Hot Water Heater Clogged?

[Sun Chaser]

While winterizing the port engine, I removed the two heater hoses that go to the hot water heater. I tried to blow the water out but there was resistance.

Has anyone had this problem? I am hoping that this is something minor. Will be going back to the boat this weekend to look for the problem.

Any thoughts or ideas?

Thanks.

Glenn

 

[Dave S]

There is a check valve on the cold water side to prevent hot water from backing up into the cold water lines. It you were trying to blow out from the hot water side that may explain it.

 

[SkipBarnes]

There's supposed to be a check valve on one side and a straight thru fitting on the other. My '97 250 came from the factory with two check valves by mistake, so no water would flow through. Took me a while to figure that one out )

You should should have a valve on the bottom for draining too.

 

[Sun Chaser]

Thanks for the replies.

The two hoses that I removed circulate the water from the motor through the hot water tank to heat up the water. This is not the cold water line going into the tank.

Would there be check valves in these lines I removed? It does not look like there are unless it is inside the tank.

Glenn

 

[RonF]

Sun Chaser,

You are talking about engine coolant circulating through the water heater's heat exchanger coils. If your engine is raw water cooled, then you probably have either salt or corrosion buildup clogging the coil. I don't think there is any fix for this, as the coil is not accessible or serviceable. I had this happen when the boat was six years old, and had to replace the heater.

If your engine has a closed cooling system, then the situation should not be that bad, since antifreeze is going through the coil. perhaps the clog can be cleared under pressure. Maybe you could use a garden hose mated up to the fitting

 

[Amberjack01]

Raw water cooled 290 AJ. Same problem at the end of season number 5. Replaced the water heater and thought about splicing into those lines to and from the starboard engine with flush fittings to flush out the coil inside the heater after each use but never got around to it. It appears to be either get flush fittings of some sort installed or plan on heater replacement every 5 - 6 years. That's if I still own it in 5-6 years!

 

[RonF]

Well,

We left the hoses off the replacement heater to extend its life. If we need hot water at anchor, we run it from the generator. If in a marina we run it from the shore power. The only thing we gave up is having hot water right when we arrive somewhere. It takes about 20 min to get really hot. However, this is southern Florida, where the water comes out of the tap at about 75-85 degrees most of the time anyway. :smt043

 

[Amberjack01]

Ron,

Did you replace the two hoses with just one short hose connected to the 2 fittings on the engine, or keep the 2 hoses and just connect them with a barbed fitting and clamps?

 

[RonF]

Amberjack01,

I connected the hoses like you described. So I kept my options open for the future. I just laid the big loop of hose over others down there.

BTW - I also spliced a water shutoff valve into the fresh water inlet tube, in case I have to pull the heater out again some day. For example, the darn thing blocks access to the vacuflush pump. So I'd be able to have water pressure for the rest of the system even if the heater was out for a while.

 

[Sun Chaser]

RonF & Amberjack01

The engines are raw water cooled and from your replies it looks like I might have to replace the water heater.

It does not look like there is a lot of room to get it out. Will check it out this weekend.

Glenn

 

[RonF]

Glenn,

Hang in there. I had to take out a floorboard and one of the aluminum channels that the hatch rests in. It added time to the job, but I saved money by doing it myself over a couple of weekends.

By the way - the real reason that I replaced it was that the electric circuit had failed too, and everything was corroded. If you can still heat the water on the A/C power, you might get by.

 

[Amberjack01]

In outdrive 290AJ's there is great access to everything in the bilge. This saves lots of time that you can then spend on outdrive maintenance! :smt009