280 sundancer water heater

Mcole1170

Member
Jul 24, 2017
126
Long island
Boat Info
2006 sundancer 280
Engines
4.3 alpha
hi all
went to turn water system on and steady

water js coming out the port side rear thru hull connected to the water heater or maybe water pump. Mechanic says water heater is bad. He bypassed the water heater mainly because I've never used hot water and the labor intensive task of replacing. Does the cold water run through the hot water heater all the time? Just wondering it could be something else
 

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Ok, water coming out of the stern port side outlet above water line is the pressure relief valve. It may just be a bad valve. BTW, when the pressure relief valve works properly it releases steam under pressure.

There is fresh (drinking water) pressure in the tank whenever you are connected to dock city water, or the boats water pump is on. If the valve failed by sticking open, the tank wouldnt hold pressure and it would continue to fill. And water would come out of the through hull.

The pressure relief valve is the same as used in many home water heaters and sold by places like a Home Depot and Lowe’s and costs less than $20.00. If it was me, I’d pull the valve and replace it. If it solves the problem you just saved about $980.00. I’d also have a conversation with the mechanic who told you a new water heater was needed.
 
Thanks for the reply. He said he checked the pressure relief valve before he determined bad heater but I will ask again.
 
If water is coming out of the through hull, the valve is bad. A) the boat’s pump can’t generate that much pressure to over power the pressure valve, and B) if it’s the city water, boats all around you would be sinking because all the faucets and water fittings exploded.

You can test it really easily. Reconnect the heater to the water system. Plug the line from the valve to the through hull by clamping it with vise grips, a c clamp and two pieces of wood, etc. turn on the heater. Give it time to heat. Turn on the hot water and test with a thermometer. If it’s cold, or way above 120 degrees f (110-114 is usual safe temp for house hot water) The heater is kaput. Otherwise change the $20.00 relief valve. Oh and if your guy didn’t already do this, he shouldn’t be your guy (my $0.02).
 
Thanks for the info. I'm going to follow up with him to see what steps he did.

Have a good weekend
 
But... Mcole, you said the guy bypassed the heater? Apparently he didn't - based on the water exiting the thru-hull (as Henry pointed out). If he bypassed it, then the heater, and by default the pressure valve, is out of the mix. I think there might just be a communication error between what he did... what he told you... and what you heard :)

Another possibility is that the pressure valve may just be "propped" open. Look at it - the handle should be flipped down - if it's sticking straight out, flip it down. If it is flipped down, then as Henry said, it's bad.

Or... back to your guy... maybe he bypassed it incorrectly. Take some pics for us.
 
Hi sorry for the confusion. He bypassed the water heater today after his diagnosis so I can get water system back up. I am going to follow up to see what all he checked to come up with the bad heater conclusion.

Thanks
 
Not sure what a bad heater is. There is a thermostat, heating element, pressure relief valve. All easily replaceable.
 
I had to replace my heater on my 280 was shot but about 5 years ago it was $600.00 installed just for comparison.
 
I just changed mine this year on my 98 290 dancer. Was bypased by previous owner. Fittings that connect to motor where rotten. Got on e bay and was a perfect fit. Took about 2 hours to do. Easy swap out. 6 gal SS tank. Just need to know if you have side mount or front and back mount. Its how its screwed to floor
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