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Topic: Removing an Atwood water heater (Read 879 times) previous topic - next topic

Removing an Atwood water heater

I need to remove the surround for the water heater to repaint it.  I've discovered from removing the furnace surrounds that the rust extends under the edge of the surrounds and therefore repainting in place won't work.  The furnace surrounds were easy to remove but the Atwood water heater, model GH6-6E, seems to require removal of the water heater.  I found an Atwood maintenance manual online (Barry Beam - if you want it I'll email it to you) but there is no mention of how to remove the unit.  From the manual I discovered that this unit has an engine heat exchanger but I do not know if it is hooked up.
John Cooper
'91 GV 36'
Oshkosh chassis
Cat 3208T 300HP

Re: Removing an Atwood water heater

Reply #1 –
In digging further I found an opening under the sink that gives me some access to the back of the water heater.  In addition to the gray water line there are two black hoses that appear to be heater hose.  On one of them there is a valve that is turned off.  What is the purpose of this valve?
John Cooper
'91 GV 36'
Oshkosh chassis
Cat 3208T 300HP

Re: Removing an Atwood water heater

Reply #2 –
Remove the weather strip around the water bay, pull all the screws across the top and down the side.  The water heater is glued in with sealer, you will have to use a thin blade to break the seal.  Reach thru the rear and disconnect the water5 lines, set the water heater on platform, ( i used a bucket0 disconnect the coolant hoses and wires to the heater and then you can remove the water heater from the bay.
Good luck

Re: Removing an Atwood water heater

Reply #3 –
That valve directs motor coolant thru the water heater while driving to give you hot water.  In winter shut the valve off to direst all the coolant heat thru the heater core for heat and defrost.

Re: Removing an Atwood water heater

Reply #4 –
Gary,
Thanks for the information.  I doubt that there is any sealant left as there wasn't any on the furnace surrounds but if it does not want to come out then I will try that.
John Cooper
'91 GV 36'
Oshkosh chassis
Cat 3208T 300HP