Thread: Glind Hot Water System - 2013MY defender - Ford Duratech 'Puma'

Originally Posted by tugga

Hi All,


I'm interested in hearing from anyone who has installed a Glind hot water system in a newish defender (puma). There have been some photos posted on the forum in the past which have been removed.


There doesn't seem to be much space in the engine bay for the exchanger or pump.


I'd really appreciate any advice on where's best to fit these things (and potentially brackets that may need to be fabricated) and photos if you've completed an install. I'm pretty new to this sort of thing....


Also keen to hear how the unit operates with the puma engine.


Thanks

I haven't, but I've been considering it. Have you given any thought to possible engine corrosion issues?

I'd be interested to know aswell as I'm looking into getting a set up as well

Originally Posted by n plus one

I haven't, but I've been considering it. Have you given any thought to possible engine corrosion issues?

Don't see how there could be any - it uses a heat exchanger.
Personally I use the black plastic solar shower unit. Simple, lightweight and efficient.

Sent from my Nexus 7 using AULRO mobile app

A lot of heat exchangers use copper coils - which can have corrosion issues with aluminium heads, radiators, etc.

I think the Glind unit may be of poly construction - if so its a non-issue however this may (?) come at the cost of reduced thermal transfer efficiency - which can be an issue on diesels as the often run cooler than petrol engines?

The puma has a fuel cooler on the chassis rail which is 'cooled' by engine coolant. Not sure if this is an 'always on' fluid path, or if it is switched by the ECU depending on fuel temp.
Not sure of the logistics of it (have not seen said unit) but there is mountains of space under there, and also relatively close to water storage and power options.

Doesn't really look like there is much room in there. Would struggle to get my fist into most locations. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

There might be one or two spots that it would work or perhaps need to get in underneath. I'll need to figure out which hose to cut as well.

I wasn't aware of any potential corrosion issues.

I like the idea of the glind unit when camping with the wife and baby. Nice to have hot water on tap.

Originally Posted by n plus one

A lot of heat exchangers use copper coils - which can have corrosion issues with aluminium heads, radiators, etc.

I think the Glind unit may be of poly construction - if so its a non-issue however this may (?) come at the cost of reduced thermal transfer efficiency - which can be an issue on diesels as the often run cooler than petrol engines?

They are strangely quiet on what their coils are made from, the outer casing is glass filled nylon, but they don't mention what the inner coils are, just they don't have as much copper in them so they don't need an anode to protect the heat exchanger. Either way the hose tails are brass, which is just as bad as copper.

I wasn't aware of any potential corrosion issues.

If copper has an electrical connection with Aluminium (Coolant) , the Al will corrode before the copper, just like zinc anodes protecting steel boats. I've seen a small brass washer "drop" thru the bottom of a tinny in a about 5 weeks.



Cheers Glen

I've contacted Glind and asked about any potential corrosion issues. Will post any info I can find.

They suggested mounting the heat exchanger in the c column in the bumper bar which seems logical and there is plenty of space there. Just need to find a place to mount the pump. Needs to be high and dry. One potential location on the passenger side closer to the windscreen (photo attached) underneath the greyish hose. Thoughts?

Also anyone know which hose is the main heater feed line?

Thanks