Fluid replacement for the Alde heater

cstur

I ordered Century Transfer Fluid to replace the glycol in the Alde heater. I thought the fluid was suppose to be pink and this is yellow. I can't seem to find any information on the type of fluid to use?

lino

The fluid I got from the factory is also yellow
If you search glycol you will find more information on extract brands

cstur

Thank you for answering my glycol question, I did have the right glycol and have added it as instructed. So now does anyone know where the bleeder valve is for the Alde system?

Sharon_is_SAM

Here is a picture of the Alde from a recent post (thank you @MuttonChops).  The bleeder assembly is noted - the heavy brass assembly marked A.

cstur

That was so helpful Sharon, thank you.

Sharon_is_SAM

Welcome.  Also, re the pink stuff, you may have been thinking of RV antifreeze which is pink.  

Are you going to use the prescribed filler - bleeder pump tool to do the glycol exchange?  Apparently you can rent it from Alde. 

cstur

We didn't use a bleeder pump tool because we just added fluid to the existing fluid. I was mistaken on the color of the fluid because it was the same yellow as what I added. It is good to know that a pump is available to rent when we do an actual exchange. 

dhauf

I wonder if one of these can be used.  https://www.amazon.com/UView-550000-Airlift-Cooling-Checker/dp/B0002SRH5G/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1536635819&sr=8-4&keywords=coolant+vacuum+refill+kit

As a mechanic I have used these on cars and trucks for many years making in it super simple to get any air out of the most stubborn to bleed cooling systems.  I still use it for my cars to this day.  Basically you attach it to and air compressor and after draining your coolant system you hook the gauge on your reservoir and put the hose end in a bucket of coolant.  You then open the valve and the vacuum it creates pumps in the coolant.  No mess and no bleeding.  I have a feeling it would work for this as well, but I’m not positive.  I may try it when the time comes.  The rubber hoses to the radiator remind me of car coolant hoses.  Under vacuum they collapse which should be just fine.  The vacuum this thing puts out is rather gentle and I can’t see it breaking anything.

Dalehelman

Before going to the expense and trouble of replacing the transfer fluid. I purchased these test strips to check the PH in the system. The PH level was still the same as new fluid. Our trailer is four years old. At this time I see know need to replace it. The fluid that is.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000MIUJMO/ref=cm_sw_r_em_api_c_gn0LBbXN2GRSA

Sharon_is_SAM

That’s good to know we have options Dale.  I believe there have been discussions from 2015 that talked about an every 5 year need to change the coolant.  I wonder how Alde started recommending every 2 years, or maybe it was nuCamp.  

Oh wait, just read another post.  It said if you are using glycol other than what ALDE  SUPPLIES, it is recommended to change it out every 2 years.  Any idea what’s the difference between Alde glycol and that provided at the factory?

Swolf

Newbie question:

Could anyone pls recomend a specific brand of glycol (I’m assuming it’s other name is antifreeze)?  Used to have a 1991 mint VW Syncro westfalia that required special antifreeze for aluminium radiators - thinking probably the same thing.  
Lasyly the factory manual (I think) said no need to winterize the Adel via draining the glycol but then I read somewhere it should be drained if temps go below -15ish.  Could anyone pls clarify.  I just bought a 2018 t@b Outback and plan to store in CO over the winter.  Thanks in advance.  

Sharon_is_SAM

@Swolf, you only drain the hot water tank - not the glycol- when you winterize.  The glycol circulates to heat the cabin and when not in use, it does not freeze.  The only time you need to exchange the glycol is at the recommended every 2 years.

The recommended brand of glycol is Century.  See link below.

https://tab-rv.vanillacommunity.com/discussion/comment/90426#Comment_90426

Swolf

Thanks @Sharon_is_SAM

Also looks like Prestons LowTox works too.  Located a gallon close to me to top off with.  Everything has been working well on my t@b (knock on wood) but when I had a look at the glycol reserve tank I didn’t see a drop so I simply shut the system off.  Want to top it off before storing in CO for a few months.   

Thanks again,
sanford 

Sharon_is_SAM

Yes, the glycol dissipates as it bubbles from circulating.  We check ours regularly and top off when needed.  The issue with the type of glycol used concerns the need for the anti-corrosive property.  

ChanW

@Swolf, you might want to consider what the expected low temp might be where you're storing it.
I think the Alde glycol's freeze protection is only -10°F (which can be lowered with a higher concentration of glycol). I know we saw temps well below that in the Montana mountains.

BrianZ

I wonder if you could use a simple hand pump to replace glycol after draining. 
Maybe something like one of these..

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00TA5ECJQ
or..
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01BGZ9TXG
or..
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07CNQMZYJ

The directions say to add glycol to the expansion tank, but after draining to replace it, why couldn't you pump it in through the drain tube to push air out through the top?