Hot water performance been lacking, turn it on and it lasts about 30 seconds then goes lukewarm. Tested setting the adjustment to maximum hot and it's no better. All valves are properly set. Consensus is to replace the mixing valve. I ordered a new one from a dealer last October however I'm just getting to install it now. What the dealer sent is an Alde TMV with the red cap however it isn't an exact replacement for what is came with the Tab. See pictures. Can I use the TMV or do I need to source an exact replacement? And if I can use the TMV how would I go about disconnecting the existing hoses and connect them to the TMV? Anyone with any insight?
Thank you!
Thanks, Jerry
2019 Honda Pilot AWD and 2018 T@B 320-CS hanging out on the left edge of Lake Erie.
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Comments
I've serviced my ALDE tempering valve twice because of clogged screens.
This thread shows examples of the ALDE valve with clogged inlet screens.
https://tab-rv.vanillacommunity.com/discussion/comment/207752#Comment_207752
Thanks, Jerry
2019 Honda Pilot AWD and 2018 T@B 320-CS hanging out on the left edge of Lake Erie.
https://tab-rv.vanillacommunity.com/discussion/13243/low-hot-water-pressure-with-new-speedfit-thermostatic-mixing-valve#latest
(Alde: 3020; Refrig: Isotherm Cruise 65 Eleg; Battery: BB 100Ah LiFePO4; Solar: Renogy 220W Portable Suitcase; Victron BMV-712; Pwr Cntr: PD-4135KW2B; EMS: PI-HW30C)
Greg & Marlene (Tucson, AZ)
Thanks, Jerry
2019 Honda Pilot AWD and 2018 T@B 320-CS hanging out on the left edge of Lake Erie.
Thanks, Jerry
2019 Honda Pilot AWD and 2018 T@B 320-CS hanging out on the left edge of Lake Erie.
nüCamp suggests the Coarse Temperature Adjustment Cap (my name) . . . the one under the +/- top black cap/cover . . . should be set to be level with the brass housing, as 'cap' has a limited depth of threads and backing it out more (to increase hot water) could cause the spring to pop the guts out.
On my unit I've adjusted it so much that half of the 'cap' threads were above the housing. When I fully removed the 'cap' nothing happened. It seems the lower plastic part, Cold Water Valve (my name) and the spring were jammed down in the add, add cold water position - - - or that's my guess. It took some time to loosen and then remove the Cold Water Valve.
With it apart I've:
A) tested the thermostatic actuator. Measured piston position at room temperature and after placing that item in boiling water . . . . it works.
B] tried to teach myself how the 550 mixer works and believe I've got the basic theory of operation.
C) Have attempted to identify the correct part number O-Rings. As they are not local HW store standards I'll skip replacing them for now.
D) like many others I searched and searched for the LK 683 Repair Kit but couldn't find any.
Here's my Theory of Operation:
And a Parts List:
Reinstalling and testing mine without replacing anything will be done at a later date.
TV: '17 Colorado V6 Z71 4x4, Tow Package, GM Brake Controller
Adventures: 56 Nights: 379 Towing Miles 47,220
Thanks, Jerry
2019 Honda Pilot AWD and 2018 T@B 320-CS hanging out on the left edge of Lake Erie.
Same with mine.
But before I test I'm am also going to boil the thermostat actuator. Then I will boil the spring and the naked valve itself. My reason is that upon reinstalling the spring and the plastic spring support, I found it to be difficult for the spring to easily move. I will clean the plastic with alcohol to see if it can move freely.
Update - it appears the thermostat actuator is working after boiling. And the spring is now moving as expected! This is encouraging!
I also set the "Coarse Temperature Adjustment Cap (my name)" to be level with the brass housing. Question? What is the result recommended setting in relation to the hot/cold mix? Just wondering as it relates to how I reinstall the +/- knob for maximizing hot water additional adjustment.
Thanks, Jerry
2019 Honda Pilot AWD and 2018 T@B 320-CS hanging out on the left edge of Lake Erie.
Now I'm perplexed as to whether the plumbing will hold or will it resume gushing after a few miles on the road jostle it around for a bit.
