Water Heater Help

[Indyradar]

I have a 2005 Winne Journey 39F. It has a Atwood Water heater. On the panel in the hallway there is a red illuminated switch for 120V operation and a Gas breaker for LP operation. Last trip, when power applied to the120V switch, zero draw on the load meter; No draw while on Jenny or Shore power. Tried the LP switch, nothing, not even the sound of the electric ignition "ticking". I cleaned the contacts as instructed in this forum and on the unit itself. The unit fired via LP and there was also a 15-20 amp draw on the panel, thought I had it! It ran for 2-3 min's and shut off, back to original problem; no power anywhere. Removed the thermo link and wired directly to the panel, cleaned contacts again (45 min's or so have passed now) fired it, working...uh no. Ran for 2-3 min's and shut off, same problem. Now what? Thermostat? Control panel? just boil it? Any help would be great. Yes I checked all fuses in the coach, no I have not taken the cover off the unit yet. One last thing, Driving back from FL to IN, when I got home and drained the unit, the water was hot, from the engine heat, but I cant remember if hot water came out of the faucet..water came out, but I dont remember if it was hot. And when I drove to florida, the water was NOT hot coming out of the faucets. Needless to say the was still not working.

["007"]

You should have a circuit breaker in your load center that may have to be reset.
If the AC was put on for water heater without water in tank you need a new element.
You might check connections for AC wire spade clips on element and make sure the spades are on the male spades and not in between the spade and plastic mount for element.
A poor connection will heat up plastic and melt causing a open circuit.

[Indyradar]

Thanks, checked all that. Still troubled.

[John Hilley]

Had a similar problem, the pressure relief valve failed and water was draining down the side and causing the problem. I had started it on propane a couple of times from the One Place panel and it would run for a couple of minutes. I went out to look at it and saw the water dripping down before I even opened the WH access door.

[Dave78Chief]

Parts book for your rig indicates you have a Atwood GCH10A-4E Water Heater (DSI model 10 gal, Combo Gas/Elec plus Engine Heat).
None of the Water Heater modes (Elec/Gas/Engine) will function if you have left the Water Heater Bypass valve (below Water Heater Compartment) in the bypass mode.

Engine heat feature will work anytime the engine is running unless:
1) Water Heater Bypass valve (below Water Heater Compartment) in the bypass mode.
2) There is a valve in the engine water hose line closed or one of the supply or return lines is kinked.
NOte - Per your operators manual it takes around 100 miles of driving to bring the faucet water temp up to 120 degrees.

As shown in the diagram below, the control board operates both the gas and electric modes. For electric operation 12VDC is used to control the 110VAC relay for the heating element. Your orginal issues sounds like your ignitor probe was dirty/misadjusted. Now though, it sounds like you may have multiple problems. No hot water from engine heat mode indiactes the bypass valve is in bypass. If you tried to use electric in bypass and no water in tank then the element most likely blew.

Atwood Installation/Operation Manual for your heater: http://manuals.adventurerv.net/Atwoo...-93755-10E.pdf

Atwood troubleshooting manual: http://manuals.adventurerv.net/Atwoo...-93755-10E.pdf Covers both pilot and you DSI model heater.

Dave