Having problems (one of several, groan) with our new caravan. The heating pump seems to be overheating, very loud boiling noise. Not air in the system (at least we don't think so), as it seems to be heating the van very well (too well) on ehu from the house. Last night it was only on for 10 minutes and the pump itself, towel rail etc were red hot. The dealer is supposed to have contacted Alde but we have heard nothing. Any ideas? OH is an ex plumber and thinks it's a stat or sensor, can he do anything?
sounds like a thermostat or something similar to me. My Alde heating has never boiled although it sometimes gurgles a bit when it first starts up. If it is new 'van under warranty I would not attempt to fix it myself. Alde are normally helpful if you contact them directly and can soon diagnose a problem but if the dealer is worth his salt he would be straight on the phone to them and back to you with an answer.
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Thanks, so far the dealer has fitted the wrong type of tracker (one he assured us is better than the one we asked for) and sold us leg locks that won't fit the van so don't hold out much hope! will contact Alde direct I think.
Quote: Originally posted by Mrs. Bonce on 16/2/2013
Thanks, so far the dealer has fitted the wrong type of tracker (one he assured us is better than the one we asked for) and sold us leg locks that won't fit the van so don't hold out much hope! will contact Alde direct I think.
best bet i told one guy to contact alde last week and they sent parts foc.
------------- the only silly question is the one you do not ask.
Your other half being an explumber these comments might help him:
Alde use two types of pumps depending on the installation fitted, one in the header tank or one feeding the boiler.
If you have the header tank pump then it gets the very hot circulating fluid directly from the Alde boiler.[It pulls the heated fluid from the boiler]
It can get extremely hot, up to 85 degrees C and even if it is not actually circulating the fluid. In that case by "thermosyphoning" .
So the fact the pump gets hot does not mean it is working circulating the fluid. Are you sure the pump is circulating the fluid; you can check by feeling the pipes all round the system. If it is not circulating, it is almost certainly being "locked" by air trapped in the system. The pump gets hotter if it is not circulating the fluid that it typically gets if it is!
Bleeding the air requires seeking out the various bleed valves that will be installed around the van.
Thanks Jennifer, yes, I have asked on Swifttalk, the consensus is that air is causing the problem but all the pipes are getting very hot very quickly. Will tell OH to try turning the power down to see if that gives any clues and will contact Alde. The fluid level seems ok (we topped it up with anti freeze mixture as it dropped to start with).