Community Forums

Bill Fleming1 · 01-06-2014, 02:27 PM

My RV neighbor has an Aqua Hot, as I do. His coach is a later model than mine, but If it is cold, unlike mine, he must start his engine and heat his Aqua Hot by circulate engine water through the Aqua Hot before it will start up.

Is this normal? If so, why?

Bill

Pusherpilot · 01-06-2014, 04:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bill Fleming1

My RV neighbor has an Aqua Hot, as I do. His coach is a later model than mine, but If it is cold, unlike mine, he must start his engine and heat his Aqua Hot by circulate engine water through the Aqua Hot before it will start up.

Is this normal? If so, why?

Bill

Mine doesn't work that way and I can't see how any system would be designed to operate that way. The only thing I can think of is that when the tank is cold the low fluid level float is too low to allow the burners or electric element to come on. After heating the tank up with the engine heat the fluid expands and activates the low coolant switch and allows the unit to work. He should check the fluid level in his tank and add fluid as necessary. If he doesn't know how to check it or can't igure it out he should get a qualified tech to look at it. I'd be afraid to keep using it the wa it is for fear of doing a lot of very expensive damage to it.
Ron

loisjop · 01-06-2014, 04:15 PM

No, you should not have to start the engine and warm the fluid to get it to operate. To start with the fluid should already be hot if he has the elect. element on. Noel

InfinityJim · 01-06-2014, 04:23 PM

NO that is not normal. I'd have to say that Ron is probably on to something with low coolant. But how long does he need to run the main engine, it takes awhile for the main engine to warm up on its own and even longer to get the aqua hot up. You'd have to run the main engine for quite a while to get the temps up.. After doing tranny filters on most coaches, it'll take 20-30 min of power braking the coach (in gear and rpm's around 1200) to get temps up enough to check tranny which can only be done above 170 degrees.

Interesting.....

Dr4Film · 01-06-2014, 04:30 PM

Not normal.

Both of you should join Roger Berke's Hydronic Heating Forum where you will have complete access t the very BEST information for your Aqua-Hot units.

Forum Rv Hydronic Heater Repair - Welcome

I have been an Aqua-Hot owner for 10 years and have owned two different Aqua-Hot units.

Dr4Film ----- Richard

Roger Berke · 01-06-2014, 05:52 PM

Bill

If you are able to report the model number of the Aqua-Hot I should be able to offer some model specific help. You will find model number on a data plate on the top or side of the Aqua-Hot.

The Aqua-Hot is designed to operate on its own to heat the coach and provide unlimited hot water.

- Roger Berke -
www.Forum.RVHYD.com

Dr4Film · 01-06-2014, 08:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Roger Berke

- Roger Berke -
www.Forum.RVHYD.com

Hi Roger,

Happy New Year to you!

The link in your signature needs to be changed as it doesn't work.

Thought you would like to know.

BTW, my Aqua-Hot is still purring strong. Your rebuild was one of the best ones ever! Thanks so MUCH!

Safe travels,

Dr4Film ----- Richard

Roger Berke · 01-07-2014, 06:00 AM

Link to my Forum in posting#6 does not work and I am locked out from editing it.

Try this:
http://forum.rvhydronicheaterrepair.com/forum.php

- Roger -

Recon4 · 01-07-2014, 06:59 AM

Just for the record: I'm in Waco, Texas, and it was 17 degrees last night. It's at 20 degrees now at 8:am. We are toasty warm at 74 degrees inside. I can't imagine not having a Aqua-Hot system.