Water Heater Question

Bobg43 · 03-09-2012, 08:46 AM

We have 2005 Itasca Sunrise 38J that has two ways of heating water - either electric or gas. The only way that I can get the gas heater to work is to turn on the electric heater.

Has anyone experienced this problem?

Thanks

Chief · 03-09-2012, 12:14 PM

Without more info it sounds as if the thermostat is not making a solid connection when the lever is set on the gas heat position. I would make sure that all the wires on the back of the Thermostat are making good contact.

Madrona · 03-09-2012, 02:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bobg43

We have 2005 Itasca Sunrise 38J that has two ways of heating water - either electric or gas. The only way that I can get the gas heater to work is to turn on the electric heater.

Has anyone experienced this problem?

Thanks

Are you saying that after you have turned on the electric switch the gas itself ignites? Or are you saying that the only way to get hot water, is with electric? There should be two switches for the hot water tank. One for electric, one for gas. You can use either or both, whichever is most appropriate for your circumstances.
Make sure the gas is turned on at the furnace itself. You can access that from outside the coach if you remove the cover for the furnace.

MaverickBBD · 03-10-2012, 06:57 AM

I believe you have an Atwood hot water heater (I know, why do you need to heat hot water?). They have a great trouble shooting manual on line and with a simple volt meter and their diagrams you can rule out several possibilities. If I were a betting man I would take odds that it is the control board. The age sounds about right. I believe dinosaur makes a universal board with a conversion kit.

BTW I also think you have a third way to heat water. That is with the engine assist.

Chief · 03-10-2012, 09:09 AM

disregard my post above. I seem to have mixed up the gas heat and water heat functions-senior moment-thermostat has nothing to do with the water heater.

Madrona and MaverickBBD above should get you on the right track.

John Hilley · 03-10-2012, 11:11 AM

I have the same problem. I'm not getting 12vdc from the water heater On Switch to the Over Temperature Link on the water heater. It may be a bad ground. The Water heater On Switch does turn on the Green Light on the panel in the hallway.

MaverickBBD · 03-10-2012, 11:22 AM

If you send me you e mail addresses I will send you the Atwood manual. It is forty pages and a bit much for the forum.

ralph0808 · 03-17-2012, 08:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MaverickBBD

If you send me you e mail addresses I will send you the Atwood manual. It is forty pages and a bit much for the forum.

Would you send me a copy of the manual please? [email protected]

Thanks Ralph

bachler · 03-17-2012, 08:59 AM

In respect as to what your job is/was. If you have a problem with your Motorhome, Take it back to the dealer they can/will repair it most of the time. That is there job/expertiese;; Many times WE had to repair the owners repair and it cost much more if they would have brought it in in the first place.. Go figure;;

Bobg43 · 03-17-2012, 03:37 PM

Thanks everyone, I traded the coach for a newer won this weekend.

Snowwing · 03-18-2012, 08:31 AM

So Bob. That's about the most radical way I've ever heard of to repair a water heater - new coach! Inquiring minds would like to kow what you got!
Ron

Bobg43 · 03-18-2012, 06:27 PM

Got a 2008 Sightseer 35J. Sleeps 8, our bigger one only sleeps 4 and we have grandkids.

KJD · 03-18-2012, 07:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bobg43

Thanks everyone, I traded the coach for a newer won this weekend.

Now thats the way to cure the problem for sure..Congrats on the new coach.

Snowwing · 03-18-2012, 09:50 PM

I like your style!