Title: AquaHot coolant leak - inside main case
Post by: AC7880 on February 09, 2025, 03:19:08 pm
Post by: AC7880 on February 09, 2025, 03:19:08 pm
Looks like I have a AquaHot coolant leak inside the main center case.
Level on the overflow bottle is dropping 1" plus per day. See visible seeping below the case. Smell the coolant in the bay.
No drips under coach.
Seepage burns away and never drips under coach. Overflow bottle was full to line yesterday, 24 hour loss shows in currrent level. 2 photos show where the seepage is.
I'll PM Rudy in a minute as well.
Level on the overflow bottle is dropping 1" plus per day. See visible seeping below the case. Smell the coolant in the bay.
No drips under coach.
Seepage burns away and never drips under coach. Overflow bottle was full to line yesterday, 24 hour loss shows in currrent level. 2 photos show where the seepage is.
I'll PM Rudy in a minute as well.
Title: Re: AquaHot coolant leak - inside main case
Post by: AC7880 on February 09, 2025, 05:19:35 pm
Post by: AC7880 on February 09, 2025, 05:19:35 pm
Title: Re: AquaHot coolant leak - inside main case
Post by: AC7880 on February 09, 2025, 05:25:01 pm
Post by: AC7880 on February 09, 2025, 05:25:01 pm
Longer term, 95% sure I will have Rudy and his crew install a John Carrillo rebuilt (reman) AH unit in late May to early June (in Katy TX). Even if the stop leak works, I see that as short term, and don't want a future failure in winter weather.
I'm also due tires this year, now at 7 years on the Continental HSL2Eco H rated. Due Cummins, Gen, and chassis service as well this year.
Going to be an expensive year.
I'm also due tires this year, now at 7 years on the Continental HSL2Eco H rated. Due Cummins, Gen, and chassis service as well this year.
Going to be an expensive year.
Title: Re: AquaHot coolant leak - inside main case
Post by: craneman on February 09, 2025, 06:07:25 pm
Post by: craneman on February 09, 2025, 06:07:25 pm
You need to look inside. It might be something much simpler than a new tank.
Title: Re: AquaHot coolant leak - inside main case
Post by: AC7880 on February 09, 2025, 06:58:21 pm
Post by: AC7880 on February 09, 2025, 06:58:21 pm
You need to look inside. It might be something much simpler than a new tank.
I'm not sure how to look inside. I looked down from the neck fill, and pulled the cover over the electric element and looked in there. My outside cover has been off for a year or so. Inside metal cover looks riveted on.
Title: Re: AquaHot coolant leak - inside main case
Post by: craneman on February 09, 2025, 08:42:55 pm
Post by: craneman on February 09, 2025, 08:42:55 pm
Look for DSD's post on rebuilding the AH.
Title: Re: AquaHot coolant leak - inside main case
Post by: Woody & Sitka on February 09, 2025, 08:43:53 pm
Post by: Woody & Sitka on February 09, 2025, 08:43:53 pm
Don't experiment with automotive radiator stop leak like Bar's...you may clog everything in the system. Use a product designed for hyrdronic cast iron boiler leaks. I used Silver King anti-foaming Safe sealant successfully. Amazon.com: Silver King SBSL 1 Quart SAFE LIQUID BOILER STOP LEAK With... (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0714HLLLK?ref=nb_sb_ss_w_as-reorder_k0_1_20&=&crid=6ZSMH6SJMI65&=&sprefix=silver+king+stop+lea)
[attach type=thumb]139589[/attach]Short term is attempt to slow the leak using Barrs Stop Leak
Title: Re: AquaHot coolant leak - inside main case
Post by: dsd on February 10, 2025, 12:51:56 am
Post by: dsd on February 10, 2025, 12:51:56 am
Look for DSD's post on rebuilding the AH.
Title: Re: AquaHot coolant leak - inside main case
Post by: dsd on February 10, 2025, 12:55:51 am
Post by: dsd on February 10, 2025, 12:55:51 am
So I did not work on the boiler internally. Just the transfer coils outside of the burner. I did have a coolant loop leak for the engine loop. It was external and was a cold solder joint.
Title: Re: AquaHot coolant leak - inside main case
Post by: Michelle on February 10, 2025, 08:15:49 am
Post by: Michelle on February 10, 2025, 08:15:49 am
So I did not work on the boiler internally. Just the transfer coils outside of the burner.
Dan's being an '03 has a different AquaHot than a 2001. I believe the domestic coils are internal - or at least in contact with the heat transfer fluid (and the fluid is thus GRAS boiler fluid, not ELC antifreeze.)
Title: Re: AquaHot coolant leak - inside main case
Post by: craneman on February 10, 2025, 08:41:31 am
Post by: craneman on February 10, 2025, 08:41:31 am
There still would be copper pipes inside the box that could be leaking.
Title: Re: AquaHot coolant leak - inside main case
Post by: Beerslayer_24 on February 10, 2025, 09:43:13 am
Post by: Beerslayer_24 on February 10, 2025, 09:43:13 am
If that '03 AquaHot has a radiator filler cap, I would be taking a close look at the filler neck area. It is a known source for leaks.
Bob
Bob
Title: Re: AquaHot coolant leak - inside main case
Post by: AC7880 on February 10, 2025, 10:10:24 am
Post by: AC7880 on February 10, 2025, 10:10:24 am
If that '03 AquaHot has a radiator filler cap, I would be taking a close look at the filler neck area. It is a known source for leaks.
