anybody replace their water heater on a 280da?

M

masilobes

Member
Nov 2, 2010
81
buzzards bay ma
Boat Info
Kayla B
Engines
twin 350 mag mpi
the water heater was obviously put in before the motors. the rear screws are impossible to get to and remove. any tips? im going on 6 hours just to remove the rear screws!!!!! not to mention the 17 other thing you need to remove to get it out of that tight space!!!
 
I believe you have to remove the manifold and riser....getting ready to do the same job (manifolds risers and HW heater) on my buddies 03 280
 
Why are the heaters needing to be replaced on such new boats? Do the stop working or start leaking. Is this normal life expectancy?
 
Jetmart said:
Why are the heaters needing to be replaced on such new boats? Do the stop working or start leaking. Is this normal life expectancy?
Click to expand...

Almost 8 years (by looking at OP's sig.) I'd say is pretty good for a HWH. I had to replace mine on both 240 and 320. On 240 it was a dream and very quick task. On 320, the same problem (as other folks said) with space and port manifold with riser had to come off to make room for HWH to slide out of the place.

In both cases it was a leak somewhere.
 
Masilobes,
How'd you ever do with your HWH? I just replaced mine...and what a #$#$ -- (fill in the blank). Tight spot...I ended up taking everything apart on the HWH and pulling it out piece by piece. In fact, re-installing...i did just the opposite... my only probably was... when I hooked everything back up - turned the water pump on and then i saw water coming from under the HWH...ugh ! All the fittings were dry...so i'm suspecting the gasket on the element or something... tomorrow i'll take it apart (again). Lesson learned... put the heater up on some rubber/plastic squares to give it some breathing space off the floor.
 
I interested too. My HWH starting leaking this summer so I decided to just bypass it altogether. I'm not sure if I'm going to replace it or switch to a tankless one. Being that I boat in Florida there isn't too many times you would need hot water. Heck, if I have the genny or motors running i will have warm water.
 
I had to pull mine... as I recall I had to pull the batteries and the trim pump and the board the h2o pump was on ...but no engine parts to get it out and yes.... the rear bolts were A COMPLETE NIGHTMARE... patience and good luck.... as an aside when I reinstalled i placed the box on thin strips of zinc sheeting/( skiis?) to let air underneath and reduce the corrosion... my heater is still running strong... Im not sure what can really necessitate an entire replacement... almost every component can be replaced... element,pressure valve, connections.. etc... if you have a tank split or hole it can be repaired by welding...... just a suggestion for saving some $... but if it already out and you feel like it go ahead and replace all...... good luck
-k
 
I was able to cheat a little...I loosened up the exhaust hose coming out of the riser on my 320. I took the cover off the HWH and then maneuvered it into place very carefully -- I was able to get the HWH into place on the 320 without having to pull the HWH off. Anyway, as suspected the 4 bolts on the heating element were loose -- so I tightened them up today and voila! no more leaks and the HWH works great. I suspect most of us are replacing these units aroudn 5 to 7 years because of the heat exchanger portion... although it's a great concept, the build up material at the inlets seems to be the main flaw. When I pulled mine apart -- it was filled with crap.
 
WOW! 10 hours later, tears, laughter, skinned knuckles, bad back, and even worse knees, I got the water heater out!!!!!! Now just wedging the new one in and remembering where the pile of screws go,of everything i took out to get it out. Other than the stripped screw in the rear, it wouldent of been that bad of a job. I only had to drop the battery charger, take out all the batteries, and contort my body into positions i didnt think i could get into to get it out. Now when the spring comes i will probably find out what i broke in the process!!!
 
Do I start to worry about my hot water heater which is 5-6 years old ?
There is no leak or heating problem, also my engine is fresh water/antifreeze cooled and that is circulated around the hwh, also serves me hot water while engine running.
In this situation how many years I would expect from it.
Best regards.
Melida
 
I think being freshwater cooled you will have more time. Mine was more previous owner damaging the heat exchanger inputs while winterizing.
 
masilobes said:
I think being freshwater cooled you will have more time. Mine was more previous owner damaging the heat exchanger inputs while winterizing.
Click to expand...

For what it’s worth, when winterizing I removed the heat exchanger hoses, both ends, blew air from one end with my mouth, then stuck a funnel in the hole (the hose hole Scott, not my mouth) then filled it with pink until pink came out the other end of the hose.
 
Now I'm concerned. I have replaced so much crap on my 268 this winter, but not the water heater. It's 22 years old....Should I pull the trigger, since I have the engines out and everything is easily accessible?:huh: I think it worked last time I was out, but then again, the heat exchanger part isn't really something that goes bad, just the element, right?
 
It's good to know I have more time.:thumbsup:
I boat year around and don't winterize anything freezable where I live only 2-3 days snowing all year.
I'm trying to keep my boat alive by using it instead of making it a dock queen.
Best regards.
Melida
 
BlewByYou88 said:
Now I'm concerned. I have replaced so much crap on my 268 this winter, but not the water heater. It's 22 years old....Should I pull the trigger, since I have the engines out and everything is easily accessible?:huh: I think it worked last time I was out, but then again, the heat exchanger part isn't really something that goes bad, just the element, right?
Click to expand...

22 years ? uber super long time. Whish mine lives 22 years.
Best regards.
Melida
 
melida said:
22 years ? uber super long time. Whish mine lives 22 years.
Best regards.
Melida
Click to expand...

Yep, its the original SeaWard? unit. It looks like the relief valve has been leaking, I had a pretty nice rust stain under it when I pulled it out.

Sorry, I don't mean to hy-jack the thread, but I was curious if I should bite this bullet.
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.

Forum statistics

Threads
113,186
Messages
1,428,174
Members
61,097
Latest member
Mdeluca407
Back
Top