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Zonearc · 11-29-2015, 11:02 PM

Like the title says, I have an 04 Mirada, and have no clue where the water heater is or how to drain it. Anyone have a clue?

Thanks!

LarryH1481 · 11-30-2015, 01:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zonearc

Like the title says, I have an 04 Mirada, and have no clue where the water heater is or how to drain it. Anyone have a clue?

Thanks!

Hi, on the driver's side towards rear, locate a hinged panel with a small grill. This is for the heater exhaust. Should be above the Mirada logo/decal. Open panel and you will see the water heater unit, it should be an Atwood. There is a nylon plug 7/8" when removed will drain the water. Check out this you tube video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IKg0R9oiMP0

Waiter21 · 11-30-2015, 01:18 PM

On my 2001 Mirada, the water heater is on the passenger side, just above the rear wheel.

Attached is a photo of the heater, The plastic plug is in the lower left corner of the heater.

You can cycle (open/close) the Pressure relief valve to help it drain

On the inside, I need to removed two drawers to get to the bypass valves.

Zonearc · 11-30-2015, 11:51 PM

I found the plug on the driver's side. I pulled it and drained the heater tank.

What is the purpose behind doing a heater bypass? Is it so that if you want to put antifreeze in the system you can skip the water heater since it carries so much it would take a lot more? Any other reason?

Waiter21 · 12-01-2015, 04:43 AM

Yes, bypassing the water heater makes winterizing a lot easier and uses less antifreeze.

Leave the drain plug off. When you put it back on next spring, don't over tighten it.

After I drain and bypass the water heater, I run antifreeze in the lines until it squirts out all of the faucets , hot and cold.

As a final step, I open one of the bypass valves so fluid will flow into the water heater and give the water heater a 5 second shot of antifreeze, this takes care of any residual water that mau be laying in the bottom of the water heater