I was not able to remove the water heater today. I removed all the mounting screws on the front of the galvanized frame, still water heater would not budge. Tomorrow I will try to remove the galvanized mounting frame that surrounds the front trim, by drilling out the rivets. It is riveted on to the water heater.
The closeup picture shows the rivets from the galvanized frame to th water heater and The rivets holding on The strut bracket. The full pic shows the fixed divider to the right.
On the left side is a riveted on bracket for the strut, on the top is the riveted on bay door hinge. To the right is a fixed divider seperating the grey and black tank from the fresh water tank, not allowing me to jiggle the water heater to the right.
Any advise is appreciated. I've in the past replaced the 10 gal similar water heaters in my two previous Monaco Signatures, so this difficulty has caught me by surprise.
Jack,
The last one of those water heaters that I pulled I had to remove the bay door frame/trim (the piece that the door shock is mounted to) to be able to get it out. I don't remember what I found behind the frame piece that was keeping the heater from coming out though.
Mike
Jack: Once you get the water heater out, be sure you are prepared to stop the flow of coolent from your motoraid water heater.
Bob
They make a special type of pliers for just that purpose. Inexpensive - find them at most auto parts stores, or your local HF store.
https://www.harborfreight.com/radiator-hose-pinch-off-pliers-99704.html
Jack, we found that our original water heater had 'expanded' and was a very tight fit between the welded steel square tubing that supports the front of the water heater.
I remember having to 'muscle' the heater out and to put a thin flat metal sheet under the new water tank that aided sliding back in and to protect the open exposed Styrofoam bottom that is accessible above our water pump.
Don't have any recollection of drilling rivets. But we did remove w white frame that was held in place with screws.
Barry
Yea, that's it. My above post was misleading. The galvanized box stays in place and you have to drill the rivets.
jor
Thank you, I can see where that could go either way. I have already wiggled the entire frame out, and will rivet or screw the galvanized frame to the hot water heater before installing. I do believe the way you suggested would have been easier.
Is this the correct place to pinch off?