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Aquahot HELP - Electric not working. Was working then one day it wasn't.

July 22, 2012, 07:49:59 pm

Hello everyone. I have been busy, so I am sorry that my only post is when I have an issue.

My electric had been working fine but then one day nothing. Diesel is working but I would like to not have to use it.

My coach is a 98 4200 DGFE.... Older aquahot system. The light goes on, but no heat. Went down to the unit had the switch cycled and I do not get anything, relay sound, switch sound, nothing at the unit.

Could the heating element be out? How do I check? Is there another relay or switch to check?

Jeff

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Re: Aquahot HELP - Electric not working. Was working then one day it wasn't.

Reply #1 – July 22, 2012, 08:15:53 pm

We need more info. Is the aqua hot heating? does it blow hot? does it work on fuel but not on electric? Do you have hot water but no cabin heat?

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Re: Aquahot HELP - Electric not working. Was working then one day it wasn't.

Reply #2 – July 22, 2012, 08:36:24 pm

Jeff,

The electric element is fed through the high limit thermostat.  The little white button in the center of the thermostat can be pushed in with a non-conducting rod to see if it is popped.  With all power off, one can check this thermostat for continuity.  No continuity, replace with new one from Roger Berke (roger dot berke at gmail dot com).

If the thermostat is okay, I use a clamp on amp meter to check the current flow, about 13+ amps.  If no current flow and all power off, disconnect one of the wires to the electric element and check the ohm reading, 9 ohms.  Open circuit is a bad element.

To replace, get new one from Roger Berke.  Drain all 16 gallons of coolant and save same.  Use 1.5 inch socket to remove old element.  Install new element, pump in the save coolant and turn power back on.  Do NOT power the element with no coolant in tank as that will result in instant element failure.

I wish you well as you sort this out.  Let us know how it goes.  If you wish additional help, jrlegett at gmail dot com.

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Re: Aquahot HELP - Electric not working. Was working then one day it wasn't.

Reply #3 – July 22, 2012, 08:45:03 pm

I was using it for faucets. Just got the diesel going today. Had to get a new brain.

Where is the thermostat and where is the element. I know basic service but not the internals.

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Re: Aquahot HELP - Electric not working. Was working then one day it wasn't.

Reply #4 – July 22, 2012, 09:27:41 pm

Jeff,

The thermostats are located behind a stainless steel cover plate above the big black burner.  There are four thermostats, one control and one high limit for the 12v DC burner and 120v electric element.  The two high limit thermostats have little white reset buttons.  The 120v high limit thermostat will have a wire going down to the electric element.

The electric element is down low behind a small cover plate in the lower right hand corner of the tank below the fuse panel.  This cover plate may have a yellow warning sticker on it.

Be careful checking with power on as 120v is present with the electric element turned off.  Power off by throwing the 120v breaker in your 120v breaker panel or by unplugging the coach with gen off.

Which reminds me, I did not mention how the electric switch turns the element on and off.  Some have a relay mounted on the cover plate above the burner but I do not remember how a '98 is set up.  Roger would know of if you have the model number I can look it up in a manual for that model as you can too on the Aqua Hot website under manuals that have been archived.  A bad relay could be the culprit too.

If you find a relay on the back side of the cover plate, one terminal will be 120v hot all the time.  Both should be hot when the electric element switch is turned on.  The other two terminals are for the signal to turn the relay on and off.  If only one hot with switch on, replace with an updated model from Roger.

I will see an e-mail immediately but will only see a question here when I check the forum.  So if you really want to dig into the unit.  Get the cover off the Aqua Hot, get your VOM, a toothpick or non-conducting rod or stick, your philips head screwdriver and e-mail me your cell phone number.  I am betting that with you working at the unit, we can get to the bottom of this in less than 30 minutes once you have access to the inside of the Aqua Hot.

I will be up for another hour or so tonight or almost anytime tomorrow.

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Re: Aquahot HELP - Electric not working. Was working then one day it wasn't.

Reply #5 – July 22, 2012, 10:16:49 pm

The first thing to do would check the 120 volt breaker under the bed and then there is a relay under the cabinet under the stove that is turned on by 12 volts from the switch with the green light

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Re: Aquahot HELP - Electric not working. Was working then one day it wasn't.

Reply #6 – July 24, 2012, 04:19:15 pm

Thanks for the input. I am the manager at an RV park in Ohio, so I don't get much time for my one repairs. I will check them and get back to you all.... Thanks again.

Jeff

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Re: Aquahot HELP - Electric not working. Was working then one day it wasn't.

Reply #7 – July 28, 2012, 09:57:10 am

Thanks guys, it is up and working. Yea.

I can't tell you what it was.... Too xxxxxxxxxx.

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