HOTSTART TPS Thermosiphon Heater Instruction Manual
- June 6, 2024
- HOTSTART
Table of Contents
TPS Thermosiphon Heater
Instruction Manual
Read carefully for proper installation and operation.
Hotstart Manufacturing, Inc. is the owner of all trademarks and copyrightable
material contained herein; all rights are reserved; no form of reproduction is
authorized without prior written consent from Hotstart Manufacturing, Inc.
BEFORE YOU INSTALL
Your TPS heater uses thermosiphon action – the natural expansion and rising action of a heated fluid – to circulate heated coolant throughout an engine’s water jacket. With no moving parts, thermosiphon heaters require little maintenance. However initial installation of the heating system is critical; even seemingly minor adjustments to port location, hose routing, or heater positioning may help ensure your thermosiphon heater preheats your engine effectively.
CAUTION
Figure 1. Typical TPS model. Style and configuration may vary.
| A. Outlet | E. Control thermostat (in base) |
|---|---|
| B. Inlet | F. Nut × 4 |
| C. Base | G. Bolt × 4 |
| D. Cord/plug | H. Mounting bracket |
Hazardous voltage: Before wiring, servicing, or cleaning the heating system,
turn off the power and follow your organization’s lockout and tagout
procedure.
Failure to do so could allow others to turn on the power unexpectedly,
resulting in harmful or fatal electrical shocks.
Electrical hazard: The power source must be properly grounded and in
accordance with national and local electrical codes. Do not connect the heater
to a power source heater prior to installation.
Personal injury: If equipped with isolation valves, ensure valves are
open before energizing the heater. Obstructed flow may result in an unexpected
release of heated coolant, potentially causing serious injury.
NOTICE
Read instructions carefully: The HOTSTART warranty does not cover any
damage that a heating system may sustain from improper installation, improper
operation, improper specification, or corrosion. Before installing your
heater, be sure you have the right heating system for your application.
Carefully read all instructions before installing and energizing your heater.
Proper operation: The HOTSTART heating system is intended to be activated
only while the engine is not in operation. Preheating while the engine is
running may reduce heater longevity. For automatic-start engines, a control
box with an automatic shut-off device is recommended.
PREPARE COOLANT SYSTEM
-
Drain and flush the cooling system to remove any debris present in the engine’s cooling system.
SELECT PORTS -
Select return port. The return port will allow the heated coolant to return to the engine. See Fig 2 on the following page. Select the return port using the following guidelines:
• return port must be located on the same side of the engine as the intended heater mounting location
• return port must be located away from the engine thermostat
• return port should be located toward the rear (flywheel) of the engine
• return port should be located away from the supply port -
Select supply port. The supply port will allow coolant to flow from the engine to the heater. See Fig 2 on the following page. Select the supply port using the following guidelines:
• Supply port may be located on the same side or opposite side of the engine as the intended heater location
NOTE:
For V-type engines, it is acceptable to select a supply port on the opposite side of the engine as long as the supply hose is routed properly. See PLUMB HEATER.
• Supply port must be located at the lowest point of the engine’s water jacket
• Supply port should be located toward the front (radiator) of the engine
• Supply port should be located away from the return port
SELECT HOSE, FITTINGS & VALVES -
Select fittings. TPS minimum port size fitting:
• 3/8 inch NPT (9.5 mm) -
Select hoses. TPS minimum hose inner diameter:
• 5/8 inch (16 mm)
NOTE:
Select hoses rated for 250 °F (121 °C) and 100 psi (690 kPa) minimum. -
Select optional, user-supplied isolation valves.
NOTE:
HOT START recommends installing valves to isolate the heating system in case of service. To minimize flow restriction, select full-flow (full-port) ball isolation valves.
MOUNT HEATER
NOTICE
Vibration damage: Do not mount the heater directly to the engine. Engine vibration may damage heater. If the heater is installed with a rigid pipe, connect flexible hose to inlet and outlet to isolate from vibration.
Outlet orientation: Ensure outlet is at top of heater. Do not attempt to mount the heater at an angle or in any other orientation. An incorrectly oriented outlet may cause heater failure. -
Select a heater mounting position directly below the return port and at least 6 inches (15 cm) below the lowest point of the engine’s water jacket.
-
Using supplied mounting bracket, nuts, and bolts, mount the heater to a suitable vibration-isolated surface.
PLUMB HEATER
NOTICE
High points: Do not allow high points along with heater plumbing. High points will restrict coolant flow and damage the heater. To avoid high points, it may be necessary to change hose routing or lower heater mounting location.
Dips and bends: Do not allow dips or bends along with heater plumbing. Dips or ends will allow air pockets to form, restricting coolant flow and damaging the heater.
