Descaling Reverse Cycle Heat/AC

[Pitou]

As preventative maintenance replacing the reverse cycle heat/air conditioning hoses (29 ft. of 5/8" single wire reinforced hose) I decided that this was a good opportunity to descale the unit.

Using a 5 gallon bucket, a sump pump, 2 gallons of Barnacle Buster I cycled the mix through one direction for 30 minutes and then reversed for 30 minutes. Afterward I ran a fresh water hose to flush for 15 minutes running through the discharge hose and exiting its thru hull.

There were no prior issues and flow was strong, but surprisingly there was significant crud in the bottom of the bucket when all was said and done.

The new hoses go in tomorrow.

20220527_160833.jpg

20220527_161037.jpg

20220527_175030.jpg

[gerber30]

Great idea, I should do the same. What spec/hose are you replacing it with?

[Pitou]

Great idea, I should do the same. What spec/hose are you replacing it with?

Your in a similar aged hull, so not a bad idea.

I spec'd out 5/8" Shieldflex II, but was unable to get it locally and ended up with Trident-Flex which is pretty nice hose. Both are the same wet exhaust temp spec., but the Trident has a thicker wall. I have removed the hot water tank indirect heating hoses from the engine as well and will be doing the same, but for now will just run the generator for 120V heating of the hot water .. it's a good way to force the exercising of the generator.

I installed it today and the Shieldsflex II would have been a little easier to install given the size of the hole chase in the bukkhead between the head and under the hanging locker into the storage under the starboard dinette seating for the discharge hose. It discharges through the thru hull behind the sink cabinet in the head.

20220528_140905.jpg