Alde Fluid Level - Getting a bit worried

[Dorset Diver]

When cold the fluid level in my header tank is within the max / min marks, at about two fifths of the way up the tank. When hot it is getting close to completely full, just a smidgen of air above. The last thing I want is it overflowing from the breather pipe; very messy. Any constructive comments / advice?

 

[funflair]

Ours is just above min when cold, and yes it does rise but stays in the reservoir. If it's coming up more than you think it should it might be worth trying to bleed a couple of rads and see if there is any air in the system (air will expand more than water when it warms up)

Martin

 

[Tweedie]

Don't know if this is any help to you but just checked our Alde manual and it says fluid should only be 1cm above min mark when the system is cold.

 

[Dorset Diver]

Thanks @funflair that sound worth a try. In this cooler weather we use the engine heat exchanger to warm the van and water as we travel. I would like to think that any air in the system gets pumped around, finds its way into the header tank and is discharged up the breather pipe, but perhaps I am wishing for too much.

Since posting I tried running the engine preheat pump for five minutes and the level dropped about 1 cm but not sure why.

 

[Dorset Diver]

Don't know if this is any help to you but just checked our Alde manual and it says fluid should only be 1cm above min mark when the system is cold.

Thanks. That is just about where it is.

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[funflair]

Thanks @funflair that sound worth a try. In this cooler weather we use the engine heat exchanger to warm the van and water as we travel. I would like to think that any air in the system gets pumped around and finds its way into the header tank and is discharged up the breather pipe, but perhaps I am wishing for too much.

Since posting I tried running the engine preheat pump for five minutes and the level dropped about 1 cm but not sure why.

Because you cooled the Alde system by running cold engine water through the heat exchanger I guess.

Martin

 

[funflair]

Thanks @funflair that sound worth a try. In this cooler weather we use the engine heat exchanger to warm the van and water as we travel. I would like to think that any air in the system gets pumped around and finds its way into the header tank and is discharged up the breather pipe, but perhaps I am wishing for too much.

Would be nice if it did but the pipes from the header go down to the boiler in the floor or wherever it is so the radiators are the highest point and that's where the air is going to stay.

Martin

 

[Dorset Diver]

Would be nice if it did but the pipes from the header go down to the boiler in the floor or wherever it is so the radiators are the highest point and that's where the air is going to stay.

Martin

You are of course correct. I guess I shall have to go hunting for bleed valves at the highest point(s).

 

[funflair]

You are of course correct. I guess I shall have to go hunting for bleed valves at the highest point(s).

Happy hunting

There should be a rubber fitting on the end of each radiator/convector with the bleed valve in it(or there is on ours).

If it gets cold enough to put ours on tonight I will see how high it goes.

Martin

 

[Dorset Diver]

Just had a look and found two reasonably accessible valves that must be in the highest place. We have a double bed above the garage and there is a pipe that rises at each side and travels across the bed head just under the mattress; the valves are in each corner. Should I heat the system then bleed or do it when it is cold? Sorry to have to ask but I don't have the instructions with me.

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[tonyidle]

Hot or cold doesn't matter but switch it off whilst bleeding.

 

[tonyidle]

Hot or cold doesn't matter but switch it off whilst bleeding.

 

[funflair]

Not really cold enough, but with a little bit of heat in the system ours has gone up about 20 mm.

Sorry but I'm not wishing it to get any colder just to check.

Martin

 

[Dorset Diver]

Not really cold enough, but with a little bit of heat in the system ours has gone up about 20 mm.

Sorry but I'm not wishing it to get any colder just to check.

Martin

No problem. Thanks for trying. It sounds as if you are somewhere warmer than Somerset .

 

[funflair]

No problem. Thanks for trying. It sounds as if you are somewhere warmer than Somerset .

Spain.

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}