Calorifier...

[ex-Gladys]

I'm tearing into the boat tomorrow in the attempt to identify a fresh water leak, that "seems" to be coming from the calorifier. That means dismantling half the structure opposite the galley under the cockpit, but shouldn't be too difficult, just being a plywod box in job.

Being on a swinging mooring, the tanks are now empty due to aforesaid leak. Is there any risk of damaging anything by continuing to run the engine and heating an empty calorifier? If I either can't find it or can't sort it, I don't want to waste what is probably the last decent weekend...

 

[nedmin]

If the level in your Header tank is at correct level then no probs. to run engine.If you do eventually plug into mains and you have an immersion heater in the calorifier, dont forget to switch it off.

 

[Bav34]

If you are really worried about heating an empty tank you could simply remove one of the pipes.

You have a pipe coming OUT of the engine going IN to the calorifier.

Disconnect the calorifier end.

Take off the other pipe.

Connect free end of first pipe to engine.

Yes??? /forums/images/graemlins/ooo.gif

 

[tillergirl]

Larry

I don't reckon so. You're just heating a copper pipe and some air in the calorifier. The copper pipe will take the heat. You could always open the tap to ensure there isn't a build up of pressure with the air getting hotter.

Regards

Roger

 

[roly_voya]

While doing the job add shut of valves beteen engin and calorifier - what if it had been the pipework leeking!!

 

[ex-Gladys]

Thanks all. The comments confirm my thinking, but I always like to check!!

I have thought about valve and pipework to isolate the calorifier, and depending on what I find, will probably soort that over winter.

 

[ex-Gladys]

Well, just got back after 2 and a half days on Gladys, and the water ain't from the calorifier. We blew a pipe off in the heads sink a few weks back, and I think this is water that finally made its way aft in choppy conditions last weekend. A previous owner laid wood effect vinyl flooring in strips so I can't get the floorboards up to check properly. The fresh water is empty, and not got enough to prime the pump from the 2 or 3 galls I've been able to put in there, but the calorifier is fine...