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[Jwood]

So I just want to make sure
1- are the top ports the return
2-can I hook my pumps up there pumping into the boiler?

[sceptre74]

I have the top as the supply. Not sure if there is a golden rule on this, but it is what slim recommended I do

[Cabo]

On my 250 the supply is off the top port with the pump pulling from the boiler(pump inside the house).  I would think you would want to pull from the boiler instead of pushing toward/into it.  My system was designed by Slim as well.

[Jwood]

See I thought I read somewhere on here return on top to the hottest part of the boiler.

[slimjim]

Sceptre, did I say supply from the top of a BL, if so I am sorry, I must have mistaken your unit for a gasser,  The B-L should pull from the bottom port and return to the top. I truly am sorry if I misled you, my mistake!

[Crow]

 So is this a change from the first year BL's? Mine is set up as outlined in the manual with supply from top and return to bottom.

[Jwood]

I believe they changed it after some research and direction from slim but my owner's manual is not up to date either. Maybe someone should just post an updated supply and return port thread and sticky it.

[EE Farm Boy]

On the BL, the top ports are the supply lines which should then be connected to the pumps.  The bottom ports are the return lines, this is what the manual says and how I have mine installed.  Sometimes I think we all get a little confused, sometimes the simplest things are the most confusing for me.    Seems to make since to me, you would want the cooler water entering closest to the fire box so that it can warm the fastest...

[sceptre74]

Do I have anything to worry about the way I'm setup? It's an easy fix to flip my pumps on the boiler side, but not so much on the other side of the hx. No worries slim. It's not like I'm the only guy you're helping out around here. Lol

[slimjim]

As I recall, Dave said he was installing them with supply on the top and was getting some boilers with boiling inside, they tried one supplying from the bottom and the circulation was so much better that they stuck with it, I don't think it matters a lot as long as the load and flow rate is there but warmer temps as we can all see seems to multiply issues, flow is the key guys, don't restrict the flow in the primary loop and all is good!

[Mr. Maple]

 So then Slim,is it the return(colder water) should come back to the top instead of the bottom? I have mine returning to the bottom I am sure the way the manual stated, might have to change next spring, as it is all insulated for this season, hate to tear it apart and the fittings now.

[Jwood]

Correct Mr. Maple colder return water to the top ports

[oaky]

I installed my lines according to the manual, supply from the top/return to the bottom. Personally, I foresee no problem installed this way.

[Uponthehill]

My shop is plumbed with supply coming from the top. Return is entering the bottom. I have not yet plumbed the house which will be the largest load of the two. Does anyone foresee a problem plumbing the house opposite the shop?  Will the house try and pull cooler water from the shop return if I swap configuration?  I know some suggest opposite from what the factory manual states, but wanted to know what field results I could experience. Thanks in advance for any responses.

[Jwood]

I would do either both from the top or both from the bottom it would be different if the top ports were further apart but I'm assuming they are close in the water jacket just like on the back of the stove but I've never seen one apart, if they are that close you might draw supply water that hasnt had time to mix from the other return.