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New water heater questions

July 14, 2018, 12:40:18 pm

I am about to have my original 19-year old Atwood GCH10A-3E water heater replaced with a new one. Atwood says that their GCH10A-4E is the recommended replacement unit. I have already bought the new water heater. The old and new water heaters have a heat exchanger (motoraid) that heats the tank while driving. Under the water heater there is a valve that varies the amount of engine heat between the tank and the front dash. Years ago, I placed the valve approximately half way between. There is a note next to the valve that says "close for max dash heat".  I assume that closing this valve prevents 'coolant' from circulating around the tank and that the closed position will minimize the loss of 'coolant' as the tank is replaced. QUESTIONS 1) Is clockwise the correct direction to close the valve? 2) Is the 'coolant' the same "coolant' or anti-freeze used for cooling the engine?
Thanks
Bob
2000 U270 40 ft

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Re: New water heater questions

Reply #1 – July 14, 2018, 01:02:06 pm

To the best of my admittedly meager knowledge:

1.  Yes

2.  Yes

If it's been "years" since that valve was moved, it may or may not close tightly enough to completely prevent flow.  And, it may start leaking once you mess with it.  Best to have a new replacement valve on hand to fit as part of your heater install.

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Re: New water heater questions

Reply #2 – July 14, 2018, 03:23:25 pm

Mine was leaking when I got this coach. I just eliminated it. You might consider just getting a nice shiny ball valve to replace the old faucet handle deal.
jor

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Re: New water heater questions

Reply #3 – July 14, 2018, 03:30:45 pm

Supposing the valve still works to shut down the flow of coolant through the loop after some years of being partially opened, it only affects one side of the loop. When you disconnect both of the heater hoses, one side of the loop will still be open and you will dump massive amounts of coolant before you can pinch it off. Well... it might only seem like massive amounts of coolant, but it doesn't take much to make a big mess! You can get some inexpensive vise grip style pinch clamps at Harbor Freight to pinch of both sides of the loop and then there is just the coolant in a small section of the loop closest to the hot water tank... assuming you pinch off both sides of the loop close to where the hoses connect to the motoraide tube which is welded to the hot water tank.
I installed two ball valves to isolate the loop completely in case I ever have to pull it out again.
Don

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