Winter BYPASS

[B2900]

I have a 2003 Journey DL and when I try to winterize my unit and press the bypass switch above my washing machine, I hear it click yet the red pop still fills the hot water tank? Any suggestions??

I would rather have a manual bypass as I know it will work. Under my unit I can see two water lines that are rubber going into my hot water tank. I feel they are hooked to the radiator as this unit has hot water heated by the engine when running. That said I can not see any plastic lines going into the tank where I could install a manual bypass.

B2900

[W8RLM]

I think that you are going to have to find the cold water input and hot water output lines form the heater. Then you will need a three way valve for each side - input and output - so that you can manually bypass the heater. You'll have to run a plastic line between the bypass positions on both valves.

However, I'd suggest that you call Owner Relations at Winnebago. Obviously, the bypass lines exist since you have the "automatic' bypass. They might be able to help you solve your problem or point out where the bypass lines are so that you can install the manual system. Make sure that you have your VIN number, since they will need that to make sure that they are looking at the correct plumbing diagram.

You can also get the plumbing diagrams from the Winnebago website. It might help when you talk to Owner Relations.

Good Luck

W8RLM - Bob

[GG1]

There are posts from a few years back about the automatic heater bypass units that go bad. I think the company "SWAN" went out of business many owners have installed their own manual bypasses, mine works good every other year,,, do a search you will find the answers.

[ernieh]

I think that Swan is still in business, but they are no help. The solonoid valves are no longer available. I replaced mine with manual valves with the handles extended into the electrical compartment.

It's really not a difficult job if you use valves and fittings with quick connects.

[CaptBill]

You're winterization solenoid valves might be working, but if the check valves in the water heater in and out lines have gone bad, (and they often do), then the bypass system will not work. A lot of people will not replce those cheap plastic check valves, as they are a PITA to get to, and will likely fail again. So you're choices will be to either install manual valves, or drain the system and blow out the lines with an air compressor.

[RKL]

Suggest you install manual bypass valves by simply removing the solonoid and valve assembly from the present location and install with a little modifcation the manual valves in the same location. Should be easy to identify inflow and out flow lines at this location....RKL