The calorifier came with 1/2 inch BSP female tappings for the coils and feeds. I had requested that. I thought I would use JG Speed Fit fittings - the specs seemed OK for this use although I was concerned that the high water temperatures in the engine circulation might be an issue. (So far not). These push fit connections can easily be released if not happy. The existing grey plastic pipes will connect OK. I had already proved that with the cold feed stopcock.
The cylinder passed through the cupboard opening (door removed) exactly as planned, the insulation shaving process having proved correct. Connecting the coil feeds from engine and Eperspacher was simple and amazingly quick although in spite of all the planning and checking that I had everything I needed, I still needed one trip to Screwfix for an extra adapter. For the highest coil, the pipes enter the cupboard at floor level, so a bleed off valve was inserted at the highest point. Filling the central heating expansion tank and getting the circulation going was a little time consuming but not from the calorifier point of view. The Eberspacher sits high under the counter and has a bleed off screw of its own which is a little tricky to access. This needed several visits. The engine circulation worked first time and took very little additional coolant.
So far the cylinder is still empty. One remaining job recommended to me was to fit an expansion vessel. It was felt that relying on the pressure relief valve to discharge the expanding water in this closed system might have been the cause of the previous problems by stressing up the cylinder too much. A suitable item had been obtained and was fitted on the back shower wall where there was a suitable space. Not wanting to risk screwing into the back of the shower cabinet, a wooden plate was glued to the wall and used to make the vessel. It is connected with some high pressure plastic hose into the cold feed. A non return valve is suggested placed in the cold water feed to the cylinder to avoid a reverse flow when dropping the pressure when a cold tap is opened in the mains feed. I didn't fit this. No room.
With this done we now have central heating and can run the engine for its twice monthly exercise.
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