Date: Mon, 24 Nov 1997 16:15:37 -0500
Reply-To: PACO <"PACO @ 28th (PACO)%New York Media Group"@MCIMAIL.COM>
Sender: Vanagon mailing list <Vanagon@Gerry.SDSC.EDU>
From: PACO <"PACO @ 28th (PACO)%New York Media Group"@MCIMAIL.COM>
Subject: Hot Water Heater
Text item: Text Item
Steve,
I wanted to discuss this although my comments may be a little late. I haven't
received the list again until today.
I too am a fan of Dave's work. I mirrored his heater installation note for note
and still take satisfaction from the design advantages.
I also want a way to heat water. Primarily because I camp a lot in winter and
want to keep water in the holding tank without it freezing. I rejected the
design in the end because it would not keep the water lines from freezing and I
was very concerned that should the system leak in any way the water would be
rendered highly non-potable and the poison taste might be masked under the taste
of some hot chocolate scarped down after a busy day outside or something.
What use will you put your heated water to? A shower? Will you still use the
tank to hold drinking water?
Thanks, -Clark
>Date: Sun, 9 Nov 1997 23:20:59 -0800
>From: "Steven X. Schwenk" <sxs@CONCENTRIC.NET>
>Subject: Hot Water Heater
> After searching the archives for options for producing hot water on
>demand without having to install a gas heater, I have opted to try Dave
>Garth's ingenious design. Back in 1994, Dave routed hot coolant through
>a copper coil inserted in the water tank. He controlled the temp by
>controlling the flow of coolant through the water tank with a water bed
>thermostat hooked up to a selonoid valve. He routed the coolant from
>the rear heater by taping into the hoses with a Tee. Dave's design
>safely produced 13 gallons of 100 degree water in twenty minutes of
>driving. Dave also installed a shower in the back of his van (ok...a
>hand held shower...but with hot water and pressure!...).
>Has anyone else tried this? If so, I am wondering how the setup has
>worked over time....
>and what type of plumbing connections i can safely use with hot coolant
>(do the joints and connections in the copper tubing have to be
>soldered....or could I use the same types of connectors I used when
>taping into the propane lines...the flared connections using flare nuts
>and a flaring tool and flared fittings...which would be easier?)
>Any info would be greatly appreciated.
>steve
>'90 syncro westy
>san francisco
