To start with, the new cylinder is an old one, and although cheap, does have it's downsides - like really odd, possibly 3/4" imperial compression fittings on it - completely impossible to move without damaging the tank. I couldn't think of anywhere to obtain back-nuts for imperial compression on-spec today, so we came up with the idea of filing 22mm copper pipe down to an insertable size, then soldering it to the brass fittings.
A quick test on a spare brass fitting showed that the joint seemed sound, so we went ahead and turned the tank into a dalek...
With some more prodding, I managed to get this to a state where there are 15mm connections coming out at sensible directions:
Note that the cylinder is upside down in these pics. Also note that I've capped one of the connections - I've just realised that this is wrong. The cylinder has four connections on the bottom and one on the top fitted with a PRV. I had been wrongly thinking that the output water came from the PRV outlet, but of couse that's rubbish and it's just if the PRV blows that I'll get water from that. So it looks like the input and output are currently on the bottom, on each outer connection whereas the loop for the boiler is definitely the pair in the middle.
That's a bit odd, as I'd expect the hot outlet to be at the top! I wonder if the original installer of this couldn't work out a way to put the PRV at the bottom but still keep the valve upright? I'm also wondering if I'm going to get much hot water out of it, taking off from the bottom - but just maybe one of the bottom fittings has a standpipe going up high?
Anyhow, the range plumbing was a bit simpler, with the spare water take-offs capped, and the main ones fed down to the radiator circuit. I've just realised that the pump needs to go into the return at this point, but I'll fix that tomorrow.
And on down to the radiator run:
The diesel feed for the cooker comes from the drain fitting on the tank, which I know isn't ideal as it'll pick up some sludge and the like. The drain is actually just a stop tap with a blanking plug in the outlet - and Ben found a fitting for 10mm pipe which screwed in. That runs through a bulkhead sealing fitting and on down the cabin to the cooker. A fire valve will be added later!
Whilst I was getting stressed at the plumbing, Ben was working on the last of the insulation, completing the ceiling and getting the oak-veneered walls up. It really does look fantastic, like a new boat, and I can't wait for the end of tomorrow to see it with some furnishings and fittings in place...
Top work Ben:
So lots left to do tomorrow. I'm going to site at 8am to make an early start!
PC
