Static caravan central heating system coolant.

[HERUTILUS]

Hello Gang,

 

We have a 32' static caravan & it's time the heating system coolant was changed. In order to fill the drained-down system with the correct amount of Fernox coolant I need to know the approximate water capacity (before any coolant is added) of the system. Does anyone know how to calculate how much water a system will hold when filled & the pressure on the combi reads 1.1?

Is there a method where one can count the number of radiators, allow for same being single or double, take note of the panel size of the individual rad. & work it all out then add a percentage to make allowance for the water in the circulation system + the boiler?

 

Anyone got any advice on the subject?

 

Regards,

 

Mr H.

[ayjay]

Anyone got any advice on the subject?

 

 

 

Mr H.

 

Ask a plumber.

 

Usually a helpful one or two around on here

[chesters1]

Cant you just drain it into a bucket then count the buckets and multiply the capacity by the total

You know 20 one gallon buckets = etc,,if you have already emptied it refill it ,call it a flush and empty it again

Edited December 8, 2012 by chesters1

[corydoras]

Cant you just drain it into a bucket then count the buckets and multiply the capacity by the total

You know 20 one gallon buckets = etc,,if you have already emptied it refill it ,call it a flush and empty it again

That's what I would do. Edited December 8, 2012 by corydoras

[Andrew]

Ajay , spot on.

Not good to mess with what you don't know about.

 

PS

 

You cannot fully drain the system. There will always be water below the drainage points.

Edited December 9, 2012 by Andrew

[HERUTILUS]

Cant you just drain it into a bucket then count the buckets and multiply the capacity by the total

You know 20 one gallon buckets = etc,,if you have already emptied it refill it ,call it a flush and empty it again

 

Hello Chesters,

 

A bloody good idea, I never thought of that! However, the caravan is in an exposed location & all I wanted to do was open the central heating drain cock [i didn't want to be outside with a bucket!] & have a beer or two whilst the system was draining down.

Also, the caravan is a long way from home & I intended to to work out the capacity of the system before draining-down 'cos the Fernox anti-freeze & 'flushing stuff' costs more than an arm & TWO legs!

 

Another question - where can I purchase a one gallon bucket, any idea?

 

Regards y'all for responding,

 

H

[HERUTILUS]

Ajay , spot on.

Not good to mess with what you don't know about.

 

PS

 

You cannot fully drain the system. There will always be water below the drainage points.

 

 

Hello Andrew,

 

No problem in getting the heating system water out, I've done it before & I use a compressor making sure the boiler is isolated & the drain-cocks are open before I start.

And, I hear what you say regarding messing around, good advice. But, at one time I was a joiner & as the old building trade proverb will have it -"One joiner = 3 plumbers" or "One joiner = 6 bricklayers". I couldn't agree more!

 

Regards,

 

H of The Claw Hammer

[chesters1]

Its like knowing how long that bit of string is............twice as long as it is from one end to the middle,in the case of fluid buy twice as much as you need and use half