Glycol level in expansion tank

Sweetb · November 2022

2021 320S . We’ve only used Alde briefly shortly after purchase, mainly to verify it worked properly for cabin heating - which it did. The glycol level at that time was between the min/max markings as per operating instructions. We camp mainly in Florida and have not needed to use the heat. Recently on return from a short trip (where Alde was not used), we noticed glycol leaking from overflow tube on the expansion tank. The glycol level was above the max level - no additional glycol had been added since it was last used. We tried manually bleeding with minimal results. Leveled the trailer and ran the Alde at a higher pump setting (as recommended in several forum resources). Unit appeared to work correctly and glycol level returned to original point slightly above the minimum mark. Two days later - glycol level is again above the maximum level. Any input on why this is occurring? Thanks.

MuttonChops · November 2022

On delivery my Alde expansion tank was well over the MAX level.

After a few outing it settled down to something between Min & Max

I assumed this was a function of air in the system.
I just let the installed 'automatic' air bleeder to do its job. After a number of Adle uses the expansion tank level stabilized.

Sharon_is_SAM · November 2022

Good question for Help@nucamprv.com.
Very odd that it returns to a higher level when cold, level and not in use. If that happened while heating, I think that suggests an air lock, but I can’t see this happening when cold and the pump turned off.

Denny16 · November 2022

What has been your air pressure changes. The Alde glycol tank level will change with atmosphere pressure changes, with the air vent tube allowing the pressure to increase or decrease in the expansion tank.
Cheers

Sweetb · November 2022

Typical west coast Florida weather for this time of year. Temps are still in the 80’s ( low 70’s overnight ). No storm systems for days in our local area. Currently being stored at home in same location as last fall. Did not experience any “known” glycol level changes in the past …at least none were observed that resulted in glycol being expelled through overflow tubing.

Denny16 · November 2022

This happened to me last fall after I topped off the level to mid point, then low pressure front came in, and the glycol pushed out through the overflow tube. Ran the Alde, level came back down. I am not sure of the pressure change had anything to do with this, but it has been OK since.
Cheers

Sweetb · November 2022

Still have not gotten an accurate “diagnosis” of the problem. However, it has been determined by the NuCamp warranty division that we are eligible for the flush and glycol exchange (from Century to Rhomar) under warranty. We have an appointment in early December with a local NuCamp dealer. Service department assured me they were familiar with the Alde and equipped to do the exchange. However they were not aware that NuCamp authorized this service for certain models based on manufacture date. He’s checking into it so hopefully that will be clarified by the time we roll up. They will also check into the mysterious glycol level fluctuations at that time.

bergger · November 2022

If for some reason the dealer says you have to pay for it just keep your receipt then contact NuCamp and they will reimburse you. We were authorized for the exchange as well but I did it myself prior to that notification. NuCamp just asked me to email the receipt for my materials cost and they sent me a check. Also if the dealer does it I would double check it prior to leaving to make sure the glycol is the proper color and has not been mixed with the old century. Stress to them the need to push at least 15-20 gallons of water through the system and bleed water out of all bleeders prior to introducing the new Rhomar.

DoubleDD · August 16

Why might my expansion tank be empty?

Sharon_is_SAM · August 16

Leak, excess turbulence if the Alde pump is turned up too high, evaporation if unattended ( they need occasional topping off). When’s the last time you checked the reservoir?

DoubleDD · August 16

I had a flush done in the Spring.

Bayliss · August 16

@DoubleDD, what year/model T@B do you have, and where is the Alde expansion tank located? That info will help other owners assist with troubleshooting.

Do you see any signs of leaks around/below the tank, or the hoses connected to the tank (e.g., wet areas or stains)? Any visible cracks to the tank? If you see anything that looks unusual, photos will help. Also, who did the flush for you, and was it a complete exchange of the glycol?

One of the first places to check is the main glycol drain. Look under the trailer below the expansion tank to confirm that the red plug depicted in the photo below is closed (pushed in.) Seems unlikely, but since you had the Alde system flushed in the Spring, it is possible it was not closed properly.

Image: https://us.v-cdn.net/5021717/uploads/editor/1z/0elepnp7287d.jpg

Sharon_is_SAM · August 17

Following a flush and fill, it is possible there was air trapping. Once the air is released, the level in the reservoir can drop. I would add more glycol and run the pump and see where the level lands.

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Glycol level in expansion tank

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