90° Fittings: Elbows (90° fittings) along heater plumbing may restrict flow and damage the heater. To minimize flow restriction, HOTSTART recommends sweeping bends or 45° fittings in place of 90° fittings. -
Install isolation valves to port fittings.
-
Route and install return hose. NOICE! The return hose must continuously rise from the heater to the return port.
-
Route and install supply hose. NOICE! The supply hose must continuously descend from the supply port to the heater.
Figure 2. Example TPS installation. The return hose continuously rises to the engine and the supply hose continuously descends to the heater; the hoses have no dips, bends, or high points. The heater is isolated from engine vibration and is mounted in a proper orientation.
-
If installed, open the supply port isolation valve and return the port isolation valve. WAR I G! Operation of a heating system with closed isolation valves could result in high pressure and serious injury.
REFILL COOLANT
NOTICE
Heater damage: When mixing coolant, only use deionized or distilled water and low-silicate antifreeze. Refer to your engine’s manufacturer recommendations. Do not exceed 60% antifreeze to 40% water ratio. ever add unmixed water and antifreeze to an engine. Do not add anti-leak or other coolant additives. -
Mix coolant according to your engine manufacturer’s recommendations. Refill the cooling system with coolant.
NOTIC:
HOT START recommends using 50% deionized or distilled water to a 50% low silicate antifreeze mixture.
Figure 3. When refilling the engine with coolant, remove the heater return hose (A). Once filled to the level of the return port, reconnect the return hose to ensure no air remains in the heating system (B).
-
Start engine. Allow engine to run until engine thermostat opens, purging air from engine cooling system. NOICE! Engine must be run to eliminate air
from the heating system before energizing heater. -
When the engine has reached operating temperature, shut the engine off and check for coolant leaks. Allow engine to cool. Check coolant level and top off as needed.
CONNECT HEATER -
Connect the heater to an appropriately rated power source. Ensure power source is grounded and in accordance with local and national electrical codes.
Figure 4. Typical TPS wiring schematic (above) and with
optional installed remote thermostat (below). See part drawings for your
specific wiring schematic.
TROUBLESHOOTING
To ensure the coolant is flowing, check the outlet temperature. If the coolant temperature along the return hose exceeds 180 °F (82 °C) or the heater cycles more than four times per hour, it may indicate:
- Air pockets are restricting flow. Air may collect due to loops in the hose, routing hose over the top of the engine, excessive hose lengths, or kinks. Reroute hoses or change port locations.
- The heater is mounted too high. Lower heater position.
- The heater is not mounted in the proper orientation. Ensure outlet is pointed directly upward.
- Contaminants in the coolant are restricting flow. Flush coolant system and refill.
MAINTENANCE & PARTS
CAUTION
Electrical hazard: Before wiring, servicing, or cleaning the heating system,
turn off the power, and follow your organization’s lockout and tagout
procedure. Failure to do so could allow others to turn on the power
unexpectedly, resulting in harmful or fatal electrical shocks.
Personal injury: If equipped with isolation valves, ensure valves are
open before energizing the heater. Obstructed flow may result in an unexpected
release of heated coolant, potentially causing serious injury.
PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE
Annually:
- Check and replace cracked or weakened hoses.
- Check electrical wiring for wear and excessive heat
Every three years or 25,000 hours of operation:
- Replace control thermostat sensing unit.
THERMOSTAT REPLACEMENT
To replace the control thermostat: (See Fig. 5.)
- Disconnect the heater from the power source. Allow the heating system to cool.
- Unscrew and remove enclosure screw (A). Pull enclosure (B) away from the heater. Note wiring connections.
- Disconnect power connection to thermostat and power connection to the element. Disconnect ground. Remove enclosure (B) and power wires (C).
- Remove jumper wire connection to thermostat and element (D).
- Slide thermostat (F) and adapter (E) from retaining clip. Set adapter (E) aside. Discard thermostat (F).
- Insert replacement thermostat into adapter (E). Slide thermostat and adapter under clip into recessed space.
- Reconnect jumper wire connection (D) to element and thermostat.
- Reconnect power wire (C) connection to element and power connection to the thermostat. Reconnect ground.
- Place enclosure (B) on the heater. Tighten enclosure screw (A) to secure. NOICE! Do not overtighten the enclosure screw.
- Reconnect the heater to a power source.
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sales@hotstart.com
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Suite 170
Katy, TX 77450 USA
281.600.3700
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HOT START GmbH
Am Turm 86
53721 Siegburg, Germany
+49.2241.12734.0
europe@hotstart.com
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HOT START Asia Pacific Ltd.
2-27-15-4F Honkomagome
Bunkyo-Ku, Tokyo
113-0021, Japan
+81.3.6902.0551
apac@hotstart.com
216061-064 rev2
customer service: 509.536.8660
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