Motorhome Magazine Open Roads Forum: Tech Issues: Water Heater Issue


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eribac

Minnesota

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Joined: 06/05/2007

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Posted: 05/12/08 08:08am

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This weekend we went on our first camp out of the year, and of course one problem surfaced.

I turned on the electric element for the water heater and when I checked the water a couple hours later and I still had cool water. So, I turned the gas on and waited another hour or so. This time when I checked I had hot water for about 15 seconds then cold water. This continued to happen all weekend, about 15 seconds of hot water then cold water.

Anyone have any ideas? I'm lost...

--eric

2000 Sunnybrook 26DB
2003 Chevrolet Suburban 1500

Dad, Mom, 5 kids and 1 dog

enblethen

Moses Lake, WA USA

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Posted: 05/12/08 08:26am

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Do you have a by-pass for winterizing? Double check your valves.
120 volt element maybe bad.
Was/is there water in the tank?

Bud
Suzuki XL7 pushing Pace Arrow

M GO BLUE

Southgate, MI

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Posted: 05/12/08 08:41am

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Bypass valve is not turned off..close that and the hot water will be fine...

As for the electric element...did you ever turn on the electric element when there was no water in the tank? If so, more than likely time for a new electric element...

ERIC & BEV

2005 Chevy Silverado 3500 dually CC/LB Duramax/Allison
2008 Jayco Designer 35RLTS

Electronpusher

Southern Oregon

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Posted: 05/12/08 09:12am

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M GO BLUE wrote:

This is most likely-- and THANK YOU for not calling it a "HOT" water heater--

ReM

Dick & Bette
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Jedediah the Cat
2004 Journey 36G

javaseuf

Southern Cal

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Posted: 05/12/08 09:15am

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Well, if the element wasn't bad before, it most likely is now if the water heater bypass valve was still in the bypass position.
When the valve is in this position, it keeps the water heater from filling with water so if this is the case, the heater was empty and running that element for a few hours most likely burned it out.
It should be ok on gas.

Steve
2007 Springdale 291RKL
2003 F150 King Ranch
2001 Dodge Van w/Wheelchair Ramp
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"Politically Incorrect And Proud Of It"