h34 antifreeze leak - hose run help

[dcalif]

On my '85 Hunter 34:

Antifreeze/h2o mix is draining into the small bilge at the bottom of the companionway (i call it the aft keel bolt bilge, because i don't know better). 1/2 pint to a pint when i run the engine for any length of time.

My best theory is either a leak in the coolant hoses to the water heater (Atwood EHM6-SM 6-gallon 120v) or from the water heater itself.

I've committed to replacing the water heater, which appears to be quite old with visible corrosion at the bottom on the port side. However, I can't for the life of me figure out how the hoses get from the engine to the water heater, how to access in order to run new hoses, etc. It's the mystery hose run...

I'm sure I might get a clue when I pull out the water heater next week, but wondering if any of you could offer any experience or insight as I am mystified and find no clues in any Hunter documentation.

Attached is:
- a poorly drawn diagram
- pic of the so-called "aft keel bolt bilge"
- pic of the hoses exiting the water heater from it's port side and disappearing into oblivion.
- view from inside the "aft keel bolt bilge" looking forward

A great many thanks in advance for any help...

dan.

 

[Don Crowther]

Dan;

Don't look to close at the mess but focus on the hose routeing. If you blow the picture up you will see the hose's run though a stringer. I think it runs under the galley sink.
The only thing I could suggest is to attach the new hose to the old one and pull it though like you would a wire.
Hope this helps

 

[dcalif]

I was actually studying your pic from the other post when you replied!
I haven't searched the stbd side under the galley sink yet, as it's an exceptionally uncomfortable fit for me.
I was thinking about connecting the hoses and pulling through as you suggest.
I also envision the sound of them separating somewhere under there and leaving me screwed.
thx much.

 

[Don Crowther]

As you can see I had an anti-freeze leak as well. But i'm hoping that the fitting that I found loose will fix the leak..
If you pull slow and coat the hose with soap you should be fine.
Good luck

 

[splax]

a suggestion - couple the hoses, old and new butted together by an insert held in place with really tight zip ties?

 

[bryan crites]

h34 antifreeze leak

I had the same problem on my 1984 h34. I dropped in red die in the mix an located the source. A pin hole in the hose running to water heater heat exchanger. As mentioned tied new hose to old and pulled it through.

 

[Claude L.-Auger]

Been there, done that. Pin hole in the water heater hose. Had to replace. Check pressure with a tester to make sure. Here you go with info and pics. I'd suggest you make yourself a manifold like pictured here. Simplifies winterizing without sending antifreeze in the water heater.

 

[sailcapt340]

Use a Barbed connector

I just did the same job in my 2000 340.
Use a 5/8 inch "male to male" plastic Barbed connector. Insert into the ends of the old hose and the new hose. The barbs will hold fast an allow you to pull the new hose through.
I say 5/8 inch because that is what the inside diameter of my hose was.
it was easier to pull the new hose through by pulling the old hose. it was more flexible, as the old hose was very stiff and brittle. The new hose will follow and bend along easier.
You will have to cut the hose off the connector, that's how tight it will hold. Allow for the loss in your measurements.
Mine took exactly 22 feet (11 feet for both feed and return lines)
Hope this helps.