carver (mk111?) water filter

[lightfj]

I am now on my last (blue block ) filter for my carver water system. As these filters have not been available for a few years - I managed to get 3 of them before they disappeared - i now have to decide what to do to replace it.
Is it better to go back to the mk 11 crystal or is the ultrastore a better bet. Further does the conversion kit for the ultrastore a complete job or do you need extra bits.

 

[WoodlandsCamper]

Why bother with a filter? We haven't used one for years.

 

[ProfJohnL]

There is another approach to this. Do you actually need a filter?

If you are only caravanning in the UK and using properly managed sites, then then you should not even need to filter the water used in the caravans pipework. Granted sometimes the pipe work can introduce a smell or taste to water, which is why many people have a separate water container for drinks and cooking.

 

[paws]

Yes I agree,
I stopped using a filter about 8 or 9 years ago....
so far so good!
:lol: :lol:
Regards to all
paws

 

[lightfj]

I take your point but the filter is on the outside and if your remove it water pumps out onto the floor.
You can just link the two filter holes with blue or red pipe but then you cant close the flap.

 

[WoodlandsCamper]

Take the filter element out of its framework and just screw the frame back in.

 

[paws]

Yep, that's exactly what I did...saves a bit of cash as well, and that's always welcome
:cheer:
Regards to all
paws

 

[lightfj]

You cant leave the filter out without losing water.
If the blue block filter is broken apart to remove the element it doubt it would be possible to deal it again.

 

[WoodlandsCamper]

You only need the front part to form the waterproof seal with the outside (unless you have a different type of filter to us.

This type just keep the clear plastic and O ring for plugging the hole.

This type just leave out completely and refit the outer sealing cap.

 

[lightfj]

You're talking about the wrong filter (your picture is a MK 11 crystal). My filter is a square block, blue in colour with
2 tubes protruding which plug into 2 holes in the fitting. Leave the filter out and water just pumps out of one hole because there is no connection to the other hole which goes into the van. This system was introduced by carver circa 1999 and was discontinued some yeards ago when the went back to the crystal and then invented ultraflow.
If could get photos in here I would but I dont know how to.

 

[WoodlandsCamper]

If could get photos in here I would but I dont know how to.

Go to the 'Index' tab and then scroll down to (and select) 'Our Website'. There are various Stickies to help you.

 

[lightfj]

/ac350/lightfj/DSCF1703.jpghttp://[/img]Filter in
://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac350/lightfj/DSCF1702.jpg
filter removed -water will oump out of left hand hole
//i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac350/lightfj/DSCF1703.jpg

 

[lightfj]

this is the

filter

 

[lightfj]

this is without the filter - water pumps out of left hand hole.

 

[WoodlandsCamper]

Is there any way you can take the filter apart and remove the granules or whatever is inside? Perhaps cut it open at the seams and re-stick afterwards?

 

[Dustydog]

http://www.caravannersreunited.co.uk/carver-cascade-crystal-mk-3-filter-cartri_topic903.html
The above mod may help. You could then fit an in line filter elsewhere within the
system or do the mk 2 mod.

 

[lightfj]

Thanks for all your bright ideas.
I have been putting off doing anything for a long time as I got a few filters that a dealer wanted to get rid of - so I have been using each one until the granules started breaking up. As I'm now on the last one U thought it time to start investigating an alternative. I've had my van since 1999 and its still in good nick.
Have last year replaced the burner in the cascade ge and just this week replaced the fusible link. So the water heater should be good for another 16 years - heating element ws ckecked with a meggar and shows infinity insulation resistance.
The only outstanding jobs are a microswith on a tap and gritted rollers showing signs of wear may replace with alloy ones.
Thanks again to all and keep working on the problem solving
Cheers

 

[paws]

Yep ... its quite an easy mod, to cut out an access to the filter "internals" clear it completely and then reseal it and away you go...

If you like as the others have said you can fit an inline filter, if you think one is necessary.

if you want a "proper job" then you can get a conversion kit from the Mk3
(your existing set up) to the mk2.

This might sound odd, but the mk3 was a bit of a dud, the mk2 being much better and supplies are still available for it. (check in your locality first for availability)

Take a look here for an example of the conversion kit:

https://www.caravanaccessoryshop.co.uk/product/truma-ultraflow-conversion-kit-ivory/3120
The above are around £55 or so

You will also need a new pump pipe/connector, so all in all, it will be in excess of £100 just for the parts.

Woodlands Camper and Dustydog' s solution of modifying the existing filter is the cheapest solution followed by replacing the mk 3 with the mk 2.

However the cheapest solution is to take note of the solution to bad water quality, that was found in the navy in Nelson's time ( and before) and that is to:

drink beer!
:cheer: :cheer: :cheer:

Regards to all, and of course
Happy Caravanning
paws