Issue Winterizing 2020 Flying Cloud

[lovemorels]

I have drained and blown out all water at 55 psi and turned bypass on water heater. This AS has a winterization kit knob and tubing just before the filter screen. I turned the winterization knob to the correct location and placed the provided clear tubing into the RV antifreeze jug. When I switch the pump on, it doesn't pull the antifreeze out of the jug? All faucets and drains are closed. Does the pump need priming if there is little water left in it? If so, how is that accomplished?

[NoResults]

According to my manual which should be the same. All faucets need to be open. When you see the pink come out of a faucet close it and don't forget the outside shower. Dave

[Adventure.AS]

You need to have a tap open for the pump to move antifreeze through the lines.

[pcskier]

Sometimes the winterization valve is installed backwards. On a Camco kit, the end of the valve stamped with a 'C' will face the water pump. When in service mode, the handle should point toward the pump. If it is, it won't pull from the bottle when in bypass mode. Ask me how I know.

Better yet...now you've blown out the lines, go around and do it one more time, including low points once at a time...and be done with it. I stopped with the anti-freeze a couple years ago and it's been heavenly. Get up and go in the spring. Just some antifreeze in the traps.

[lovemorels]

Thanks for the replies! I did open the kitchen sink faucet and then turned on the pump. No flow of pink from the bottle. ?¿
The winterization kit was factory installed. The tube is clear all the way to the junction. I have the knob in the correct direction. I have an appt in Oct for some warranty work to be done and may have to add this to the list. For now, I will open the pump, make sure the water is pumped out and put the antifreeze down the p-traps. I had read that in really cold climates, the RV antifreeze will help keep the rubber pieces within the system from drying out/cracking.
Thank you! HAPPY SUNDAY FUNDAY☆

[orcs]

Don't forget to disconnect the water supply to the toilet at the base of the toilet. That instruction is not in the operating manual but it is in the manufacture's instruction. The valve can freeze and crack even if you have blown everything out. ( don't ask me how I know this ).

[Cjanese21]

Originally Posted by lovemorels

I have drained and blown out all water at 55 psi and turned bypass on water heater. This AS has a winterization kit knob and tubing just before the filter screen. I turned the winterization knob to the correct location and placed the provided clear tubing into the RV antifreeze jug. When I switch the pump on, it doesn't pull the antifreeze out of the jug? All faucets and drains are closed. Does the pump need priming if there is little water left in it? If so, how is that accomplished?

just winterize it through the fresh water tank

[uncle_bob]

Hi

I'm assuming the pump does turn on. If not, then look into that part of things. If the pump turns on and a faucet is open, do you get "stuff" out of the faucet ( like air )? If so wait a bit longer for the anti-freeze to get going. If that still does not do it, check that all the fittings are tight. Also check that you aren't pumping it out through one of the low point valves .... been there done that ....

Bob

[PatLee]

With pump on, start at kitchen sink, open up faucet, cold side, and then hot side until water runs pink. Close. Do same in BR sink. Then toilet. Then shower, hot and cold. Then exterior shower. It doesn’t take long for pink to come out. Pour extra RV antifreeze into drains. Carefully wipe metal around drains to keep it from pittung. Put small bowl beneath faucets to catch drops.

[pcskier]

Originally Posted by lovemorels

The winterization kit was factory installed.

This doubles my suspicion that the valve is installed backwards And yes, I am completely serious. It's very easy to install backwards if not paying attention.
That pump should start pulling antifreeze out of the bottle almost immediately.

[pcskier]

Originally Posted by Cjanese21

just winterize it through the fresh water tank

Unless the FW tank is completely empty, which is unlikely, there can be dilution of the antifreeze. But more importantly, trying to flush antifreeze from the fresh tank is an absolute nightmare. He'll smell antifreeze in his water all next summer no matter how much flushing is done.

[lsbrodsky]

Originally Posted by pcskier

Unless the FW tank is completely empty, which is unlikely, there can be dilution of the antifreeze. But more importantly, trying to flush antifreeze from the fresh tank is an absolute nightmare. He'll smell antifreeze in his water all next summer no matter how much flushing is done.

