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Water heater woes

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Rosy Phoenix

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  • Model: 2552
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Water heater woes
« on: August 07, 2017, 11:25:53 am »
We have 2004 2550 (no longer made) and have encountered a problem with propane water heater. The heater has worked well befor but after washing the coach, the burner would no longer light. It attempted to light. How can I test the control board or do I just need to buy a new one, and if so, which one is currently used in the new coaches.  Since the burner would not light (but did make clicking sounds and release gas), my husband attempted to trace the electrical problem,  and clean the burner, but now the heater does not attempt to light at alL.  A new water heater unit seems very expensive!
Rosy's 2550 Phoenix

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TomHanlon

Re: Water heater woes
« Reply #1 on: August 07, 2017, 11:41:20 am »
I had the same thing happen on an another motorhome. I took it to an RV repair shop. They replaced a $25 part. They didn't need to even bring it inside to fix it. I can't remember the part name, sorry.

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donc13

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Re: Water heater woes
« Reply #2 on: August 07, 2017, 12:42:22 pm »
We have 2004 2550 (no longer made) and have encountered a problem with propane water heater. The heater has worked well befor but after washing the coach, the burner would no longer light. It attempted to light. How can I test the control board or do I just need to buy a new one, and if so, which one is currently used in the new coaches.  Since the burner would not light (but did make clicking sounds and release gas), my husband attempted to trace the electrical problem,  and clean the burner, but now the heater does not attempt to light at alL.  A new water heater unit seems very expensive!

The clicking and gas release was the electric spark igniter trying to light the gas.  They were probabky misaligned and/or wet.  Now that it does neither... When your husband "checked" the electrical, something was left disconnected or a fuse blown.

I would definately refer this issue to a repair shop.  You don't want to mess with propane and/or electrical systems unless you have the correct tools and knowledge to diagnose the problem.

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Don and Patti

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Rosy Phoenix

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  • OwnPC: Yes
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  • Model: 2552
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Re: Water heater woes
« Reply #3 on: August 07, 2017, 03:04:05 pm »
Thank you for your response. We have ordered a new unit from Atwood,
Rosy's 2550 Phoenix

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Ron Dittmer

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Re: Water heater woes
« Reply #4 on: August 07, 2017, 05:01:13 pm »
I fear you just might be replacing a perfectly good hot water heater.  And if you think "New Is Better", you may be wrong.  I heard the old ones are better than the new ones if made in China.

If you are comfortable doing so, I would try this.

Assuming water got into something it should not have, light the water heater manually using an extended reach lighter, the $1 ones used to start your gas stove.  One person holds the LIGHTED lighter in the tube while the other person starts it up inside.  If any gas is getting through, it will ignite.  Then once it's fired up, it should dry out for you.

As always, make sure your hot water tank is full of water before lighting it.  And as always use common sense.  Safety first.  If you smell gas, don't light up that $1 lighter.  That is why you want it lit in the tube as you start it up inside.  You want to light it before gas builds up.  Apply the same rules you use when lighting your propane stove inside.....Lighter-Flame-On, then turn on the gas.
« Last Edit: August 07, 2017, 05:12:10 pm by ron.dittmer »
Ron (& Irene) Dittmer

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Michelle Dungan

Re: Water heater woes
« Reply #5 on: August 08, 2017, 01:18:09 am »
While we're on water heaters, this is a good time for one to think about removing and, if need be, replacing your water heater anode if yours has one.  A deep socket may work.  Different makes and models use different sizes and alloys, so confirm you're getting the right one.  As with your household water heater, it's a form of cathodic protection, sacrificing itself by corroding before other tank components do so.  And while the old one is out, turn your water on to flush out calcium and other debris.  Stick the palm of your hand against the opening for a minute, then pull it away and step back.  The air you just pressurized in the  tank will force the water out like it does in the powerful toilets with a pressure tank, carrying debris out with it.  Repeat until you don't feel any more grit in the bottom of the tank.  When installing the new anode (or old one if still OK), use Teflon tape or equivalent and tighten per specs in manual which may be more than snug; tight, but not like a lug nut or something.  If you're not preparing it for winter, refill tank, turning on a hot water tap inside until excess air is removed.  That will still leave the top of tank with a column of a few inches of air it must have as a buffer to the expansion of heating water in these small, closed systems.  That air column may disappear in time if leave system pressurized long enough and don't partially drain the tank or at least open the pressure relief valve lever for a minute while the system is not pressurized.  And, check your manual as newer equipment than I've dealt with may vary recommendations somewhat.
« Last Edit: August 08, 2017, 01:20:56 am by Michelle Dungan »

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TomHanlon

Re: Water heater woes
« Reply #6 on: August 08, 2017, 06:54:22 am »
If you have a plastic plug, you will not have an anode rod to replace. Cleaning is only need once a year when you winterize in most parts of the country, but it never hurts to do it.

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Joe R

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Re: Water heater woes
« Reply #7 on: August 08, 2017, 11:04:27 am »
This was a bad week for 2004 water heaters. Went to but some things into our 2004 2350 and the whole inside was covered with black soot. And had a smell of burnt plastic. It got worse in the bathroom and traced it in the corner of the water heater. I pulled the heater out to make sure there was no more burning. I found all the Styrofoam insulation melted around the tank. I'm waiting for the insurance adjuster to come and look at the damage. The whole interior will need to be cleaned by professionals. I don't know if any of the sheets, blankets, and cloths can be saved.
If you weren't all the way across the country I would be interested in your heater. I could use my gas controls to fix it.