I am, shortly, going to be replacing my rusted 20-gallon water heater in my Catalina 310 with a 6 gallon Seaward model. I realize I may end up with air in the coolant lines and will need to "burp" the system. I've read a variety of posts from this week and earlier for burping the system. A mod that forum members Mainesail and JK-Boston suggested seems attractive as a simple solution for now and future. I am hoping someone can confirm if I am on the right track and if all the steps I describe are necessary. Thanks! Steps to take place after having made all connections to the new WH
1. Remove the 1/8" NPT petcock from the thermostat housing
2. Replace with a combination 90-degree male/female brass elbow/ball valve/barbed hose fitting
3. Attach clear tube to above barbed fitting and attach/suspend other end of above engine at level of expansion tank
4. Remove coolant return hose coming from expansion tank at thermostat
5. Attach Jabsco handpump to hose and pull coolant through system until it runs into manifold (where outlet hose from handpump has been inserted) and reattach hose.
6. Put manifold pressure cap back on
7. Open ball valve installed earlier
8. Start engine at dock and put under load
9. Run and watch temp guage
10. if it doesn't overheat, shut off the engine, close ball valve, and replenish coolant if needed
1. Remove the 1/8" NPT petcock from the thermostat housing
2. Replace with a combination 90-degree male/female brass elbow/ball valve/barbed hose fitting
3. Attach clear tube to above barbed fitting and attach/suspend other end of above engine at level of expansion tank
4. Remove coolant return hose coming from expansion tank at thermostat
5. Attach Jabsco handpump to hose and pull coolant through system until it runs into manifold (where outlet hose from handpump has been inserted) and reattach hose.
6. Put manifold pressure cap back on
7. Open ball valve installed earlier
8. Start engine at dock and put under load
9. Run and watch temp guage
10. if it doesn't overheat, shut off the engine, close ball valve, and replenish coolant if needed