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Topic: Alde heating drain and replace every 2yrs

jsparkes201148

26/3/2014 at 10:12am
Location: Stockton on Tees
Outfit: Lunar Clubman SB Kia Sorento

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Just read on another forum about the need to drain and replace the antifreeze solution in the heating system.Someone mentioned it should be done every couple of years, and it is quite expensive to do.My van has recently had its third service and there was in mention of draining down the system and replacing fluid. Also I have previously topped it up with the antifreeze I put in my car,which I now understand can harm the system.Anyone got any views on this?

blueexpo97

26/3/2014 at 10:34am
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Ours is topped up at it's yearly service, never been any mention of a complete drain down and renewal.

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JTQU

26/3/2014 at 11:12am
Location: Hampshire
Outfit: Hymer Nova S

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It reflects very badly on the technical competence of both your dealers, that's the first observation.
The life of the "antifreeze" is infinite but that is definitely not so for the anti corrosion inhibitors within the product sold as antifreeze.
Having said that the metal mixes used in an Alde system don't in relative terms to some automotive applications put a big stain on corrosion inhibitors. So you getting more than two years without a massive problem comes as no surprise at all. The dealer knows by the time it does things are well out of warranty, and of course any claim would fail on negligence for failing to follow the makers advice; so it a potential win win situation, some time down the line a punter will be in costly trouble.
Should you change it, well yes that is Alde's recommendation. Do you need to, probably not but as the boiler cost over £1k and the alloy burner tube casting is the most probable failure area; well I leave that to you. I would not dream of missing this one, but then I used to design such equipment and specify the inhibitors.

I would if changing do as I have change to a 5 year life product. There are types now that can mix with older versions [well, most] and these meet VW spec G12++ [where the ++ is vitally important]. Comma G40 is a realilly available one from motor factors and Amazon etc.
It is fool hardy to mix standard 2 and 5 year products; very much better to select a brand and type and only use that; or change to a G12++ fluid.

Post last edited on 26/03/2014 11:19:58

jsparkes201148

26/3/2014 at 11:35am
Location: Stockton on Tees
Outfit: Lunar Clubman SB Kia Sorento

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WOW ! I wonder how many people with Alde Heating know this?
I remember when I bought my van ,new, i asked and was told by the salesperson to top it up with diluted antifreeze....which I have done!

JTQU

26/3/2014 at 11:55am
Location: Hampshire
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All those owners that read the Alde handbook, which ought to be supplied with the van, know.
That a "salesperson" in a caravan dealership does not know comes as no surprise; they typically would not waste time knowing about the product they are selling.
However the service department should be very much better informed, its their responsibility to know what needs servicing, hence my comment on the dealers technical competence, well lack of it. I don't think the NCC include it in their service shedule, but again no surprises there, this is after all the caravan industry where they represent the trade, and its operating standards!

Bill Terry

26/3/2014 at 12:28pm
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The G12 spec does give a 5 yr protection, So i guess its up to you to either drain down or add a stronger mix of anti freeze, personaly, It will aft to be a drain down, which is going to be a pain for me to do,Large twin axle, and the van sited and on axle stands, (reason) You need to tip the van so its not level to get the air out the system.

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Roughing it in style at Calloose caravan and camping holiday park nr St Ives.(seasonal pitch)
Its not a hangover, its wine flu!

nant mill.N/Wales
just dont go there.

Bill Terry

26/3/2014 at 12:46pm
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I have just had a peep on alde site, questions and answers, just came across this one But i wont be drianing down, and i am there 6 to 7 months in the van.
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What general maintenance and consumables are there?

    The vendor should provide a maintenance schedule, though the following can be assumed:

    The ethylene glycol antifreeze is a consumable and will need replacing before its protection expires. Most UK OEMs use silicate-containing antifreeze with 2-year protection from new.

    Seasonally inspect the boiler's flue hoses. Check that the hoses are still secured and undamaged, and that they're clear and free of obstruction. Contact your vendor if the hose is damaged.

    When in constant use, completely drain and refill the fresh water system once a month.

    Safety and emissions tests should be carried out in accordance with local regulations.

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Roughing it in style at Calloose caravan and camping holiday park nr St Ives.(seasonal pitch)
Its not a hangover, its wine flu!

nant mill.N/Wales
just dont go there.

JTQU

26/3/2014 at 1:13pm
Location: Hampshire
Outfit: Hymer Nova S

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Quote: Originally posted by Bill Terry on 26/3/2014
The G12 spec does give a 5 yr protection, So i guess its up to you to either drain down or add a stronger mix of anti freeze, personaly, It will aft to be a drain down, which is going to be a pain for me to do,Large twin axle, and the van sited and on axle stands, (reason) You need to tip the van so its not level to get the air out the system.

It is not G12 but specifically G12++, that is needed.
It is wrong to "add a stronger mix", in that the heat transfer properties of the ethylene glycol solution degrade fast over a 50/50 concentration. That could bring its own problems.

Tipping the van to "help" the trapped air move to one end and therefore hopefully to a bleeder can "help" but I did not find it essential. I expect it depends on how the pipework is routed.

Al+Mel

26/3/2014 at 1:15pm
Location: Hants
Outfit: Fleetwood Heritage 640 EB & ML270

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I drained, flushed and refilled our system with 5 year life stuff last year. Not difficult and worth it for peace of mind.

Bill Terry

26/3/2014 at 2:04pm
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sorry thats wot i mean G12++

I found when i bought the van from the dealer (new) and got it on site, The pump was noisy, Thats when i tipped the van nose down so the air went towards the header tank, sorted it self out then.

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Roughing it in style at Calloose caravan and camping holiday park nr St Ives.(seasonal pitch)
Its not a hangover, its wine flu!

nant mill.N/Wales
just dont go there.

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