Heater aid hose leak

jgore · 06-20-2015, 08:43 AM

I hope that I have this right.

I have a 2004 Journey with the "heater aid" feature for the hot water heater. I have a small leak in the aluminum tube where the rubber hose attaches.
Is there any way to cut off the water coming from the engine? Valves?

If I have to replace the water heater, I will most likely go back with one without the "Heater aid"

Thanks, J Gore

Dtwallace · 06-20-2015, 09:01 AM

There should be a shut off valve close to of not mounted on the engine. This is all dependant on the coach, and one on each hose. Check your engine compartment.

DTW

tomsm · 06-20-2015, 09:21 AM

Yes, there are valves. They are under the engine/radiator area and mine are bright yellow. I can't tell you exactly where to look, but if you slip under that area, they are very easy to spot. This came up on the forum before and I believe someone said shutting off those valves also shuts off water to the dash heater. I find the dash heater pretty much useless and it's another source of leaks, so I'm hoping those valves do shut off both, but I'm not certain that's true..

Dtwallace · 06-21-2015, 03:01 AM

Yes, they will off the supply to all components downstream from the engine. If you live and camp in a very warm climate, you won't need the hot water flowing to the heater coil anyway.

Dtw

jgore · 06-21-2015, 10:38 AM

Thanks for the replies.
I have found the cut off valves. I have disconnected the hoses at the heater and joined the two ends together with a short piece of tubing.
Now I have to decide what to do about the heater. Leave it as is, or replace it.

jgore

Skip426 · 06-21-2015, 10:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jgore

Thanks for the replies.
I have found the cut off valves. I have disconnected the hoses at the heater and joined the two ends together with a short piece of tubing.
Now I have to decide what to do about the heater. Leave it as is, or replace it.

jgore

The , heater-aid feature , was for the most part to supply , hot water immediately , for washing dishes at a lunch stop, or showering , on arrival at your destination. If your willing to wait for hot water in those or similar situations, just leave it as is.
JMHO: Kind of a less that necessary $$ option.

FIRE UP · 06-21-2015, 09:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jgore

I hope that I have this right.

I have a 2004 Journey with the "heater aid" feature for the hot water heater. I have a small leak in the aluminum tube where the rubber hose attaches.
Is there any way to cut off the water coming from the engine? Valves?

If I have to replace the water heater, I will most likely go back with one without the "Heater aid"

Thanks, J Gore

jgore,
The system you are referring to is called "Motor Aide". There are at least a couple of versions of it. One with a rear heater application and, one without. But, both will utilize hot engine coolant, to a "heat exchanger" that's built into the coach water heater. Most would consider the motor aid feature pretty handy due to the fact that, after traveling for a few hours, they arrive at a destination to find that they have INSTANT hot water at any of their faucets.

To some, it's not so important. If you have a corrosion issue where the hose(s) enter the water heater, then you may have an issue with replacing the entire water heater as, I don't think the heat exchanger is replaceable.

But, I've had an issue where some of the components of that system, outside the water heater, corroded/rusted. I looked and looked and found no replacements. So, I made them. But, we for one, sure appreciate that Motor Aid feature. And, by the way, our dash heater works great. Our coach is an '04 Itasca Horizon 36GD with the C-7 330HP CAT with 62K on the clock.
Scott