I have just removed the drain plug to let all the water out of the system and 'legs' have broken off the plug, does this mean I need to get a new one or will it still work ok ??
As long as the rubber sealing ring is in tact then it will still work. However, items related to the fresh water system such as the drain plug, pump securing clips and related rubber sealing rings are well worth keeping as spares just in case the unfortunate ever happens.
Sorry to hijack this thread, but does anyone know if it is possible to inadvertantly fit the wrong drain plug (post 1987 to a pre 1987 heater)? I had to drill out the old one that was in the caravan when we bought it, and the replacement I bought, identical to the one I took out was a very tight fit. I had a job to get it to seal. Could someone have fitted the wrong one before I bought the van? The van is a 1988 model and the plug fitted was a pre 1987.
Quote: Originally posted by Colin21 on 13/12/2015Sorry to hijack this thread, but does anyone know if it is possible to inadvertantly fit the wrong drain plug (post 1987 to a pre 1987 heater)? I had to drill out the old one that was in the caravan when we bought it, and the replacement I bought, identical to the one I took out was a very tight fit. I had a job to get it to seal. Could someone have fitted the wrong one before I bought the van? The van is a 1988 model and the plug fitted was a pre 1987.
More than likely the threads were different as a pre 1987 thread is more likely to be imperial and the later drain hole a metric thread which would be the most likely reason for being a tight fit.
Although the outer and core diameters may be near in size, the actual thread pitch would be slightly different.
There are only two type of drain bung size for the Cascade, the earlier one until June87, (Elddis used the old heater up to 89), the latter after this until Carver finished in 2000, (the Henry copy is a copy of the last one so their bung fits).
Pre June87 the thread is indeed standard and 1/2" BSP, same as in domestic radiators, a standard brass 'Flanged stop end' does the job as a bung. However exact copies in plastic are now readily available, (ebay), this type have a cross shaped double screwdriver slot.
Later ones have a standard pitch metric thread but a bespoke diameter so nothing 'off the shelf' fits. Main difference in appearance is single screwdriver slot and 4 prongs on the end designed to hold the bung in position but not screwed in, this allowing water to always drain so prevent frost damage.