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Topic: Manabloc Fittings (Read 1291 times) previous topic - next topic

Manabloc Fittings

It looks like I will be replacing our Manabloc. The bottom plate has a crack and is leaking. It looks fairly simple if the new Manabloc has the same type fitting as the one on our '03 U320. Does anybody know if the same fitting configuration is available? The threads that I've read appear to have had to crimp new fittings on.
Brad & Melanie
2003 U320 3820 1st timer
'97 TJ and/or '85 CJ7

Re: Manabloc Fittings

Reply #1 –
Brad, not sure about the replacement, but mine had a crack in the body of the manifold as well as a broken threaded nipple for the cold water outside faucet.  I put a Tee in the cold water bathroom faucet line and now have them both on one valve.
For the body crack, I drained it to, lightly sanded around the cracked area and used JB Weld on the crack.  Did two coats just to be sure.
It has held solid for almost two years.  Hasn't leaked a drop.
Mark & Bev
2001 U295 36' Slide
Cummins ISC 8.3 350HP
Build #5802
Jeep Wrangler Toad

Re: Manabloc Fittings

Reply #2 –
I have consider trying to repair it but the crack goes from top to bottom of the lower plate. I think I would have to remove the plate to repair it. That's when I got to thinking if the new Manabloc goes on as easy as the old one comes off I might be better off just replacing it.
Brad & Melanie
2003 U320 3820 1st timer
'97 TJ and/or '85 CJ7

Re: Manabloc Fittings

Reply #3 –
Unless you're flat broke I suggest you replace it. What are leaking in the bottom of the wet Bay will destroy things faster than you can blink an eye. Well maybe not that fast but still don't mess around with water leaks just get it replaced. As far as the mana block connections are concerned they should be crimped on. The rubber washers inside will go bad after 10 to 20 years and should have new fittings applied.
'99 U320 40 WTFE
Build #5462,
1500 Watts Solar 600 amp Victron lithium
2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland Hemi
Instagram bobfnbw
Retired

Re: Manabloc Fittings

Reply #5 –
If you crack is that long, I would definitely replace the whole unit. 
When I removed mine, the crack was very small.  All of my fittings were 1/2" thread on fittings, which were crimped to tubing. I was able to unscrew all the fittings, make the repair, remount it, and screw all the tubing fittings back on.
Mark & Bev
2001 U295 36' Slide
Cummins ISC 8.3 350HP
Build #5802
Jeep Wrangler Toad

Re: Manabloc Fittings

Reply #6 –
When I replace mine, I had to crimp a few new lines on because the spacing on the new Mani-Block connections was slightly bigger than the old.  Took a little extra time but very doable.

They make a tool that makes reusing the PEX connector fittings a lot easier.

Rich
Rich and Peggy Bowman
2002 U270 3610 WTFS, build #5939--"Freedom"
2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit 4xe
SMI AirForceOne brake system
PakCanoe 15

Re: Manabloc Fittings

Reply #7 –
Quote from: Rich Bowman –
When I replace mine, I had to crimp a few new lines on because the spacing on the new Mani-Block connections was slightly bigger than the old.  Took a little extra time but very doable.

They make a tool that makes reusing the PEX connector fittings a lot easier.

Rich
  Thanks Rich. Looks like I will need to find that tool. I didn't think about the spacing being different. That explains the need for crimping fittings. My current Manablock is a 12 port with 2 inlets on top and on bottom. It seems most of the new ones only have one port on bottom. Did you have the 12 or 14 port Manablock? What did you replace it with? I am only using 5 hot water ports. I think the 2nd bottom port is just for hot water drain and I could plum that to the unused port.
Brad & Melanie
2003 U320 3820 1st timer
'97 TJ and/or '85 CJ7

Re: Manabloc Fittings

Reply #8 –
Quote from: WS6_Keith –
Found this page with a quick search:  http://www.supplyhouse.com/Viega-MANABLOC-Brass-PEX-Crimp-763000

Good find!  I paid more than that for a used Manabloc from Visone.
2001 4010 U320 build #5865 "Bluto-d-Bus" since 09/18
2006 Honda Element ESP Toad
Full timing since 2016 in Western MT
Copilot: Sitka
1975 GMC 260 Avion: sold

Re: Manabloc Fittings

Reply #9 –
I have 7 outlets on each side and two on top that go to and from the water heater.  I don't remember what it looked like before.

Here is the crimp cutter.

https://www.supplyhouse.com/Bluefin-PXCRCUT-2-PEX-Ring-Cutter-1-2-5-8-3-4-and-1?gclid=CjwKCAjw5c6LBhBdEiwAP9ejG1F6gwZaF-lDquPx-fVynAW9NKeF5ivR3HyHfDntIgCNPIEAvbd43RoC30EQAvD_BwE

Rich
Rich and Peggy Bowman
2002 U270 3610 WTFS, build #5939--"Freedom"
2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit 4xe
SMI AirForceOne brake system
PakCanoe 15

Re: Manabloc Fittings

Reply #10 –
Update: I called Viega customer support. They were very helpful. They had me send them a picture and said they would custom build it. I was thinking lots of money. He emailed me back it was right at $200 including 2nd day shipping. I just received it and it looks exactly like what I had. I shouldn't need cut or modify any of my plumbing. I'll post final results after it is installed.
Brad & Melanie
2003 U320 3820 1st timer
'97 TJ and/or '85 CJ7
 

Re: Manabloc Fittings

Reply #11 –
The install was a breeze. All the port spacing was exactly the same. I used the existing couplers so no cutting or extending Pex lines. I'll give Viega customer support a 10! Before and after pictures below.

https://www.foreforums.com/index.php?action=dlattach;sa=tmpattach;attach=post_tmp_5985_4a6f7c3b6441823b2ebc300c5df7acfd;topic=43417

https://www.foreforums.com/index.php?action=dlattach;sa=tmpattach;attach=post_tmp_5985_ba0393f99e47f92dc2f50f6f029a492c;topic=43417

https://www.foreforums.com/index.php?action=dlattach;sa=tmpattach;attach=post_tmp_5985_57bd686b6e0a9275c8279d457fbc1385;topic=43417

https://www.foreforums.com/index.php?action=dlattach;sa=tmpattach;attach=post_tmp_5985_edb4c0fbf8af98e555cbdd841454f2ab;topic=43417
Brad & Melanie
2003 U320 3820 1st timer
'97 TJ and/or '85 CJ7