and use it diligently. My stick house is in Alberta where it is not unusual at this time of the year to hit temperatures of -40 to -50 degrees Fahrenheit. At least for the time being I’m able to spend those days in the sunny and warm Yuma AZ area. As you suggest a 50/50 mixture of antifreeze to water ratio provides freeze protection but I wonder what the ratio would have to be to provide at least bursting protection of the AquaHot copper heat coil.
Surprisingly my Hydro-Hot manual recommends an antifreeze concentration much weaker than 50/50. I surmise Hydro-Hot engineers couldn't imagine anyone owning/using a motorhome during a western Canadian winter. 😉
Excerpt from page 35 of my Hydro-Hot HHE-200-09E service manual:
”Check the Hydro-Hot's heating solution for the proper antifreeze to water mixture (should be 33% antifreeze and 67% water). A high concentration of antifreeze will causea poor domestic hot water performance.”
Regards
Bob
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Bob,
The 450DE manual recommends the 50/50 mix. Guess the point here is to read and follow the recommendation in your owners manual.
Thx for the info.
Steve