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Topic: Is it ok to run Hydro Hot on a winterized coach  (Read 719 times) previous topic - next topic

Is it ok to run Hydro Hot on a winterized coach

I am new to this group and have searched and not found an answer to this.  I am in the process of buying a 2006 Nimbus 340, the coach is winterized and I am wanting to know if there is any reason not to run the Hydro Hot if the coach is winterized.
If the facts disprove the theory, trust the facts and get a new theory!
Matt & Kim Wilhelmson
2006 Nimbus 340

Re: Is it ok to run Hydro Hot on a winterized coach

Reply #1 –
Quote from: Driver –
I am wanting to know if there is any reason not to run the Hydro Hot if the coach is winterized.

Welcome to the group.

The simple answer is no.
Or to answer it like the topic states Yes run it as the domestic water side is completely separate from the coach heating side, yet they are tied together at the same heating source.

Mike
Pamela & Mike 97 U 320

"It's not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters."

Re: Is it ok to run Hydro Hot on a winterized coach

Reply #2 –
Thanks Mike.  Haven't owned a coach since I sold my 1993 Beaver in 2005 so may have a lot of questions.
If the facts disprove the theory, trust the facts and get a new theory!
Matt & Kim Wilhelmson
2006 Nimbus 340

Re: Is it ok to run Hydro Hot on a winterized coach

Reply #3 –
Running the water pump would also show if you have any leaks once it is pressurized. Don't need to run any fluid, just pressurize and check for leaks

Re: Is it ok to run Hydro Hot on a winterized coach

Reply #4 –
Quote from: Driver –
Haven't owned a coach since I sold my 1993 Beaver in 2005 so may have a lot of questions.

Questions are good. Most of the time one of us has some experience with your problem, so no need to reinvent the wheel.

Mike
Pamela & Mike 97 U 320

"It's not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters."

Re: Is it ok to run Hydro Hot on a winterized coach

Reply #5 –
My answer to your question is maybe, because so much depends on what the previous owner and his tech thought of as "winterized."

You heating system* should be filled with a non-poisonous anti-freeze solution.

If yes, then no.

*The heating system is separate from the potable water system with the exception of the heat exchanger for potable hot water.

1992 Foretravel Grand Villa
U225 SBID Build No. 4134
1986 Rockwood Driftwood
1968 S.I.A.T.A. Spring
1962 Studebaker Lark
1986 Honda VF700C
1983 Honda VF750C
Charlie, the Dog was broken out of jail 24 Oct 2023
N1RPN
AA1OH (H)e who must be obeyed.

Re: Is it ok to run Hydro Hot on a winterized coach

Reply #6 –
Driver, once in possession of the coach, turn the diesel burner on and let it fire.  Go outside and look at the exhaust pipe.  The exhaust should be clean and clear.  If smelly and/or smokey, service the Webasto burner.

Once you have established a clean and clear exhaust, run the diesel burner once per month, every month, year round, no excuse, period.  Doing so keeps fresh diesel on the nozzle so the nozzle does not get clogged with congealed diesel.

Don't forget to add your coach to your profile.  Congrats on your purchase.
Rudy Legett
2003 U320 4010 ISM 450 hp
2001 U320 4220 ISM 450 hp
1995 U320 M11 400 hp
1990 Granvilla 300 hp 3208T
Aqua Hot Service Houston and Southeast Texas

Re: Is it ok to run Hydro Hot on a winterized coach

Reply #7 –
You have now heard from the expert on AH's    (Rudy) 

Pay attention to the run unit at least once a month all year long. I have seen many people not doing that and when they need to turn the unit on it does not work. 
2014 ih45  (4th Foretravel owned)
 1997 36' U295 Sold in 2020, owned for 19 years
  U240 36' Sold to insurance company after melting in garage fire
    33' Foretravel on Dodge Chassis  Sold very long time ago

Re: Is it ok to run Hydro Hot on a winterized coach

Reply #8 –
This is awesome that there are members that answer questions and help that do this for a living (Rudy).  Thank you I will do just that.  Do you also recommend a new nozzle and filter as yearly maintenance?
If the facts disprove the theory, trust the facts and get a new theory!
Matt & Kim Wilhelmson
2006 Nimbus 340

