Calorifier leak

[peter2407]

Can anyone help in the best way to trace a calorifier leak please? This is a Howden unit stored under the stern bunk behind the sail drive so not easy to get to. Alternatively, how can I turn it off so that itdoesnt have any water going in that could then leak out?

 

[johnphilip]

I assume that this is more than the few drips escaping from the pressure relief valve?
Is the leak from the engine circulating side or the tank supply to the taps ? Or is this still to be determined?
If the leak is from the engine circulating system it is probably easiest to remove the calorifier from the system by disconnecting supply and return pipes from the engine and replacing them with a suitable bypass hose.
If the leak is on the domestic (tapwater) side I think you need to find where the supply to the tank is "Tee"d in and disconnect it, probably replacing the T with a straight connector. Ensure the immersion heater cannot be turned on if the tank is drained. I don't think there is any harm in leaving the engine water circulating through the calorifier even if the tapwater side is empty.

 

[NormanS]

Can anyone help in the best way to trace a calorifier leak please? This is a Howden unit stored under the stern bunk behind the sail drive so not easy to get to. Alternatively, how can I turn it off so that itdoesnt have any water going in that could then leak out?

You're not really giving enough information. How do you know there is a leak? Can you see water appearing from under? If so, is it fresh, or engine coolant? (coloured by antifreeze). Are you having to top up the engine coolant? Is your fresh water pump cycling? You say that the calorifier is not easy to get to. Are you aware that you are recommended to excercise the pressure relief valve, manually, about once a month. If this is not done, the valve may not be seating, and will produce an apparent "leak".

 

[peter2407]

Having eliminated the sea water or fresh with anti freeze options, and traced the leak to between the calorifier and the sail drive, then that points me to the leak coming from the calorifier. Thats all i have discovered to date.

 

[abraxus]

If the leak is relatively small and only occurs when the calorifier is on/heating, then it could just be the pressure relieve valve. Mine was leaking about a litre a day if I had the water heater on, but has stopped now that I've replaced the prv.

How much is actually leaking and is it all the time or just when the calorifier is heating water?

 

[peter2407]

The leak seems to be a drip every second, where the bilges were almost full after a month of me not getting out to the boat.