Skip to main content ↑ ↓
Topic: water heater grille (Read 574 times) previous topic - next topic

water heater grille

How many members with a 96 -97 -98 u270 or 295 have rain water coming in thru the small grille on the water heater.
The selected media item is not currently available.Bill&Doris 97 U270 36'
University of Parris Island Class of 66
Semper Fi  Build# 5174 MC#17094

Re: water heater grille

Reply #1 –
We occasionally have some rain, but to my surprise many times there is none.  We do have a mud dauber screen on the outside the stick out a bit from the grill, and we put a piece of foil under the top of the mud dauber screen that gives it a little awning.
Also have water alarms in the bottom that has gone off with heavy rain.  Since we mostly heat with electric heating element, the grill could be temporarily closed off, but the gas switch should be disabled to prevent propane burner from operating if the grill is closed off.

Re: water heater grille

Reply #2 –
Good question bill, yes you would think that would be somewhat of a concern.
With the right windage I would think that would be a source of water intrusion. Surprisingly like Barry says I've never seen water or signs of it in there. I do keep a close eye on that compartment also, not for that reason though. living and traveling in western Washington and Oregon I do see some rain...
By the way its raining here now for the past 2 hours..63 degrees out I'm about ready to turn the heat on. Not helping out  any on the eastern side of the Cascades with the fires.
Doug W.
96 36' U270 CSGI #4946
04 Toyota Tacoma 4x4
PNW

Re: water heater grille

Reply #3 –
I have never noticed any water coming through mine. Does anybody know where to get the part of the exhaust that fastens to the water heater cover and comes through the bay door. Talked to FT  awhile back they no longer stock them.
Bruce, Linda, and Macy
Zoey RIP 1/20/19
1999 U295 40' build #5400
2017 silver Jeep Wrangler, 1260 watts of solar on top
Moving around the country

Re: water heater grille

Reply #4 –
I had noticed a few years ago that the base of that bay got wet and finally figures it out that water runs down the face of water heater and thru the door seal then into pump bottom. I put a line of silicone at an angle to control the water and make it run to the right side were it can run down the vertical member and out the bottom of door. I just took this picture and it shows the caulking as mentioned. It has been like this for years and works, but maybe I should redo it now a bit better.
JohnH
Coachless, now use aircraft. 2003 Ford Travelair TC280 class C. Super shape. Just for 1 yr .
1994 Ford E350 ClassC,total renovation inside and out. Now sold.
2000 U295  36' Cummins 350 c/w Banks Stinger, Resonator upgrade,Solar, LED lites.Residential fridge with slide out pantry. Build 5674. Sold
ex 92 GV 022C ored Cummins. Sold
ex 95 GV240 cat 3116. Sold
2017 Mini cooper s & 2016 land Rover LR2 HSE  LUX.
jhaygarth@aol.com    SKP #130098
treat everyone as you would like to be.

Re: water heater grille

Reply #5 –
We put a hose on the temp/press valve that flows water through the floor drain hole.  Otherwise the valve dumps on the front of the heater.

Re: water heater grille

Reply #6 –
okay, I take back what I said yesterday in earlier post...regarding not seeing rain water entering hot water tank exhaust grill. checked this morning and sure enough there was a small puddle of water on the floor below.
Any suggestions on a fix?
Other than a temporary cover when not in use.
Doug W.
96 36' U270 CSGI #4946
04 Toyota Tacoma 4x4
PNW

Re: water heater grille

Reply #7 –
Doug, I am working on a fix, as soon as I have it done I will post  photos.
The selected media item is not currently available.Bill&Doris 97 U270 36'
University of Parris Island Class of 66
Semper Fi  Build# 5174 MC#17094

Re: water heater grille

Reply #8 –
I put old piece of blue jeans on the floor. Catches any drops of water and dries out.

I don't have leaks from the safety valve because I still have the accumulator installed, just pumped up to about 90psi with the variable speed pump.
1998 U270 34'

Re: water heater grille

Reply #9 –
Quote from: krush –

I don't have leaks from the safety valve because I still have the accumulator installed, just pumped up to about 90psi with the variable speed pump.

Accumulator PSI is normally set with system depressurized to two PSI below cut-in PSI.
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020
 

Re: water heater grille

Reply #10 –
Photo of the piece I made to deflect water of the water heater grille, 9 inches wide x 1 3/4 high with a 30 degree bend 1/2 inch from the top, made from 3/16ths aluminum.
The selected media item is not currently available.Bill&Doris 97 U270 36'
University of Parris Island Class of 66
Semper Fi  Build# 5174 MC#17094