Eberspacher System Maintenance

[SpiderDiver]

Most people seem to recommend a 50/50 mix of standard vehicle anti-freeze for these heater systems but wondered whether anyone has thought of using one of the central heating type inhibitors to give better corrosion protection perhaps?

Also how about using a flushing solution to keep the heat exchangers running efficiently. Mine seems to be struggling in the cold weather at present!

 

[cliff]

[ QUOTE ]
Most people seem to recommend a 50/50 mix of standard vehicle anti-freeze for these heater systems but wondered whether anyone has thought of using one of the central heating type inhibitors to give better corrosion protection perhaps?

Also how about using a flushing solution to keep the heat exchangers running efficiently. Mine seems to be struggling in the cold weather at present!

[/ QUOTE ]Domestic central heating "anti-Corrosion" treatments are not anti-freeze - there is no need as central heating is run 24/7 wheras on your boat teh heating will be switched off for long periods and there is a chance it could freeze. Unless you are going to drain your system each winter and either refill with 50% antifreeze or leave empty then do NOT use domestic anti corrosion products.

As for flushing - I use fernox both in the engine and central heating although some doom and gloom merchants say it damages seals but I have not had any problems yet and have been doing this for years.
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[SpiderDiver]

Thanks Cliff - will give Fernox a go sometime.

 

[pvb]

Good quality antifreeze...

Good quality antifreeze/coolant is a reasonable corrosion inhibitor too. The more modern antifreeze formulations use a good corrosion inhibitor, with low silicate content (because the silicates traditionally used are a bit abrasive and may damage seals). Important to drain and renew every 4 or 5 years.

I'm a great fan of corrosion inhibitors in central heating systems (having had to systematically replace most of the rads in my home because inhibitor wasn't originally used!). But they don't offer antifreeze capability, and I don't think it would necessarily be a good idea to mix them with antifreeze.