Winterize Hot Water Heater

[wkearney99]

The opening through the Camco ball valve is smaller than the pipe itself, most ball valves are. For the price paid it's a lot less expensive than most other sources I've found for 'full flow' 3-way valves (typically $30 or more each).

Since installing it I have noticed the water flow is a little less from the hot side, but not enough to be a problem for typical use.

 

[Hornblower]

The opening through the Camco ball valve is smaller than the pipe itself, most ball valves are. For the price paid it's a lot less expensive than most other sources I've found for 'full flow' 3-way valves (typically $30 or more each).

Since installing it I have noticed the water flow is a little less from the hot side, but not enough to be a problem for typical use.

Thanks Bill, that's the answer I was looking for. I'm going to go ahead and order the kit.

 

[Hornblower]

Can I drain and bypass my water heater before winterizing my engine?

I read in page 7.7 in the '05 260DA OM that the water heater must be full before turning it on or damage will occur. But it seems to me that they're refering to the electrical heating, not the hot water exchanger used for engine heating of the water.

 

[skolbe]

No noticeable difference in hot water since install.

 

[Lazy Daze]

Can I drain and bypass my water heater before winterizing my engine?

I read in page 7.7 in the '05 260DA OM that the water heater must be full before turning it on or damage will occur. But it seems to me that they're refering to the electrical heating, not the hot water exchanger used for engine heating of the water.

You're correct. It's referring to turning on the electric element. The HW exchanger is simply a loop for hot water from the engine to follow.

 

[wkearney99]

But it seems to me that they're refering to the electrical heating, not the hot water exchanger used for engine heating of the water.

Yep, it's just the electrical element. Without water in there it can burn out pretty quick. I go a step further and put a strip of tape across the water heater breaker in the AC panel. No sense having it get turned back on accidentally.