So my new question is how would I remove and re-fit the circled area? I'm a true novice at plumbing, especially using all these plastic fittings.
Thanks, Jerry
2019 Honda Pilot AWD and 2018 T@B 320-CS hanging out on the left edge of Lake Erie.
Believe I have located the Thermostatic Element manufacturer (in China of course) I've sent their 'info' page a request for retail suppliers.
The Legom LG004X 'wax thermostatic Element'.
So we are getting nearer to creating a Repair Kit Parts List since no one can locate the LK 683 Repair Kit. Of course the 'return spring' is a critical part and I've no idea at this time how to reverse engineer that.
While searching for the element came across several articles noting that these Thermostatic Mixing Valves require regular service/maintenance . . . . with Key Notes Being:
a] Replace worn O-rings {leaks related} and
b] Re-install with Plumbers Grease to aid the seals and up/down motion.
I suspect many folks are replacing the entire (pricey) Mixing Valve when a cleaning and service would resolve the common operation issues. After all the valve is only being used a small percentage of its lifetime cycles in an RV - - but it does get a huge amount of vibration and dry (winter) wet (summer) cycles.
TV: '17 Colorado V6 Z71 4x4, Tow Package, GM Brake Controller
Adventures: 56 Nights: 379 Towing Miles 47,220
SW Montana USA
Thanks, Jerry
2019 Honda Pilot AWD and 2018 T@B 320-CS hanging out on the left edge of Lake Erie.
Success ! I've got Normal Hot Water Operation after Mixing Valve Maintenance.
Thanks for inspiring me to do something. After re-assembling the LK550 Mixing Valve (with plumbers grease) my rig now has usable Hot Water again . . . . should have done this maintenance before a recent 5-weeks adventure.
For some time I've had the classic Mixing Valve Issue of a short burst of hot water then cold water. As noted earlier (like yourself) I found the LK550 Mixing Valve Cold Water Valve jammed in the add as much cold water as possible position.; i.e. jammed in extreme down position.
After cleaning the internal parts on first re-assembly the Cold Water Valve was moving but had sidewall resistance. Plumbers Grease was applied to the Cold Valve 'top section' that contacts the brass barrel. Grease was also placed on both ends of the compression Spring.
With Grease the Cold Water Valve moves very smoothly. [ to the finger tip the barrel feels smooth, a scope camera provides a rougher surface image. I could not think of a way to clean/smooth the barrel . . so just used grease ]
When the Hot Water response starts to degrade (again) I'll just re-grease the parts.
Side Note:
When Alde Service Panel stated water temperature at 124F ( 25-minutes after cold start )
I could fill sink 5/8 full before warm water was felt. A huge improvement over the Blast of
hot then cold operation.
When Adle reports water temperature above 140F [5/31 edit] ( 40 minutes or so operation on full electric heating )
I could fill the sink full and the water was still very warm if not hot.
That is wonderful. As my usage generally is washing dishes using a pot full of hot, and taking "sea showers"
I'm Happy.
TV: '17 Colorado V6 Z71 4x4, Tow Package, GM Brake Controller
Adventures: 56 Nights: 379 Towing Miles 47,220
Thanks, Jerry
2019 Honda Pilot AWD and 2018 T@B 320-CS hanging out on the left edge of Lake Erie.
@pthomas745; from the one picture that appears to be an Alde Speedfit TMV; Case-Acme HG110-HX due to the HEX Shaped deposits on the top surface . I for one have no knowledge/experience with that model.
Ask FB Post Person . . . what color was the plastic cap - - Red is HG110, Black is LK550.
Then you can search for Speedfit, etc.
TV: '17 Colorado V6 Z71 4x4, Tow Package, GM Brake Controller
Adventures: 56 Nights: 379 Towing Miles 47,220
I've not worked on the cold connection so have no knowledge to share, sorry.
TV: '17 Colorado V6 Z71 4x4, Tow Package, GM Brake Controller
Adventures: 56 Nights: 379 Towing Miles 47,220
TV: '17 Colorado V6 Z71 4x4, Tow Package, GM Brake Controller
Adventures: 56 Nights: 379 Towing Miles 47,220