Install Calorifier - above engine ?

[IanR]

I am receiving conflicting information re installation of a Calorifier to a Yanmar 3GM30F. Space means that I have to install the Calorifier top slightly above the head of the engine and I am therefore considering the issues with header and expansion tanks.

Some say don't do it, others say move the expansion tank and lengthen the tubing to above the height of the calorifier. I don't want to increase my chance of future problems and I do want to be able to isolate the tank for safety reasons, so can I ask if anyone can provide some insights ?

Thanks (In Cold water - still)
Ian

 

[Strathglass]

There is no real limit as to where you install the calorifier as long as you ensure that you can bleed the highest points of the system. This may involve two seperate bleed points, especially if there is a dip in the plumbng between the engine and the calorifier. You want them to be as near as possible or you will reduce performance. Please remember to fit an expansion chamber on the hot water out side or the pressure relief valve will open as the water heats and expands.
Iain

 

[vyv_cox]

This is good advice. No problems at all in mounting the calorifier as you wish. If you have an accumulator in the domestic water side you will probably not need an expansion tank or valve. I also have the Yanmar 3GM30F and the top of my calorifier is certainly higher than the engine.

 

[billskip]

Hi think i know what you mean..yes i think you will need to put the expansion/fillup cap at the highest point ..so when you open it to check/topup the coolant you dont syphon back....but is it ok to increase the head pressure when the tank is lifted? i would think so but worth checking..head of water pressure is about ½psi.per foot head..(old fasion rule of thumb)

Bill
www.aegeansailing.co.uk

 

[IanR]

Thanks to all for your assurances and information.

I guess this means that if I move the header tank to a position higher than both the engine and the Calorifier,I am in effect making the filler cap on the Heat exchanger on the Yanmar redundant - obviously with a head of water then opening it would empty the header tank. So I need to fill via the header.

It all seems like common sense I know but in a marine environment I am hesitant to use the same level of "lets try it and see" as I might domestically.....

 

[vyv_cox]

Don't forget that the heating coil doesn't reach to the top of the tank, so your header need not be that high. I suspect that once the coil is full of coolant it does not drain back when the filler cap on the engine is opened for a relatively short time. Bearing in mind that any water would have to be replaced by air, this would be quite difficult to achieve, especially if like mine your hoses loop down before entering the engine.

 

[Strathglass]

Ian you need your water filler higher then any part of the engine cooling plumbing, this includes the calorifier coil. It does not have to feed to the highest point of your system. But when filling you need to vent out any air from any points higher than the feed point.
For example, replace the yanmar filler cap with a flat cap and connect your pipe from your header / filling tank to the vent outlet on the yanmar at the cap housing. The pressure cap is then fitted to the filling tank, which must be the highest point. You will also need to vent any high points when filling. The header/filling tank can come from an old car.
If you want more details send me a private message and I will email you some photos.
Iain