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Paul Redden Countryfresh

  • Posts: 773
Van frost protection
« on: December 11, 2010, 01:48:39 pm »
Hi Would running a anti-freeze solution through the pump and storing in the van be detrimental to the pump or seals?  The other idea was leaving a parasene cold frame heater in the van?

what do you think?
"So basically its a big vax!"

garyj

Re: Van frost protection
« Reply #1 on: December 11, 2010, 03:56:35 pm »
My mate is a bit of a genius when it come to motors and pressure washers. He used to work on a farm and they always put anti freeze through the system every night. He's had a look at my tm and reckons it is simple to do and flush out into a drum ready for the next night. I just don't feel comfortable with it so would be interested to know if anyone else does this.

Eberspacher is brilliant but I don't like using it for the simple reason it's so loud, in the dead of night that constant 'whoosh' does get a bit much and also draws attention to the van. I had a pipe burst yesterday so TM out of action for the day while we sourced a new one, might have been because I didn't have the heater on, might have been because it was getting a bit worn. New pipe and fittings was £50 as it's such high pressure, not one company would work on anyone else's pipe because of Health and Safety and insurance issues.

Seriously thinking of getting one of those radiators from Aldi or B&Q for £30 and using that!

Re: Van frost protection
« Reply #2 on: December 11, 2010, 04:50:54 pm »
The other idea was leaving a parasene cold frame heater in the van?

Electric yes with RCD, not the parafin version because they give off a lot of moisture.

clinton

Re: Van frost protection
« Reply #3 on: December 11, 2010, 04:53:39 pm »
Maybe its worth renting a garage etc

garyj

Re: Van frost protection
« Reply #4 on: December 11, 2010, 06:23:25 pm »
Drove by Longparish twice yesterday but was trying to find a new pipe to fit between the outlet and actuator, it burst on a job on Thursday. Next time you're down here let me know and me and Sarah will pop along and see how the pro's do it.

JD Calhoon

  • Posts: 21
Re: Van frost protection
« Reply #5 on: December 12, 2010, 01:44:17 am »
I winterize my portable every evening in the winter months, the barn can get mighty cold and it's not worth the risk. Takes ten minutes once you got a routine. Don't forget in the morining to flush otherwise your first job will be stain removal.

J   
They intoxicate themselves with work so they won't see how they really are.  Aldous Huxley

colin thomas

  • Posts: 813
Re: Van frost protection
« Reply #6 on: December 12, 2010, 10:01:42 am »
oil filled radiator every cold night, works perfect, add a small fan to move the warm air around so the heat reaches every corner of the van.

took the van to hydramaster the other week for a service and the forecast was minus and i was staying for the weekend. they filled with antifreeze and the van stood on the sea front at minus 7  :o, drove home, emptied the anti freeze out and it was all ok. have to admit i was a bit wary but would do it again if leaving it in cold weather,
colin
ps also released the pipe from the demand pump to empty that of water.
colin thomas

jasonl

  • Posts: 3183
Re: Van frost protection
« Reply #7 on: December 12, 2010, 12:42:12 pm »
Talking to A Chem dry this morning , he does nothing to protect his van in the cold , says he cant run a lead to the street . He has had just one burst pipe , and 2 broken wands in a year.
I clean carpets
I dry Buildings

Steve Chapman

  • Posts: 1743
Re: Van frost protection
« Reply #8 on: December 12, 2010, 01:27:05 pm »
I have a maintenance video from chemtex who make the pro mount tm and they actually recommend putting antifreeze through the machine and hoses and tools on freezing nights so thats what I do now, bit of a pain flushing it through every day but at least it's normally only for a short while.

Better than a busted pump as well  :o

Regards
Steve

garyj

Re: Van frost protection
« Reply #9 on: December 12, 2010, 01:33:40 pm »
Is that a proper Chemtex one or the one with that Hill Billy type bloke in it?

Len Gribble

  • Posts: 5106
Re: Van frost protection
« Reply #10 on: December 12, 2010, 02:43:35 pm »
Have considered anti-freeze but will it protect the pressure/vac gauge’s /flow meter and some type of sensors (airpax 0104clr240 and 0107clr275)
Always bear in mind that your own resolution to succeed is more important than any other. (Sidcup Kent)

Steve Chapman

  • Posts: 1743
Re: Van frost protection
« Reply #11 on: December 12, 2010, 02:50:28 pm »
Probably not  :P

Gary it's the Hill Billy guy, now I'm thinking that's not a good thing  :P

Steve

Len Gribble

  • Posts: 5106
Re: Van frost protection
« Reply #12 on: December 12, 2010, 06:53:58 pm »
So anti freezes could be a waist of time and not very cost effective  ;)
Always bear in mind that your own resolution to succeed is more important than any other. (Sidcup Kent)

clinton

Re: Van frost protection
« Reply #13 on: December 12, 2010, 07:28:40 pm »
Maybe it works for jd but i aint going to go to that lenghth either ..,.

jasonl

  • Posts: 3183
Re: Van frost protection
« Reply #14 on: December 12, 2010, 07:38:09 pm »
If I were in the market for van heating I would get one of these , half the price of  Eberspacher , and better . VW dealers fit and recommend them .

http://www.propexheatsource.co.uk/vehicledistributor.php
I clean carpets
I dry Buildings

Bob Allen

  • Posts: 523
Re: Van frost protection
« Reply #15 on: December 12, 2010, 10:44:30 pm »
Is it such a bother to take wands, and solution hoses and hand tools indoors?
i wrap my truckmount with 2 large thick quilts, touch wood no probs as yet
Bob Allen