Leaking cascade water heater

[Bob_374346079]

The cold water inlet on my carver cascade 2 leaks when I turn the cold tap on. Can anyone suggest what the problem is.

 

[rayc]

Robert, do you mean it leaks the the pump inlet or the inlet to the heater itself?

 

[Bob_374346079]

I have only just bought the van yesterday and after further inspection can see the plastic cold inlet has fractured leaving the threaded end in the heater. I have also noticed that the frost drain was not removed which could have caused the problem.

 

[Bob_374346079]

I have only just bought the van yesterday and after further inspection can see the plastic cold inlet has fractured leaving the threaded end in the heater. I have also noticed that the frost drain was not removed which could have caused the problem.

Ref the heater does any one know the best way to get the plastic thread out and where can you get a new one from.

 

[Damian]

Hello Robert,

First and easy bit, the inlet and hot water outlet should be available from your dealer or if not try here:

http://www.leisureshopdirect.com/caravan/water/Carver_water_heater_parts.aspx
They are available from them, make sure you get both , inlet and outlet, they are different, the inlet has a non return valve in the end, a small white "ball", the outlet has no valve in it.

The more difficult part.

The heater will probably have to come out to get enough access to the inlet and outlet connections, which means breaking the gas connection, which means having a gas competent fitter do it, and reconnect it.

As you remove the heater you will need to unplug the control cable from the rear of the burner module, remember to reconnect it when replacing the heater, and give the plug and socket a squirt of contact cleaner while they are disconnected.

Once out of the van, use either a narrow padsaw with a tapered point, or a junior hacksaw with one of the locating lugs removed from one end , and some kind of handle at the other.

Very gently put the saw into the central hole left where the connection has broken, and gently saw through the plastic.

Take GREAT care to not cut into the metal thread, you will feel a difference and hear when you reach the metal.

Make 4 or 5 cuts opposite each other around the internal circumference of the broken valve , then using a small flat bladed screwdriver, and a small hammer, tap out one segment, followed by the others.

Make sure the 'O' ring is removed as well, clean up the threaded hole gently with a rough cloth but do not use wire wool or anything to damage the threads.

The hot water outlet goes at the top of the heater, the cold, with non return valve at the bottom.

Put a smear of silicone grease on the thread of the new valves and screw in just about hand tight, enough to compress the new 'O ' ring and create a water seal, but not hard enough to damage the new valves.

It IS worth replacing both while the heater is out!

Replace the heater in the van , using new sealing mastic and get the gas reconnected, as well as the water, and the control cable.

Hope this helps

 

[ProfJohnL]

Hello Robert

Further to Damians comments, if the damages to the inlet has been caused by frost, there is a strong possibility that the main tank of the heater has also been distorted Such damage leads to leaks around the main tank 'O'ring seals.

A good tank will be held snugly by the large nut on the dished end of the tank. (If you have the Cascade GE version this is located under the mains electrical connections box on the end of the tank) If there is any slack, or the large end of the tank moves where it meets the main casting then the tank is suspect.

Replacement tanks are available form some caravan dealers, or check with the web site that Damian has suggested.

 

[Bob_374346079]

Hello Robert,

First and easy bit, the inlet and hot water outlet should be available from your dealer or if not try here:

http://www.leisureshopdirect.com/caravan/water/Carver_water_heater_parts.aspx
They are available from them, make sure you get both , inlet and outlet, they are different, the inlet has a non return valve in the end, a small white "ball", the outlet has no valve in it.

The more difficult part.

The heater will probably have to come out to get enough access to the inlet and outlet connections, which means breaking the gas connection, which means having a gas competent fitter do it, and reconnect it.

As you remove the heater you will need to unplug the control cable from the rear of the burner module, remember to reconnect it when replacing the heater, and give the plug and socket a squirt of contact cleaner while they are disconnected.

Once out of the van, use either a narrow padsaw with a tapered point, or a junior hacksaw with one of the locating lugs removed from one end , and some kind of handle at the other.

Very gently put the saw into the central hole left where the connection has broken, and gently saw through the plastic.

Take GREAT care to not cut into the metal thread, you will feel a difference and hear when you reach the metal.

Make 4 or 5 cuts opposite each other around the internal circumference of the broken valve , then using a small flat bladed screwdriver, and a small hammer, tap out one segment, followed by the others.

Make sure the 'O' ring is removed as well, clean up the threaded hole gently with a rough cloth but do not use wire wool or anything to damage the threads.

The hot water outlet goes at the top of the heater, the cold, with non return valve at the bottom.

Put a smear of silicone grease on the thread of the new valves and screw in just about hand tight, enough to compress the new 'O ' ring and create a water seal, but not hard enough to damage the new valves.

It IS worth replacing both while the heater is out!

Replace the heater in the van , using new sealing mastic and get the gas reconnected, as well as the water, and the control cable.

Hope this helps

Thank you both for your advice i have a go

 

[gary]

Can I add, when you buy the parts from www.arcsystems.biz you get an original of the help sheet on which Damian's advice is based!! few words but a series of colour pictures taking you through step by step.

As John says the tank can be distorted and pushed back by frost damage, however as new tanks are almost if not extinct now, Arc Systems can also reset the tank as good as new on a jig.