Volvo Ardic heater

[billmacfarlane]

I've a Volvo Ardic air/hot water system fitted to an 11m boat. It was fitted in the factory and it's performance is fairly crap. It heats the water OK but doesn't heat the boat. I can't use it as an air heater only. Has anyone else had a problem with a similar system ? I'm thinking of dumping the air heater side and fitting an Eberspacher 4.

 

[longjohnsilver]

I had one and it was awful. Changed to a Mikuni - excellent. I know someone else who also had one, I think he got so p####d off with it that it is now residing about 10 miles out in the Channel!

 

[johna]

I posted my later thread on the Thermo 1700 before I saw your thread. From your comments it looks as if I am into searching for an Eberspacher. My heater is for air only but it is reluctant to start. One day OK next nothing any "helpful" suggestions.

 

[longjohnsilver]

They all consume a lot of power on start up. If your battery is only slightly discharged it could well prevent the glow plug glowing.

 

[[448]]

Definitely needs a well charged battery to start. Mine works great when it is going.I find that interupting the start up sequence by cutting off the MAIN power supply to the unit and then reconnecting and letting it get on with it usually does the trick. I don't know why this should work.
Cheers, D.

 

[Guest]

All the people I have met who live aboad seem to think hot air heaters are only good for spring/auterm and if you look at output figuers this is born out. Year round heaters seem to need to be about 100w/cu meter min and designed for constant use. Also drip feed seams more reliable (and quieter) than fan assisted plus you start it with a fire lighter or blowlamp, only thing simpler is solid fuel but carrying it is dificult. If you are going to change might be worth looking into alternatives.

Roly, Voya Con Dios, Glasson, Lancaster

 

[billmacfarlane]

Thanks for the replies guys. I met the Maxi production manager at LBS and he gave me a few tips to try. Basically you need to use the middle 2 fan settings NOT the lowest or highest. The lowest doesn't circulate the air and the highest is too much for the heat exchanger. I tried it on the boat last night and with an outside temperature of 4C I got the boat temperature up to 19C , which I can live with. I still wouldn't recommend it as the current consumption is 6A.

 

[Guest]

This reply is on 21st so I hope you read it.
I've got a Volvo Ardic air heater and find it excellent. Initially the hot air was only warm and there was an awful lot of condenstion in the under berth lockers where the hot air ducting ran. Both these problems were basically solved by insulating the ducting. I found the ideal foam at my local plumbing suppliers 65mm inside diameter and about 30 mm thick. Cut to length and remove darts to fit bends. Cheap too.