Community Forums

jecapar · 05-05-2016, 10:34 AM

I have a 2003 Monaco Dynasty with a model AHE 100-02S Aqua Hot.
When changing the filter, do you need to fill the new filter with diesel or will the pump fill it?

If the boiler fluid is low (doesn't show in the over flow tank) and new fluid is add to bring it up to the cold level, will this cause the aqua hot not to start up.
In other words will low boiler fluid cause it not to start up? Can you add fluid through the cap on top of the aqua hot?

jecapar in Mtn. Home Idaho
2003 Monaco Dynasty
2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee toad

LJowdy · 05-05-2016, 12:05 PM

Low coolant will and can cause the Aqua Hot to not work as can several other things. I had to buy a new sensor for my unit. By the way, when buying coolant, make sure it's specifically for Aqua Hot or similar unit. It's a propolene glycol coolant, most automotive coolant is ethelene glycol. Camping world sells 2 different kinds of coolant, 50/50 mix and 100% I buy the 100% and dilute it withe 50% distilled water. Much less expensive if you do it that way as distilled water usually costs $1.00 at the grocery store.

Filling the fuel filter on anything is bad as it's unfiltered fuel that will directly feed into the Aqua Hot or engine. The fuel pump will pull the fuel, it just may take a few minutes. Unless you have fuel shut off valves on both hoses going to the filter, it will leak fuel when you remove the filter. I installed two shut off valves, one on the IN and OUT of the filter housing as close to the filter housing as was possible. It only leaks what's in the fuel lines. I used brass ball shut off valves that I purchased at Home Depot. I also installed shut off valves on the IN and OUT lines that go into the Aqua Hot When servicing the Aqua Hot, (cleaning and jet replacement) it prevents fuel from spilling all over the place.

Bob&AnnaMari · 05-05-2016, 05:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LJowdy

By the way, when buying coolant, make sure it's specifically for Aqua Hot or similar unit. It's a propolene glycol coolant, most automotive coolant is ethelene glycol. Camping world sells 2 different kinds of coolant, 50/50 mix and 100% I buy the 100% and dilute it withe 50% distilled water. Much less expensive if you do it that way as distilled water usually costs $1.00 at the grocery store.

This question was discussed at some length on Roger Burke's Hydro Hot site some years ago and for the OP's model (the same as mine) normal radiator fluid found in automobiles is the recommended fluid for the AHE-100-02S models. At least, this is the type of fluid that was originally used in these models. If anyone wants to convert over to the "real" boiler fluid they should completely drain out all the existing fluid and do a total replacement. You do not want to mix these types of fluids.

I have thought of doing a change out on my rig, but that is rather extensive and would require some serious external pump to make sure that all fluid is totally flushed out before doing the replacement.

Bob&AnnaMari · 05-05-2016, 06:07 PM

When changing the filter, do you need to fill the new filter with diesel or will the pump fill it?

I would not recommend putting anything into the new filter. I just take the old one off (very carefully so as to not damage the plastic inspection cap on the bottom), lube the "O" rings with a touch of diesel, and put the thing back together. When you turn on the switch the pump will take care of pressurizing the system which will fill the filter with fuel and pump the air back into the tank.

If the boiler fluid is low (doesn't show in the over flow tank)..

Your unit is not "low" just because there is no fluid in the overflow tank. You need to remove the radiator cap on top of the unit and check for fluid level there. It should be full to the top in the boiler.

and new fluid is add to bring it up to the cold level, will this cause the aqua hot not to start up.

Low fluid is only one of the reasons your unit may not start.

In other words will low boiler fluid cause it not to start up?

Yes, this is one reason.

Can you add fluid through the cap on top of the aqua hot?

Absolutely. This should be the first place you check for your fluid level. This has to be full to the top. As you system expands and contracts any air in this space would be worked out. It is just easier to make sure this is full before you fill the surge tank to the "cold" setting level.

jecapar in Mtn. Home Idaho
2003 Monaco Dynasty
2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee toad

jecapar · 05-05-2016, 06:29 PM

Thanks for the answers to my question.
My owners manual says to use 60/40 mix of boiler fluid specifically for Aqua Hot. I found some in concentrate form that i plan on using. I would not think mine has a 50/50 mix of automotive antifreeze.
I didn't want of take the cap off of the boiler until I sure it was ok.

Again Thank you all.
jecapar

Steve Ownby · 05-05-2016, 06:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jecapar

Thanks for the answers to my question.

My owners manual says to use 60/40 mix of boiler fluid specifically for Aqua Hot. I found some in concentrate form that i plan on using. I would not think mine has a 50/50 mix of automotive antifreeze.

I didn't want of take the cap off of the boiler until I sure it was ok.

Again Thank you all.

jecapar

An '03 Dynasty most likely has standard automotive ethylene glycol. The unit as late as the AH100-02S used this type. The change was made to a propylene glycol type when the basic design changed and the fresh water heating loop was moved inside and in direct contact with the boiler fluid. Not sure what that first model of the newer design was.