Bob
Title: Re: AquaHot coolant leak - inside main case
Post by: e4services on February 11, 2025, 11:11:42 am
Post by: e4services on February 11, 2025, 11:11:42 am
I have had two such leak puddles like that over the years. One was a cracked sensor body, the other it was the radiator cap would seep when hot. I found that one when I felt the insulation was wet at the neck
Title: Re: AquaHot coolant leak - inside main case
Post by: AC7880 on February 11, 2025, 09:56:12 pm
Post by: AC7880 on February 11, 2025, 09:56:12 pm
I have had two such leak puddles like that over the years. One was a cracked sensor body, the other it was the radiator cap would seep when hot. I found that one when I felt the insulation was wet at the neck
Title: Re: AquaHot coolant leak - inside main case
Post by: AC7880 on February 12, 2025, 02:28:45 pm
Post by: AC7880 on February 12, 2025, 02:28:45 pm
Don't experiment with automotive radiator stop leak like Bar's...you may clog everything in the system. Use a product designed for hyrdronic cast iron boiler leaks. I used Silver King anti-foaming Safe sealant successfully. Amazon.com: Silver King SBSL 1 Quart SAFE LIQUID BOILER STOP LEAK With... (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0714HLLLK?ref=nb_sb_ss_w_as-reorder_k0_1_20&=&crid=6ZSMH6SJMI65&=&sprefix=silver+king+stop+lea)
By the time I had read your post, I already had used the Barrs Tablets in the photo I posted (i had them on hand). I used the entire pack - which says treats 3 gallons (AH is around 15 gallons). I crushed them and mixed it with coolant to install.
So far so good, new post coming.
Title: Re: AquaHot coolant leak - inside main case
Post by: AC7880 on February 12, 2025, 02:46:58 pm
Post by: AC7880 on February 12, 2025, 02:46:58 pm
3 days ago I used the Barrs stop leak tablets that I posted the photo of the empty package (above).
Seepage is stopped and coolant overflow bottle no longer dropping level. Might last, may not. New leaks may occur, or may not.
Now the big decision. Trust the stop leak long term and do not replace the AH this year. Or bite the bullet and replace it now (early June) as PM to prevent a future failure in cold weather.
No way to view current failure point and see if it looks like it may fail in multiple locations.
On the Cummins radiator, I had seepage, used the same stop leak, and had no further issues (used twice, once on old coolant, and once again after all new coolant). That seepage appeared to be around the end tanks. So it worked and is working long term on main engine radiator.
Any thought on what to de regards replacing with rebuilt AH this June, or to let it go with the stop leak as is?
Seepage is stopped and coolant overflow bottle no longer dropping level. Might last, may not. New leaks may occur, or may not.
Now the big decision. Trust the stop leak long term and do not replace the AH this year. Or bite the bullet and replace it now (early June) as PM to prevent a future failure in cold weather.
No way to view current failure point and see if it looks like it may fail in multiple locations.
On the Cummins radiator, I had seepage, used the same stop leak, and had no further issues (used twice, once on old coolant, and once again after all new coolant). That seepage appeared to be around the end tanks. So it worked and is working long term on main engine radiator.
Any thought on what to de regards replacing with rebuilt AH this June, or to let it go with the stop leak as is?
Title: Re: AquaHot coolant leak - inside main case
Post by: AC7880 on February 12, 2025, 02:49:08 pm
Post by: AC7880 on February 12, 2025, 02:49:08 pm
I used Silver King anti-foaming Safe sealant successfully.
Title: Re: AquaHot coolant leak - inside main case
Post by: Peter on February 12, 2025, 09:36:15 pm
Post by: Peter on February 12, 2025, 09:36:15 pm
I used the silver king sealant as well when I notice a VERY minor seep through the bottom by the exhaust.
It has worked magnificently
No issues.
It has worked magnificently
No issues.
Title: Re: AquaHot coolant leak - inside main case
Post by: Michelle on February 12, 2025, 09:49:20 pm
Post by: Michelle on February 12, 2025, 09:49:20 pm
Don't experiment with automotive radiator stop leak like Bar's...you may clog everything in the system. Use a product designed for hyrdronic cast iron boiler leaks. I used Silver King anti-foaming Safe sealant successfully. Amazon.com: Silver King SBSL 1 Quart SAFE LIQUID BOILER STOP LEAK With... (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0714HLLLK?ref=nb_sb_ss_w_as-reorder_k0_1_20&=&crid=6ZSMH6SJMI65&=&sprefix=silver+king+stop+lea)
If "safe" means NSF/potable, it might be okay for the 2003 and newer AquaHots. When I Googled it, one link stated not to use in boilers with submerged coils, though. Which also makes me wonder about Bar's...
Title: Re: AquaHot coolant leak - inside main case
Post by: Woody & Sitka on February 13, 2025, 12:09:05 am
Post by: Woody & Sitka on February 13, 2025, 12:09:05 am
Just don't drink the water out of the tap without running it through an RO filter. Case closed.
Title: Re: AquaHot coolant leak - inside main case
Post by: erniee on February 13, 2025, 08:29:55 am
Post by: erniee on February 13, 2025, 08:29:55 am
I added that to my Coach radiator 3 years ago. Still no leaks