Alde 3020 heater problem

[traficman]

Hi all just getting my caravan ready for Easter everything working except for the heating,the caravan is 14 months old serviced in Feb. Tried all the tips in the service manual like bleeding levelling the caravan and front of the caravan up and down to remove airlocks. The pump on the unit is running and have turned the speed up and down .I am a retired heating engineer so know how combi and old heat only boilers work. Has anybody had a problem with the pump on this model ? The caravan is a Bailey Unicorn 3 and I found the 3 bleed points and they all have water in them and the tank is at Max. Typical Bailey 1Yr warranty on this appliance. My last Bailey had a Truma system with 3yrs warranty

Bailey Unicorn S3 and Volvo R-Design

 

[Damian]

If you have owned the van from new, then you have a 3 year warranty on the heating system, just as you have on all other appliances fitted during build of van.
Your dealer is obliged to fix it for you.
However, the tank should only be just above minimum when COLD, and just up to max when HOT

Your assertion " Typical Bailey 1Yr warranty on this appliance" is wrong and misleading.

Extract from Bailey Warranty on Touring Caravans

3 Year Manufacturer’s Warranty

For a period of twenty-four (24) months from the initial date of purchase Bailey of Bristol offer a comprehensive warranty on all parts and components as well as full coverage for any manufacturing faults forming part of the original specification of the vehicle, with the following specified exceptions:

The following items are covered for one (1) year from the date of first registration  Microwave Ovens  Pioneer Stereo Radio/CD/MP3 Players & Speakers

The manufacturer’s warranty then extends to an additional twelve (12) months on the following items.

 Chassis: all chassis members including corner steadies  Suspension: axle suspension and braking system (excluding any damage to or faults in brake drums and shoes that are caused through misuse of the braking system or from normal wear and tear)  Running Gear: road wheels (excluding tyres)  Towing Mechanism: all mechanical components fitted to vehicle (excluding electrics)  Cooker: the cooker unit including burners, grill, oven, flame failure device and igniter
 Refrigerator: door seal condenser, gas control valve, gas igniter, flame failure device,12 and 230v heater elements, gas thermostat, 230v thermostat and 230v temperature control switch  Water System: water heater (gas or electric), fresh water tank, water pump, water  gauges, taps and shower head  Electrical System: mains hook up input connector, ELCB, battery charger and  distributor unit and interior lighting units (excluding bulbs)  Cassette Toilet: the cassette toilet is covered (excluding seals, valves and glands)  Heating System: thermostat, motor, switches, control unit, gas heater, flame failure  device and igniter (excluding ducting and fittings)  Windows: the functionality of the opening and closing system (stays, handles and catches) and a warranty against the cracking of the acrylic  Upholstery: zips, seams and colour fastness

 

[JTQ]

Is it an airlock issue causing no flow around the circuit or is the boiler not getting hot?

 

[traficman]

Hi JTQ The water heater is working fine but when you put the heating on it does not circulate but the boiler is heating up.

 

[JTQ]

Hi JTQ The water heater is working fine but when you put the heating on it does not circulate but the boiler is heating up.

Then it is 99% likely to still be an airlock as the pump if rotating can't fail to develop a bit of head. Others might be able to confirm that there are only the three bleeders in your van. My Hymer had 5 and I had no trouble fully bleeding it after a fluid change.
Alde sell the trade a purging pump that develops a lot more head than the circulating pump so can flush through air locks. Your dealer ought to have one and so purge it if you can't by bleeding. Once purged it is a good idea to really get things very hot to best clear all the air via the header so it does not precipitate out again and cause another air-lock in early life. Once really sorted it does not seem to reoccur, but I have know of several that were not well done air locking a short while later, [poor PDIs IMO]