Alde freight train FIX! $15 and 10 min install

@db_cooper, I did get it installed this afternoon, but realize I won't be able to test it until we take another trip to someplace that's high! We're only at 1500' here, so no way to know!

Might have to schedule a drive up Mount Washington... (They probably don't allow trailers!)

The Alde runs ok here at this altitude, however. Wish I could see the flame to see how healthy it is.

I realized that the "2mm" dimension that I went with for the hole, was only based on hearsay. I don't think we have an actual measurement of the opening, that someone referred to in the European adapter kit. I think it was just their guess.

Here's the way I restricted the fitting. Just a teeny tiny washer laying around from electronics stuff, and glued it onto a larger washer that fit properly into the fitting, and glued the two of them into the fitting, all using silicone adhesive.

I actually ordered the actual kit from that is meant for this.     i asked the same question-   any ill effect at sea level? and they said no.     i also came across   a post at the airstream forum-  they have the same alde system,    there was an email from an Alde rep recommending  the Nucamp solution 

We had nuCamp install their fix.  No problem at high or low elevations.  

Glad the factory way works, but...

I'm curious if this 'alternative' way, by permanently 'leaning out' the air/ fuel mix with a smaller orifice, will cause any problems at sea level...

Any combustion gurus here? 😁

What does a boiler flame that's a bit lean do to a boiler?

Just inefficient?

Sharon_is_SAM said:

@ChanW, I thought the factory retrofit on the 3010s is permanent.  There is no choice of going back and forth for sea level or high elevation.  Am I missing something here?

it is permanent,    what we worry about is any ill effect to the Alde system when you are reducing the supply of fuel to it. 

at higher altitude there is less oxygen to burn.  therefore you reduce the amount of fuel to compensate the reduced amount of oxygen.   therefore this fix works well at high altitude. 

but what happened when continue to use this lean mix at lower altitude.   now you have less fuel to burn.   

our vehicle does this with sensor as well,  constantly adjusting the fuel mix to the cylinder.    

Alde in Europe has done a different approach,  they sell a level that you can open and close.  at high altitude you reduce the fuel amount and at low you open it back up.    

Spencer at Alde is 903-915-5694.

Could just one of you decide to call him as it is his cell phone? I’m on the road heading for Alaska and I really don’t have time to make the call.  Thanks

Update on the Alde restriction fix.  So far it appears to be working great.  It runs much more quietly, while still heating the water tank super fast.  Have run it only at 2200 ft. and sea level, but it works fine at these altitudes, so I expect it will perform great at higher elevation.  It was so quiet at 2200 ft,  that I had to check the outside port (on propane) to make sure it was running.  Last time we camped in the same spot, I know I could hear it.

Cool @db_cooper, thanks for the reassuring update.

We were at higher elevations - over 5000 ft - last March, and I'd completely forgotten that I'd done the conversion, so neglected to look for any differences...

I suppose that 'not noticing' counts for the Alde being nice and quiet, anyway!

I'd still like to know what the combustion chamber looks like after it runs 'lean' at lower elevations... but no, I won't be opening the Alde up for my curiosity.