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02-18-2018, 08:08 PM
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#1
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Member
Join Date: Oct 2017
Posts: 37
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Hot water heater question
Hello all, I’ve got an 04 Fourwinds Infinity motorhome with about 9k miles. I bought the MH last year and was able to take it
On one trip before winter. It had a list of issues That I’ve been crossing off and one of those issues is a leaky water heater. The model that’s currently in stalled is an Atwood gc10-4e. I’ve also installed an on demand hot water heater which works excellent when we have electric hookup. My question is what do you think I should do about the leaky water heater. As of right now I’m leaning towards getting a replacement tank for about $230 as apposed to a new water heater assembly which is about $560. What I’d like to hear is if they’re is some sort of alternative system that can be installed or a better idea. I just don’t want to look back and wish I did something else. Thanks in advance
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02-18-2018, 08:15 PM
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#2
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Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2017
Posts: 1,251
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Tommyr1k
Hello all, I’ve got an 04 Fourwinds Infinity motorhome with about 9k miles. I bought the MH last year and was able to take it
On one trip before winter. It had a list of issues That I’ve been crossing off and one of those issues is a leaky water heater. The model that’s currently in stalled is an Atwood gc10-4e. I’ve also installed an on demand hot water heater which works excellent when we have electric hookup. My question is what do you think I should do about the leaky water heater. As of right now I’m leaning towards getting a replacement tank for about $230 as apposed to a new water heater assembly which is about $560. What I’d like to hear is if they’re is some sort of alternative system that can be installed or a better idea. I just don’t want to look back and wish I did something else. Thanks in advance
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I don’t know of anything better that will fit the space, I would try removing it to see how easy tank replacement is and inspect all other components for signs of age.
It may have frozen?
I always go for the cheaper route and spend the money on fun stuff.
Rick
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Rick Goodrum
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02-18-2018, 08:47 PM
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#3
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Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2015
Posts: 195
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If your going to consider a tank replacement which means complete tear down why not tear it down and see if the crack can be welded for a few dollars and put it back in ??? JMO
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02-18-2018, 08:53 PM
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#4
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Member
Join Date: Oct 2017
Posts: 37
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I did think about having it welded but wasn’t sure if those tanks were the type of thing that once they spring one leak others will follow. Has anyone ever had they’re tank welded with good results?
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02-19-2018, 05:20 AM
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#5
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Senior Member
Tiffin Owners Club
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Maryland
Posts: 1,433
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We took an Atwood 6 gal water heater out of my friends TT and had it welded over 2 years ago. No leaks since. It had a small pin hole in it and the shop put a 2 inch patch over it. If I remember correctly they charged him $30.
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Dave and Cindy
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02-19-2018, 08:04 AM
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#6
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Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2015
Posts: 195
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Very few people have the ability or want to to fix there own stuff, myself I like to be able to fix whatever comes up. Any TIG welder will be able to weld and pressure test the tank. Good luck
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02-19-2018, 08:05 AM
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#7
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Member
Join Date: Oct 2017
Posts: 37
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What about using a torch and aluminum brazing rods?
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02-19-2018, 10:20 AM
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#8
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Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2017
Location: Citra, Florida
Posts: 1,396
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Do you know where the leak is? Make sure it is not the relief valve or the drain plug. If the leak is accessible without removing the tank. If you are not going to depend on it exclusive for hot water then you might want to try something like JB Weld which would let you know if you have any other leaks before you go for the bigger bucks. JMHO
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Good Luck and keep us posted please. "Q"
1999 Newmar, Mountain Aire 3768, V-10, CAI, Headers.
"Spending our kids inheritance one trip at a time"
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02-19-2018, 10:38 AM
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#9
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: seattle,wa USA
Posts: 1,025
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Quote:
Originally Posted by hardint
very few people have the ability or want to to fix there own stuff, myself i like to be able to fix whatever comes up. Any tig welder will be able to weld and pressure test the tank. Good luck
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exactly!
__________________
Gary, Maxwell and the Beanie Weenie.
2002 Newmar Kountry Star. Cummins ISB 24 valve
2017 Mazda Miata MX-5 toad on a double axle car hauling trailer
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02-19-2018, 10:45 AM
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#10
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: seattle,wa USA
Posts: 1,025
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2 years ago, I had a water leak that I was able to isolate to the Atwood 6 gallon hot water tank. I paid a mobile repair guy to remove the old tank/controls and install a new one. It took him about an hour and everything works as it did before the leak. Yes, I could have tried having someone weld the original tank, but who knows how long it would have lasted. It just made sense to me to do it correctly the first time rather than pay for the removal/install plus the welding of the tank. I think the total charge was around $500, which no one likes to pay, but no one wants to take a COLD SHOWER either.
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Gary, Maxwell and the Beanie Weenie.
2002 Newmar Kountry Star. Cummins ISB 24 valve
2017 Mazda Miata MX-5 toad on a double axle car hauling trailer
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02-19-2018, 08:28 PM
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#11
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: Watertown NY USA
Posts: 6,446
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I removed my water heater and had a crack welded. Put the tank back in and reinstalled the water heater. The first time out after the repair the tank sprung a leak. When I removed the tank it had split on the opposite side.
A new tank took care of this and the heater worked fine for the two years I had the camper after replacing the tank.
I don't mind doing most anything the first time. But I get ugly with myself if I have to do it over because I didn't do it right the first time.
Lynn
__________________
2002 Fleetwood Storm 30H on Workhorse P32 chassis 8.1 gas.
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