propane boiler/heater core+ fans

15 years ago

I have an idea, not a new idea I'm sure but it's new to me. I wish to explore the idea of heating water in a big enough tank with propane then having automotive heater cores mounted in a box. Connect the cores to the tank with 3/4 pipe of some kind, have a fan in front if the core to capture the heat just like in a automobile

Sounds very simple huh. Aside from it not being pleasing to the eye I think it's practical, and it's my house so I can do whatever I want.

I would need a small pump to move the water from the small radiators back to the tank for reheating. Any reasons why I can't do this and what if anything would make it unsafe.

My main heat source right now is a wood stove, I thought of heating water with coils on top the stove but since it isn't always real hot that wouldn't work very well.

Travis

Waitsburg WA

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Comments (4)

mr_havac
15 years ago
I think something along that line has been invented before. Its called a boiler! Actually the amount of heat needed to raise the water temp to a desired level and keeping it there would probably cost you more then a conventional one. If you're gonna go messing around with water that hot you best know what your doing. A scald with water that hot tain't nuthin to blow tobacki juice at.
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zl700
15 years ago
Maybe your not getting alot of responses because most are thinking why didn't I think of that?!

As long as we are brain storming along the lines of big heating breakthroughs, please let me share a few ideas to possibly improve your plan.

As long as you are picken through the junkyard, look for some 12v powered radiator fans that you can install in a apple bushel with the radiator heating core and along with a hookup to the battery on your tractor (at night) you will have a fan convector. But don't forget to cut a hole out on the bottom of the straw bushel to get airflow when you duct tape the fan and coil inside and onto the straw bushel basket.

I agree, why buy a 80-98% efficient boiler when a 60% efficient water heater will do the job. But better yet, while at the junkyard, salvage as much brake lines as you can, tie them together and wrap around your still and recover as much heat as possible while making moonshine.

Boiler accessories can cost so much so why buy what you can make at home?

As long as you are not using the bathtub, why not take it out of the trailer, put it up on the hill, jerryrig a pipe from the drain down to the water heater and connect. With some rainwater collection you now have a open system expansion tank and auto feeder for your boiler system.
The plus side of the outdoor expansion tank is it can also serve as a water trough for all your goats and other livestock which will also help keep the field grass trimmed around the grave of Grandpa and the last 12 hounds buried nearby.

Round up enough 1" radiator hose and clamps and you have a system!
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bloosquall
Original Author
15 years ago
OK, I think you guys are making fun of me now. This is an idea I was thinking about and was actually searching for an honest answer why this would not work or how to make it work if possible.

zl700, I see you have first hand knowledge of hounds and making shine, live in a shack somewhere in Alabama maybe. I'll type slower for you. I don't need to be insulted by some A-hole thinking he's being funny. I was expecting somebody with some intelligence to give me an intelligent response. And yes, if you divorce your wife ...she's still your sister.

I may have used the wrong word "boiler" to describe the tank being used to hold the heated water. I don't really know what a boiler is since I don't know jack shite about heating systems.
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zl700
15 years ago
I like a person that can take a ribbing and give it back.

Here in Texas though we dont have dogs, just pet boars. Where do you think Hogzilla originated from?

Even if you use a boiler, the rest of the system that you assemble I imagine would be troblesome and make it near impossible to sell your home someday, especially if the buyers require a loan.

In short, they will buy the home with a proper heating system first.
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propane boiler/heater core+ fans

Comments (4)

mr_havac

zl700

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propane boiler/heater core+ fans

Comments (4)

mr_havac

zl700

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zl700

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bloosquall
Original Author