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Aqua Hot Problem Need Help

February 13, 2016, 05:53:27 am

I have a problem with the AH, and need some suggestions.  Single digit temps here.  When running the AH for heat, the diesel burner only runs for a couple of hours, then shuts off.  Light on control panel goes out.  I can start it up again, and it works, but only for a couple of hours.  I also have the 115 vac selected simultaneously, and it remains on, but will not provide enough heat for the AH.  Can anyone suggest any solutions, as I need the heater to work, and I am here for 6 more days, working from my coach.  Should I be using the electric with the diesel?  I have to leave the coach unattended for 12 hours or so, so I cannot check on it to reset the AH.
Thanks for the help.
Mike

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Re: Aqua Hot Problem Need Help

Reply #1 – February 13, 2016, 06:06:19 am

Contact Rudy Legett. He is a commercial member on this forum. He is my go to guy on all things Aqua Hot.

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Re: Aqua Hot Problem Need Help

Reply #2 – February 13, 2016, 06:42:11 am

When running your AH, do you run both diesel and electric at the same time?  I turned electric off, diesel only, and so far, it has been remaining on now for 3 hours.
Mike

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Re: Aqua Hot Problem Need Help

Reply #3 – February 13, 2016, 07:02:22 am

It depends. I'm in Texas and just running electric on shore power will satisfy most of my needs. On a recent trip to VA when it was 14 degrees OAT  I ran both. In that configuration the diesel ran mostly during high demand ( showering, washing dishes, really cold early mornings) but it never ran for three hours.  Electric only will not be adequate for the temps you have. There are several previous  posts regarding Aqua Hot electric/diesel operations, you can find lots of different ways that other folks do it.

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Re: Aqua Hot Problem Need Help

Reply #4 – February 13, 2016, 08:32:13 am

Mike,

I sent you a detailed reply message.  But I forgot to share the 115 vac will not keep the coach comfortable but will keep it above freezing for many hours.  It is a 5000 btu heat source.  If your burner ran for 6 hours and faulted, the electric would slow the cool down to freezing for a while maybe stopping the fall at 33 or 35 degrees.

NO Guarantee offered here, just some hope if you have to leave it not fixed.

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Re: Aqua Hot Problem Need Help

Reply #5 – February 13, 2016, 07:02:35 pm

I'm sure Rudy told you, but for others it is fine to leave both diesel and electric running.  In your situation I'd set all the zone thermostat settings higher than you normally have them to assure the diesel runs all the time when it runs, and set an alarm so you can wake up in the middle of the night to reset the diesel switch.  I'd go buy a bunch of cheap electric heaters and put them in the vulnerable bays as well as in the coach.  Good luck!

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Re: Aqua Hot Problem Need Help

Reply #6 – February 14, 2016, 05:42:56 am

Update:  Not sure if a coincidence or an intermittent problem, but I deselected the 115 vac, and ran diesel only.  Over 24 hours now with no diesel shutdown.  AH seems to be cycling normally.  Go figure.  I have found an AH service center in Branson, and will have it checked out this coming Friday,

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Re: Aqua Hot Problem Need Help

Reply #7 – February 14, 2016, 07:40:58 am

Mike,

I your model heater, the 115 vac electric element wiring and controls are separate from the wiring and controls for the burner.  Even the thermostats are separate.  So, I am as perplexed by no faulting with electric element off as you are.

Look forward to hearing of the solution.  All the best.

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