Question about removing over the road Heat System

[Sebulba]

Hello all,

I am in Albuquerque for about 10 days and am thinking about removing some of the heavier components to the over the road heating system since the scrap prices here are better than in Santa Fe.

I understand that when I remove that giant heat exchanger I just cap off the pipe ends.  Here is my question:  If I remove the heat exchanger and don't get to capping off the pipes for some unknown unexpected reason.  Can I drive it as long as I don't open the valves in the engine bay?

I think that would be fine, but wanted to double check if my understanding is right.

Thanks a million.

Seb

[chessie4905]

Yes, keep valves closed. Save antifreeze for engine add.

[luvrbus]

I don't think there are valves on Espar heat ,if you plug the lines and don't tie the defroster back in you are not going to have a defroster when you need it to melt the snow in Albuquerque lol that is a spring or summer time job,that exchanger doesn't weigh much anyways, and you will miss it in cold weather driving 

[chessie4905]

Maybe he is thinking about ac condenser.

[Van]

If those valves don't close completely you will be faced with a constant low coolant situation. some times those valves are either stuck open/closed regardless whether the wheel/lever moves freely, you won't know till you cut a line loose. Seems like the wrong time of the year to be doing this whether it works or not in a 10 day time frame. You must be desperate for more storage space or fuel $$ lol!

[Sebulba]

Yes, keep valves closed. Save antifreeze for engine add.

Yup, I figured I'd try to capture ad much of the coolant as possible.

Thanks for the confirmation.

Seb

[Sebulba]

If those valves don't close completely you will be faced with a constant low coolant situation. some times those valves are either stuck open/closed regardless whether the wheel/lever moves freely, you won't know till you cut a line loose. Seems like the wrong time of the year to be doing this whether it works or not in a 10 day time frame. You must be desperate for more storage space or fuel $$ lol!

No, not desperate for either.  Just thought it was something I could do here.  Maybe I will wait to do it in Santa Fe where we will be parked for a few months to play it safer.

Thanks

Seb

[luvrbus]

Yup, I figured I'd try to capture ad much of the coolant as possible.

Thanks for the confirmation.

Seb

I would not worry about reusing the coolant unless you have some background on what type or when it was change last, the series 60 is very touchy about coolant type and changing, 5 years is about the life span of antifreeze in a series 60 if it has been tested and more chemicals added

[windtrader]

need something to do? grab a buffer and start shining up the SS. That'll keep you busy and warm

[Sebulba]

I would not worry about reusing the coolant unless you have some background on what type or when it was change last, the series 60 is very touchy about coolant type and changing, 5 years is about the life span of antifreeze in a series 60 if it has been tested and more chemicals added

Hmmm, ok I will just capture for "Environmental" purposes only.

Thanks

Seb

[Sebulba]

need something to do? grab a buffer and start shining up the SS. That'll keep you busy and warm

It sure isn't hat I have nothing to do.  I just work on what I can when I can. 

Seb

[Sebulba]

Hello All,

Since I have your attention here and many have already accomplished this task.  I remember that I should sweat copper caps on the lines that go to the heat exchanger.  Does anyone recall what size caps I should get.

And while I am on the subject, would a handheld propane torch be enough to sweat those, since they are so big?  I have sweated a lot 1/2 inch and up to maybe an inch copper but never bigger, so just trying to anticipate anything I might be missing. 

Thanks

Seb

[luvrbus]

If it is like most MCI those are HVAC size different from the standard pipe fittings, propane torches will work with Mapp gas.You can buy a torch they use on steak for 25 to 30 bucks they will heat the copper in a hurry @ 2500 degrees and work with small propane bottles, I carry one with me in the RV,Amazon has a selection of food torches

[Sebulba]

If it is like most MCI those are HVAC size different from the standard pipe fittings, propane torches will work with Mapp gas.You can buy a torch they use on steak for 25 to 30 bucks they will heat the copper in a hurry @ 2500 degrees and work with small propane bottles, I carry one with me in the RV,Amazon has a selection of food torches

Oh brother, not pipe size but HVAC size.  I suppose if I get into the bay I can get a caliper on it and get the size and hopefully find the right size BEFORE tearing it apart.

So, I should use MAPP gas to get a little more heat, OK,

Thanks

Seb

[Melbo]

Not really that confusing.  Plumbing is ID (inside diameter) and HVAC is OD (outside diameter)  3/4 plumbing is 7/8 HVAC.  If you are in albuquerque I can get you the supply houses that will have what you need if you want.

Good luck and safe travels

Melbo