Re: Is it ok to run Hydro Hot on a winterized coach

Reply #9 –
I'd be interested in what others have to say about annual burner service.  Truth be told my practice was to run the AquaHot almost monthly but stretch the burner service to 2 years if I didn't see smoke or soot. I did replace my fuel filter annually.  The most we used our AquaHot was 3 month/year.  That worked fine for me over the past dozen years.  Now I feel so guilty.  LOL.  I concede that the best practice is to follow factory recommendations, but I'm curious about what others do in practice given the runtime on their unit. 
Mark, Monique & Steven Hachigian
2004 36U295 Build No. 6239
2011 Honda CRV 4WD
2024 Dynamax Isata 5 30fw Xplorer

Re: Is it ok to run Hydro Hot on a winterized coach

Reply #10 –
Mark,  Annual service will most times catch clean burning problems for folks that do NOT run the burner once per month or more, more is better.  So before the burner starts faulting, annual service restores proper firing.

Now if one runs the burner once per month or more, fresh diesel stays on the nozzle, especially the stone filter on the nozzle, and proper clean and clear exhaust with a smooth roar occurs each time the burner cycles on.

For these folks, there is no operational reason to service the burner.  The burner may run 2, 3 and sometimes even 4 years before smelling and/or smoking starts which is a clear operational reason to service the burner.

Now, servicing the burner and then leaving it off for six months while the coach is stored for the northern winter season, will result in a burner that will not fire for the spring even though only 6 months has passed since service.  So annual service will not work for that situation, due to lack of frequent operation.

Hope this helps you decide when you wish to service your burner.  Congrats on providing good servcie to your burner.
Rudy Legett
2003 U320 4010 ISM 450 hp
2001 U320 4220 ISM 450 hp
1995 U320 M11 400 hp
1990 Granvilla 300 hp 3208T
Aqua Hot Service Houston and Southeast Texas

Re: Is it ok to run Hydro Hot on a winterized coach

Reply #11 –
Thank you for weighing in, Rudy.  That is some very practical wisdom.  I forgot how reassuring that "smooth roar" was every time I started the unit.  Your prose is nearly equal to your technical art!  All the best to you.
Mark, Monique & Steven Hachigian
2004 36U295 Build No. 6239
2011 Honda CRV 4WD
2024 Dynamax Isata 5 30fw Xplorer

Re: Is it ok to run Hydro Hot on a winterized coach

Reply #12 –
Please heed Rudy's advice. I had the smoke issue until I ran every month..especially during the frigid winter storage months in Canada. No more issues. I still get  the AH serviced yearly as a precaution
Peter    Alberta Canada
'98 U320 40'  Build 5359 M11 450 HP, Aqua hot, Blu Ox

Re: Is it ok to run Hydro Hot on a winterized coach

Reply #13 –
well Rudy is there any chance you can tell me where the fuel filter is for the hydro hot?  Definitely needs a nozzle and would like to replace fuel filter as well but there isn't one in the  compartment with the hydro hot. Also can I buy nozzle and filter from you?
If the facts disprove the theory, trust the facts and get a new theory!
Matt & Kim Wilhelmson
2006 Nimbus 340

Re: Is it ok to run Hydro Hot on a winterized coach

Reply #14 –
Well, starting in 2006, the new guys owning Foretravel moved stuff, so I have no idea where they put it.  Order the filter and nozzle from Aqua Hot, order several nozzles when you do that.  They are to low in cost to go to the UPS store to ship them.  But stop by my guest spot in far east Houston and I will sell them directly to you.  And I know where the locals go to eat.
Rudy Legett
2003 U320 4010 ISM 450 hp
2001 U320 4220 ISM 450 hp
1995 U320 M11 400 hp
1990 Granvilla 300 hp 3208T
Aqua Hot Service Houston and Southeast Texas

Re: Is it ok to run Hydro Hot on a winterized coach

Reply #15 –
Have you checked the bay in front of the left front wheel? That is where they were for a lot of years that I know up until 05. I haven't worked on anything newer than an 05.
previous 1984 35 ft ORED 250 HP 3208 Cat       
previous 1998 40 ft U295 CAI 325 hp Cummins
previous 2003 40 Ft u320 build #6140 450 Cummins M11.                                                         
1999 Mazda Miata
Ron, Nancy, Tipper the cat, Max The dog
1997 U 270 36 ft build number 5174 8.3 Cummins
 

Re: Is it ok to run Hydro Hot on a winterized coach

Reply #16 –
Yes sir that is where it is at.  I noticed that filter and when looking for the number on the filter I saw that it was the GAR-BER filter.
If the facts disprove the theory, trust the facts and get a new theory!
Matt & Kim Wilhelmson
2006 Nimbus 340