I agree! This is a very bad idea and should never be employed. If you are going to pump pink, either disconnect fittings at the pump inlet or install your own winterizing manifold at the same location.
Larry

[jeffmc306]

I tried putting the tube in the gallon bottle but the pump would not prime on our FC23FB and ended up connecting a funnel and tube to the pump. As soon as I did, the pump primed and worked as expected. Your mileage may vary.

[lovemorels]

I like the idea of the funnel. Where did you buy that fancy bottle connection?
I also thought the same thing initially, maybe the pump needs to be primed. Plus, if the factory installed winterization kit is backwards, then no fluid should go towards the pump if I tried just pouring the solution in the tube provided, right?
The pump runs when I turn it on, but no air flows from the kitchen sink when I try the hot or cold setting.
You all are so helpful with your ideas♡
I really appreciate this forum!!

[pcskier]

How about a photo of your winterization valve.

[lovemorels]

Update...I called AS Customer Service and they spoke with a tech as they aren't up to speed on the 2020's yet. I did a test run of 1/2 gallon of water down the winterization tube with a funnel and it didn't go toward the pump or back up towards me; it went to the fresh water tank! The suspicions where correct. I blew it all out again and added the RV anti-freeze. AS Forums just asked for a photo of the winterization kit, but it is all put away until Oct when it is going in for warranty work and adding this to the list. I'll try and update this thread at that time. Thanks for your time and efforts!
~Karen

[jeffmc306]

Originally Posted by lovemorels

I like the idea of the funnel. Where did you buy that fancy bottle connection?
I also thought the same thing initially, maybe the pump needs to be primed. Plus, if the factory installed winterization kit is backwards, then no fluid should go towards the pump if I tried just pouring the solution in the tube provided, right?
The pump runs when I turn it on, but no air flows from the kitchen sink when I try the hot or cold setting.
You all are so helpful with your ideas♡
I really appreciate this forum!!

I got mine at Farm & Fleet but you can find them at AutoZone and Amazon. It's made by Hopkins - 10704 FloTool Spill Saver Measu-Funnel.

https://www.autozone.com/shop-and-garage-tools/funnel/flotool-spill-saver-measu-funnel/139278_0_0

The blue part in the photo is the valve; you control the flow by turning it. I originally bought one for adding diesel fuel treatment for cold weather but found it was perfect for winterizing the trailer.

[pcskier]

Originally Posted by lovemorels

Update...I called AS Customer Service and they spoke with a tech as they aren't up to speed on the 2020's yet. I did a test run of 1/2 gallon of water down the winterization tube with a funnel and it didn't go toward the pump or back up towards me; it went to the fresh water tank! The suspicions where correct. I blew it all out again and added the RV anti-freeze. AS Forums just asked for a photo of the winterization kit, but it is all put away until Oct when it is going in for warranty work and adding this to the list. I'll try and update this thread at that time. Thanks for your time and efforts!
~Karen

I told you s..... nah, I won't say it! Like a blind squirrel, I do find a nut now and then

With the kit installed backwards, when your pump is on, it's not drawing from the tank or the tube...the path to the pump is blocked by the valve. It's an easy fix, just unscrew the fittings and turn it the other way--if you don't want to wait for warranty work.
I am curious, you say you blew it all out again and added the RV anti-freeze...you added the anti-freeze where? The whole issue was that the pump isn't drawing it in to the system. Where did you add it?

[OTRA15]

Originally Posted by lovemorels

. . .
. . . it is all put away until Oct when it is going in for warranty work . s. .
. . .

Thanks for the update. Suggest having the dealer show you how to winterize without using that nasty antifreeze . . .

. . . Like Wally and early Airstreamers did for decades!

[pcskier]

Originally Posted by OTRA15

Suggest having the dealer show you how to winterize without using that nasty antifreeze . . .

This times ten!