winterizing 2013 36FB

bkedgar · 10-02-2015, 02:41 AM

Hi
My pump is not picking up antifreeze. I have drained water and pushed out with air.
The hot water heater is drained and in the bypass position. What am I missing? There is a valve going in/out of the shurFlo pump that I have tried in both positions. Can this get vapour locked. I have a 2013 36FB unit.

Brian

atom ant · 10-02-2015, 04:19 AM

that valve should be closed (perpendicular to the tubing).

Are you dead-heading that pump (nothing open)? Sometimes I have to open my system drains or turn on the outside shower to get things rolling. It usually primes right up then I can close those valves and carry on.

bkedgar · 10-02-2015, 11:57 AM

The instructions are on the door panel but it doesn't mention that valve by the pump. It makes sense though. I will try again and give it more time.

atom ant · 10-02-2015, 02:24 PM

Maybe that's why I always forget that valve in the spring

Takes a few "Ah dang my pump went bad!" episodes before my memory kick starts itself for the spring and I reach in and open that valve. It has got me twice now.

**piper guy** · 10-02-2015, 03:25 PM

And remember to check the o-ring seal at the end of the winterizing hose cap ...........
ask me how I know.

**Dave&Ginny** · 10-02-2015, 03:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by piper guy

And remember to check the o-ring seal at the end of the winterizing hose cap ...........
ask me how I know.

That o' ring and cap system is kind of "Micky mouse" Just put a pex shut off on that line (with about 12 inches off of it) and eliminate that whole issue.

bkedgar · 10-03-2015, 10:55 PM

The pump must have been vapour locked. I went back the next day and everything worked as it should.

atom ant · 10-04-2015, 03:07 AM

Right on!

Did I really just say that -

r time soon · 10-05-2015, 12:09 AM

When I winterize our coach, I drain through the low points first, drain water heater and put on bypass. Then use regulated air pressure through the lines to help get all the water out. I made these things to help winterize:

I use the ball valve fitting to hook the air into the city side of the water, using a small regulator so I don't exceed say 40 psi. The other is made from a new cheap plunger. I cut the top off where it threads onto the handle, drilled a hole and fit it to air line fittings. I use it to blow the majority of water from the P-traps before I add the pink RV antifreeze to the P-traps.

We also have icemaker, splendide combo and Fisher Paykel dishwasher. These items take some time to winterize.

Chris

Shane Wood · 10-05-2015, 02:52 AM

Nice mod for the sinks and shower

atom ant · 10-05-2015, 03:39 AM

Pretty cool tool for the p-traps! I have the other one you show.

Char & Steve · 10-05-2015, 04:03 AM

[QUOTE=r time soon;55666]When I winterize our coach, I drain through the low points first, drain water heater and put on bypass. Then use regulated air pressure through the lines to help get all the water out. I made these things to help winterize:

I use the ball valve fitting to hook the air into the city side of the water, using a small regulator so I don't exceed say 40 psi. The other is made from a new cheap plunger. I cut the top off where it threads onto the handle, drilled a hole and fit it to air line fittings. I use it to blow the majority of water from the P-traps before I add the pink RV antifreeze to the P-traps.

We also have icemaker, splendide combo and Fisher Paykel dishwasher. These items take some time to winterize.

This will be my first year winterizing the icemaker, splendide combo and Fisher Paykel dishwasher.

Any tips or suggestions?? Ice maker is pretty much an easy one.

Steve

atom ant · 10-05-2015, 05:53 PM

Just on note on your quote Steve - when blowing down, open the HW tank bypass and leave the anode drain out. There is a lot of water line downstream of that bypass that gets missed otherwise. Just be sure to go back to bypass before switching to pink.

r time soon · 10-06-2015, 12:31 AM

Here is a pic of the small air regulator attached to my air line adapter. Also the plunger air fittings go to the inside of the plunger. I used 3/8" fittings and found a thin brass 3/8" nut to secure it.

Chris

**Dave&Ginny** · 10-06-2015, 02:27 AM

The pink stuff isn't that expensive and easy to use. Like Vaughan, I use a 5 gallon bucket and turn on the pump. I run the washer and ice maker until I see pink (don't forget those drains as well). With the redwood I would unscrew the water line (behind the fridge) going to the ice maker and let it drain.

I spent more time getting anything out of the RV that I think the rodents would either eat or nest in. Throughout the winter I'd also start the generator and let it run for 45 minute with the fireplace on about once every 2 or 3 weeks. During the generator time, I'd drink a cup of coffee and look for signs of mice while counting the days for my next adventure.

5th_Time · 10-07-2015, 04:26 AM

Don't forget to remove the water filter. Last year I did and after draining all the water lines and setting up properly, I ran 2+ gallons out the faucets & shower because the fluid was still clear (like water). Never saw any pink.

After I let enough pour down the drain that I had to make another trip to the RV store, I discovered that the water filter was removing all the "pink" color from the antifreeze! Duh... After I removed the filter, everything winterized normally. Took 8 gallons (washer, dishwasher) and yet another anode rod.

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