Hot water heater

[lovestocruise]

I have a 1997 330 Sundancer and now the hot water is just a little tepid at best. Cam any one tell me if I can replace the element with out replacing the entire tank and if so how.
Thanks

 

[electricaldoctor]

Have you determined that the element is indeed defective? Have you performed a continuity check on the element? Is there 120 volts at the element? Is there a reset on your thermostat? Is the thermostat functioning properly? You should check a few of these items out before changing an element that may be perfectly OK.

~Ken

 

[Alegria]

I believe you can find the elements on line for around $30. They screw in. Look at http://www.atwoodmobile.com/water-heaters/marine-water-heaters.aspx

That is most likely what you have in there unless a PO changed it out...

Check that you have 120V at the element before you do anything. If you don't then you may have other issues with it. If you do then you can try to replace the element.

Just went through this with mine. I opt'ed to replace the whole tank as it being 12 years old something is going to fail sooner or later and most likely the tank would develop a leak. The replacement cost is around $300 for the unit and about 1/2 day's labor (4-5 hrs) to replace it. While I was at it I replaced most of the 90 degree and T 15mm fittings as they were also 1997 vintage and showing signs of failure too. Best to remove one or both port batteries to give yourself a little more room to work on it as it is a bit cramped there under the vacuflush shelf/unit.

But if all you want to try is the element you should be able to change it relitively easily.

This might be your element, I would confirm it with the attwood web site and the model from your unit.

http://www.mccampingsupplies.com/in...=14554&zenid=07c3c31727f65f809e945c4d5afe1195

Best of luck!!!

 

[lovestocruise]

Thanks guys. No I have not checked the voltage or the thermostat yet. It is today's project to determine what is wrong, but know after these two great posts I have a greater idea of were to start.
Ok where do you get a water heater and tank for $300? All the ones I have seen are starting at 600 and up. For 300 I think I would rather put in a new one as it is a 1997 original equipment.

 

[Lazy Daze]

Price depends on the size, obviously. Last year I put a new 11 gallon in my 260DA. Somewhere around $450, IIRC. I'm sure there are less expensive (cheaper) ones, probably some that are more $$, too.

 

[Alegria]

I believe you have the 6 gal attwood model with an aluminum tank should be around $280 to $300. If you google it you should find some online deals. The stainless steel models are the pricey ones.

 

[Hampton]

On my 1997 250, I had the same problem. Part of the problem was that with my raw water cooled engine, there was salt running through the heat exchanger. It was packed full. After I replaced the whole unit (6 gal, atwood, alum), I began rinsing the engine at 1000 RPM instead of idle. After doing so, my water heater and cockpit heater worked perfectly for the rest of the time I owned the boat. Salt away would have helped as well.

 

[lovestocruise]

Ok so this is strange. Today I looked around and started moving wires and checking hoses. I was not prepared to actually tackel the water heater bit just want to look around to see what it would take to change it out. After that I ran my engines for a while. That was around noon. Tonight I turned on the water and it was scalding hot like it was a few days ago. Two hours later after taking a nice hot shower it is still scalding hot. I cant believe it. Its working fine now. Go figure.

 

[rondds]

It's not clear to me if you have an electric only HWH or it makes hot water while you run as well with a heat exchanger. If there are more than two water lines leaving the tank you have the dual variety. As far as the element, you can buy it at Home Depot for $15. I had to replace mine 5 years ago and that's where I bought it. If you determine it's the electric element (ie: there's voltage at the terminals leading to the element), remove it and take it with you to the store for the right match. Remeber to never run the tank (electrically) unless there's water in it. That's what kills these elements.