6-Way linear microbore manifold ?

[thesled]

Hi Folks

I've been on the heating system today. I think I've finally found my microbore manifolds. They're logically located (yes I am being sarcastic) near the bottom of some pipe boxing running up the side of the chimney breast. They seem to be linear type manifolds pointing upward. The pipes for the first floor radiators go all the way back up the chimney breast (the boiler is in a bedroom), whereas the ones for the ground floor go up for a few feet before doing a U-turn and coming back down again! Genius. I suppose they could have located them neatly in the floor voids, but that would be too simple.
Anyway, I can't actually see them. By feel, they appear to be 6 way (It's 8mm). Thing is, I can't find a 6 way linear manifold available, so I'm wondering if they even exist and my pipe braille skills are just not that good. Has anyone come across one of these?
Assuming this is the case, I'm thinking of trying to tidy it all up be replacing with one or more side-feed type manifolds. Probably intercept the flow and return at first floor level to avoid an unnecessary round trip to the ground floor at least and have another for the ground floor. That should tidy up the Gordian Knot of microbore piping.
However if anyone knows why there might have been a good reason why it was installed the way it was, and I should therefore leave well alone, I'd love to know!

 

[Exedon]

Linear manifolds were usually a max of 4 outlets.
Maybe original boiler downstairs? Much nearer manifold position?
If its working correctly I would just leave it as is why create work and expense?

 

[thesled]

Yes - but this is definitely a 'sixer'. I've attached a couple of pics to show, as I managed to get a mobile in at arms length. The pictures are looking 'upwards' Beneath the manifold you can see a tee for a 7th connection.
I did eventually find one of these on a website - discontinued, but they clearly did exist once.
I'm finding now virtually no microbore manifolds are available, apart from brass 'bullet chambers' (max of four outlets) that you solder up yourself (don't fancy that). The original ones seem to come with microbore pipes attached like a set of bagpipes.
If I can't find any of the side-port type manifolds with compression joints anyway, it looks like 'leaving it alone' may be my only option.
The 'boiler got moved' theory sounds very plausible, but moving it back would create more problems than it would solve at this stage.

 

[Exedon]

I would just leave it alone and move on load of work to alter for little gain.
As that lot is near chimney breast maybe originally boiler was a back boiler unit?

 

[thesled]

Back boiler? Yes, that's very likely. It would also explain some old pipework I found coming into the fireplace which at first I though was gas (for an old fire) but on looking at it again it's far too big for gas.
I'm going to get a new boiler fitted later in the year to replace 'old faithful' (not even condensing so very expensive to run) and I think I've probably got sludge in the system so I had this idea I could blow out the individual pipes necessary if I could get them all disconnected (basically just run water through them with a hose). Then doing the rads as well I'll be all cleaned out and good to go for the new boiler.
I think I could probably use HEP2O manifolds (at least you can get them) and their 10mm plastic pipe and then connect on to my 8mm copper with some 10mm copper and a reducer if I go this route.

 

[ianmcd]

Yorks 1486 28mm X 6-8mm Linear Manifold : Pegler Yorkshire

Buy Yorks 1486 28mm X 6-8mm Linear Manifold - £66.22 UK and Worldwide delivery. Pegler Yorkshire Part number 80060. Service you would expect from a trusted UK company.

www.mytub.co.uk

 

[thesled]

Yep that's very like the one(s) I have. Could be the actual one(s). Discontinued in 2022 I see. Not that I'd want another one of those, but if anyone knows of availability of one of the side-port type (with compression fittings as far as I know) would be very interested to hear. Can't see any online, even 'discontinued'. Perhaps some 'traditional' suppliers could have some gathering dust on a shelf.
I wondered if I could use one of those types sold for underfloor heating but they are well pricey and its difficult to get an idea exactly how they connect.