calorifier draining for partial winterisation?

[Zippysigma]

I am using the boat every couple of weeks throughout the winter and have a heater and dehumidifier set on low when left in the marina, but thought that it would be safer to drain the cold water system.

My questions are:

1) Does a calorifier drain by simply running the hot water tap dry or does it need further pipes removing?

2) If it is drained, will I do any damage when I use the engine?

The calorifer was fitted as new by Ancasta I believe, other than that, I don't know the make or layout. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

 

[Cloven]

A calorifier should be fitted with a pressure release valve and this should be at the lowest point on the tank. What I do is run the hot water pump until dry and then release the pressure valve to get the rest out, usually no more tahn a cupful.

As for running the engine with the calorifier empty, I would not think is will do any harm as all you are doing is running hot water from the engine through the coil and back to the engine. It is just not passing on any of the heat to the calorifier water. As the engine is designed to work without a calorifier it should cause no problems.

 

[chrisb]

presumably you have a fresh water cooled engine? in which case the heating side/engine side will be protected by your engine antifreeze.worth draining the freshwater tanks and the hot water cylinder.i have used greenhouse heater/dehumidifier for several seasons.works well but boat is afloat in a seawater marina.would not like to trust the arrangement ashore

 

[nedmin]

If you have an electric immersion heater dont forget to switch it off if you drain cal.