New coolant and fresh water lines.

[winty]

Just finished the install of a new 11gal water heater. Managed to get it done in one day. Next, I need to replace the original 1/2" OD copper from engine coolant to water heater and fresh water.

For the freshwater, is PEX the best option? What should I use for the coolant runs?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Capt.Bill11]

Qest, PEX, Shark Bite, etc. They all work very well when installed correctly.

You can use PVC for long straight runs.

 

[FF]

A spring type tubing bender is a PIA to use , but they work well on copper tubing.

I prefer copper for drinking water because it is light proof and the green stuff does not grow in it.

Use flair fittings and anything can be replaced easily.

 

[O C Diver]

Just finished the install of a new 11gal water heater. Managed to get it done in one day. Next, I need to replace the original 1/2" OD copper from engine coolant to water heater and fresh water.

For the freshwater, is PEX the best option? What should I use for the coolant runs?

Thanks in advance.

Trident makes a flexible wet exhaust hose Trident-Flex #100-XXX. The hose is rated 250 degrees has spiral wire in it and is still bendable to easily work with. It costs more than regular automotive heater hose but is probably 10 times more durable and much more abrasion resistant. The XXX is for size. So, 100-075 would be 3/4" ID hose. If you have a long run, use 3/4" ID hose. As the hose sizes get smaller there is more resistance to flow "frictional line loss". Coolant isn't forced to go through this; it can take another path through the engine. As a result, the more resistance, the less GPM of flow, the longer it takes to heat the hot water.



Ted

 

[psneeld]

For drinking.....the fresh water lines....its hard to beat the availability and simplicity of pex.

For the coolant lines back to the engine, easiest to use is reinfoced water and heater hose.... something like this....

Trident Heavy Duty Engine Intake Water & Heater Hose

 

[rwidman]

For drinking.....the fresh water lines....its hard to beat the availability and simplicity of pex.

For the coolant lines back to the engine, easiest to use is reinfoced water and heater hose.... something like this....

Trident Heavy Duty Engine Intake Water & Heater Hose

As much as it pains me, I have to agree with this advice.

 

[ranger58sb]

For the freshwater,

Our boat was built with PEX tubing and Flair-It fittings for the freshwater runs. I suspect there might be better (but more expensive) fittings, but the Flair-It fittings have done fine, are simple... and the PEX tubing seems to be rated for way more pressure than we can encounter on the boat, also works fine.

-Chris

 

[winty]

Ordering Trident hose today.

Water heater is 5/8," engine is 1/2"

If I use 5/8" hose. How do I reduce to 1/2" engine side?

One of these? But unable to locate in a 5/8" to 1/2"
Brass Hose Connector

Thanks

 

[O C Diver]

Google "brass mpt to hose barb". You should be able to find 1/2" mpt to 5/8" hose barb. Then just change the fitting on the engine.

Ted

 

[psneeld]

Ordering Trident hose today.

Water heater is 5/8," engine is 1/2"

If I use 5/8" hose. How do I reduce to 1/2" engine side?

One of these? But unable to locate in a 5/8" to 1/2"
Brass Hose Connector

Thanks

Auto parts store.. 5/8 barb, 1/2 inch thread...that's where I got mine.

if coolant carrying and screwing into cast iron....steel is fine.