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Topic: Bringing an Atwood water heater back to life (Read 916 times) previous topic - next topic

Bringing an Atwood water heater back to life

The pics from yesterday show my heater in the "as-found" condition, except that I removed that cardboard box from around the tank, and I removed the burner tube and igniter to make sure it was clean.

I have one pic showing the electrical box on the back of the tank. Evidently the circuit overload switches are there, but I'm trying to figure out why the entire housing is loose on the back of the tank, and it looks like it is spring-tensioned against the tank. 

Anyone pulled theirs down this far to either fix it or to improve the insulation factor with more modern materials?

Also, as you can see from the one front view pic, the thermostat sensor is missing, presumably because it failed on the P.O., but the ECO sensor is there. I believe Gary O told me you should buy these as a set -- to make sure all is good. Is it reasonable to think that any heating/cooling supply store would have compatible replacement units?

I don't like the idea of going to West Marine for something like this (as I understand these heater were also used in large boats). They tend to be 2-3 times more expensive than other sources. 
Michael
1995 U300SE CAT 3176B Build # 4612 ("Marvin")

Re: Bringing an Atwood water heater back to life

Reply #1 –
Michael,

Nice photos. Always wondered what they look like without the cardboard cover and insulation.

Check under trailer supplies. They should have one without costing an arm/leg. I use : Allied Trailer Supply : WELCOME!  in Sacramento. They ordered ThinLite lenses and a propane regulator for me.  They have or can order lots of parts at good prices. They could mail your items but you probably have a like store close by you.

Pierce
Pierce and Gaylie Stewart
'93 U300/36 WTBI
Detroit 6V-92TA Jake
1140 watts on the roof
SBFD (ret)

Re: Bringing an Atwood water heater back to life

Reply #2 –
Michael,
We bought our replacement Atwood 10 Gal three way from http://www.americanrvcompany.com/search.asp?keyword=atwood%20water%20heater&sortby=0&page=1&catid=
Quote from: geomm –
They also have a lot of the parts, including some of the more modern styrofoam shells for the heaters.
Don
I don't like the idea of going to West Marine for something like this (as I understand these heater were also used in large boats). They tend to be 2-3 times more expensive than other sources.
The selected media item is not currently available.
Don & Tys
1999 U270 3602 WTFE #5402
Xtreme Stage 1 w/Headlight, Step Conversion, etc.
2009 Honda Fit Sport with Navi
Freedom is NOT "just another word for nothing left to lose"... with apologies to Kris Kristofferson

Re: Bringing an Atwood water heater back to life

Reply #3 –
Try ebay under Atwood water heater parts.316 active listings.Gam
joseph gambaro
1999 U295 36'

Re: Bringing an Atwood water heater back to life

Reply #5 –
Mine burned up. The new ones have a hard styrofoam molded casing. Vast improvement.
The selected media item is not currently available. Dave Head & Megan Westbrook
Titusville, FL - The Great Outdoors
'98 270 buying this month
Toad is a 2018 F150 XLT

Re: Bringing an Atwood water heater back to life

Reply #6 –
Michael,
Maybe it's just my bad luck, but I had a lot of problems with the standard thermostat (and maybe your PO did too).  For a few dollars more I purchased an adjustable version (made by Atwood) and it's been trouble free for 6 years.  The standard thermostat would stick ON and overheat the water way too much (clouds of steam out of the faucet) - I managed to catch it each time before the ECO shut it down but after replacing it twice I decided I would try the adjustable.  It's also nice to turn it up a little in winter and down in summer.
John Fitzgerald
1991 U300 (SAI) Side Aisle Island Bed 40'
Detroit 6V92 with Allison Retarder
Meridian (Boise), Idaho

Re: Bringing an Atwood water heater back to life

Reply #7 –
Thanks to everyone for your links to parts, and helpful advice. I'm going to see if they make a  hard foam shell for the older models. And to John -- I'll check into that adjustable thermostat. I'm assuming it would only work on the propane side.
Michael
1995 U300SE CAT 3176B Build # 4612 ("Marvin")

Re: Bringing an Atwood water heater back to life

Reply #8 –
Atwood adjustable thermostat #93105
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: Bringing an Atwood water heater back to life

Reply #9 –
Here's a pic of that electrical box, and how it is attached to the back of the tank. Anyone ever removed this or know what is under the cover? I know there is a heating element, and the power switch, and re-settable circuit-breaker. One of those teeny little mounting studs looks like it was about to fall-off, and by that I mean fall into the box. So maybe I caught this just in time to avert a short if it had.
Michael
1995 U300SE CAT 3176B Build # 4612 ("Marvin")

Re: Bringing an Atwood water heater back to life

Reply #10 –
Quote from: geomm –
Here's a pic of that electrical box, and how it is attached to the back of the tank. Anyone ever removed this or know what is under the cover? I know there is a heating element, and the power switch, and re-settable circuit-breaker.
Yes and there's also the thermostat for the electric element.  The cover is just protection from high voltage.  The components under the cover are very much like a residential electric water heater.  The LP and the electric have completely separate controls on these older units.  Older versions like yours are nice because if the circuit board goes out you can still heat with 120VAC.  The new Atwood water heaters have the circuit board controlling both so if that board goes out you don't have a prayer for hot water (besides the motor assist).
John Fitzgerald
1991 U300 (SAI) Side Aisle Island Bed 40'
Detroit 6V92 with Allison Retarder
Meridian (Boise), Idaho