Propex Malaga v Henry Water Heaters

[Andy_374377792]

Time to put this out to a vote. I need to replace my Carver Cascade 2GE water heater. On looking/Trailing through the internet I have two options, the Propex Malaga or the Henry - seems a strange name but there we go.

I am swayed by the propex as it holds more water and we have two small kids and washing them in the van is a bit easier & quicker for us than running to the shower block.

Power should be no issue as we tend to go with sites with a hook up - wife thing!!

Let me know your thoughts as i need to get this sorted before the new year.

andy

 

[gary]

I have to say you missed out a third option and that is to overhaul the Carver, done right it will way out last the Henry replacement.

The Malaga then is the only choice if you want to replace regardless, especially if you fancy that extra hot water. Only downside will be cost compared to overhauling your existing Cascade.

 

[Damian]

The Henry is a direct replacement, size and fitting wise, but needs new control box and loom,it uses almost identical parts as the old Carver which are becoming more scarce but I am not sure about Henry parts availability.

The Propex as you say is a bigger unit but has issues which I have issues with.

They are: The heat exchanger can become porous after a time and render the unit useless.

The drain is inadequate, very hard to locate and very time consuming draining for travel or winter lay up.

In my personal opinion you would be better going for the Truma Ultrastore in the 14 litre version if you have the necessary height allowance where your heater is.

They are more expensive but are a very reliable, efficient unit.

 

[Andy_374377792]

Had a look at the truma, my only concern is the hole cut out as it is, is cut for the Carver and am not sure you can get a adapter plate for it. Thats why i was looking at the two options i had seen as they either where a direct replacment or they came with an adapter plate.

My other option was to repair the carver but unsure what needed doing as when i took it out both plastic inserts for the pipes snapped ( i think a bit of old age and me not being careful ) and it seemed a leak was coming from the cylinder which conected to the flue plate which was the reason for removal to inspect the unit,

Any more thoughts would be gratefully read!!

andy

 

[gary]

Reading what you say about broken plastic bits, and the other as yet unknown leak, if that's all! this to me suggests a good service might sort it never mind an overhaul.

Regarding Truma, they do indeed provide an adaptor plate, the only concern as Damian mentioned is height clearance, this can be about one inch sort under the bunk and prevent the Truma being fitted.

Also thanks Damian for your Malaga insight, bar one simple leak and a couple of control boards I've had nothing to do with them, assumed then they must be reliable?

 

[Damian]

Andy, the Truma will fit in the already cut aperture with an adaptor plate, BUT,there is no need for this, your unit only has the normal age related problems , all of which are fixable, at a lot less than a new heater.

The inlet and outlets are easily replaced, well, reasonably easily, and the leak you found may well be just water from the outlet having sprayed over the cylinder, or at worst the tank seal, again is replaceable.

The only other possible problem is that water has got into the control module, but as long as you have not run it on gas since finding the leak, it may well have done no damage.

If you do not feel confident to tackle the repairs yourself, ask Gary at Arc Systems to do it for you

http://www.arcsystems.biz/

 

[Andy_374377792]

Thanks for that Damien. I have just e-mailed gary and have realised that his place is near where head office is for the company i work for is located and at worst he is only about 40mins drive from my work place!

Now i know why i ask questions on here!!

regards

andy