Replacing hot water heater hoses

[Michael Wallach]

I need some advise. I have a 1992 Hunter 33.5 which has a leak in a hose running from the engine to the hot water tank. the hoses (2) run under the cabin sole and reappear inside the settee where to hot water tank is located, forming a blind path through which the hosesust be snaked. Has anyone out there performed this maintenance task, and has any words of advice? By way of comment, I was able to "salvage my first sail of the season by bypassing the heater loop with a section of 5/7" heater hose that I carried aboar as a spare part. I suggest that you carry a similar length of hose (of the right diameter) to "Rube Goldberg" similar incidents.

 

[Claude L.-Auger]

A 2-beer job!

And fairly easy:1) You already have disconnected the hoses to by-pass the system so you've already started the replacement process.2) Get proper hose. Rad hoses from an autopart store do nicely and you can get a 25' length at a decent price. Pressure in the system is only 15 pounds (like a car). Connect one end of new hose to engine fitting.3) Get 5-inch piece of copper tubing 1/2" i.d.4) Slip copper tubing in disconnected end of old hose and other end of new hose, connecting the old and new end-to-end5) Duck-tape tightly over the butt-ends, going about 6 inches each side of the joint. Spread a little bit of dishwashing liquid over the taped section of hoses to make it real slippery.6) Open 2 beers and call your dock neighbor.7) Disconnect hoses at water heater8) With your dock neighbor pushing slowly on new hose, reach in the settee and pull slowly on old one. The trick is to make the new hose go into each turn without jamming (the soap helps).9) Cut hose and install on tank fitting.10) Repeat process for second hose.11) Protect from chafing where you can.12) Run engine and check for leaks.13) Open second beer, congratulate yourself and thank you neighbor.Good luck

 

[Jim Maroldo]

replacing hoses

Great idea, Claude! But I wouldn't help unless I got a couple of brews myself. Doesn't that make it a 4-beer job? (Or six if the 1st mate is along...). I would only want to add one item, though. I think I'd run an electrician's "snake" through the hose first, just in case the two hoses come apart halfway through. At least if the worst happens, you still have something to work with. Enjoy!Jim Maroldos/v: Lil' Wass Ett

 

[Claude L.-Auger]

Your math is right Jim

I should have been clearer. I did mean 2 beers per person. As for the first mate, even if her help is only coming from getting the beer, she can have 2 beers anyway (even moral support counts!). I like the idea of the electrician snake. I did not need it, but maybe I got lucky.

 

[Michael Wallach]

Thanks for the advice

Guys, Thanks for the tips and advice. Sounds like you have "been there, done that", and I am sure fiollowing your tips will speed the work. As for the beer, my helper (friend) and I will consume as many as necessary to insure that the job, once done, is rembembered for its happy conclusion!