Removing the water heater assembly

[free2wander]

I finally came to grips with the unwelcome decision that I would have to pull the entire water heater assembly in order to change or remove the check valves so my wife & I could once more enjoy hot showers on our 1999 Ultimate Freedom. I was told by Winnebago that there is plenty of play in the water lines to allow me to take the assembly out. However, how does it work with the gas lines? Are they ridgid, does anyone know the steps to removing the heater so nothing gets pulled loose or damaged. I need help fellas. Our date for full-timing in June 1st!

[MDPD]

I had to remove mine to replace the electric heating element that is at the rear of the water heater. The gas line is relatively soft copper and will bend enough to get through the gromet without any major problem. Just make sure you use soapy water to check for gas leaks when you replace it.

[Lt46]

Ditto the above. I had a heck of a time getting the sealant Winnie used to break free. One would think once all the flange screws are removed a simple tug would get it to move. Far from it, that sealant is some tough stuff. I used putty knife, butter knife and assorted like tools to cut through it all.

[AFChap]

On my UA, you take the gas line loose from the OUTSIDE side of the WH before you start to pull the unit out. I can remove a panel above the WH and insert my body and arms into the area to remove water lines from the rear before I pull it out.

[David K]

I have a 2002 Ultimate Advantage and the comment above about breaking the seal is very correct -- took me over an hour just to do that. The gas line does disconnect and will fit through the cushion gromet as you pull the heater. My coach has the motor aid for the hot water heater and the lines for that were not long enough to allow me to pull the heater out. Had to cut both of them -- make sure you clamp them off, if you have them before cutting as you will lose coolant (I know the hard way now). When putting back in, I put in longer coolant lines and can now remove the heater without any problem. I had a check valve fitting that was leaking -- not the valve itself but the PVC fitting -- that is why I had to remove my heater. No other access to the back of the heater in my MH.