Water Heater Problem:

[Buzz]

Hi:

After most heavy rains, the Water heater will not start, goes on/off-on/off------
Until it warms up and dries or I dry it with the wife's hair dryer.
Then it runs great, until the next heavy rain, it does not actually get wet in the compartment, only damp.

Any suggestions as to how I can fix this problem??

By the way, this is an Atwood 6 gal. Heater

Thanks for any and all replies.

[Buzz]

Hi:

After most heavy rains, the Water heater will not start, goes on/off-on/off------
Until it warms up and dries or I dry it with the wife's hair dryer.
Then it runs great, until the next heavy rain, it does not actually get wet in the compartment, only damp.

Any suggestions as to how I can fix this problem??

By the way, this is an Atwood 6 gal. Heater

Thanks for any and all replies.

[Tom Norman]

Your problem sounds like loose and/or corroded wiring connections. I had a similar problem years ago, and I discovered that crud and corrosion was causing poor electrical connections.

I suggest you carefully disconnect each wire connection (one at a time) and clean it using fine emery paper. After cleaning, a little dab of dielectric grease at each connection can help prevent future problems from moisture and water. Dielectric grease can be purchased at AutoZone, Advance Auto, or any auto parts store. It's purpose is to help seal out moisture and water from spark plug wire connections, but it's effective in this application as well.

[Gary RVRoamer]

If it is not bad connections as Tom describes, then you will probably have to replace the circuit board. It is sealed, but moisture is obviously affecting an electrical circuit somewhere, so if not the wiring than it's likely the baord itself. Figure $100-$140 for a replacement board.

You might check to see if you are getting 12-13 volts DC to the circuit board the next time it won't start. If not, it's definitely the wiring. If you are getting 12V and it still won't start, the circuit board is suspect but you need to make sure the ground and any other connections are good too. For example, if the t-stat is not calling for heat (closing the ingntion circuit properly), it isn't going to start. Corrosion on the t-stat connectors could casue that.

[Clay L]

In addition to the other suggestions, if the heater is an automatic ignition type, you might want to make sure the igniter wire is not rubbing against metal. If so move it away and spray silicon on the insulation (not the tip). That might keep moisture from collecting on it.

[Buzz]

Thanks for all the good suggestions, The MH is covered for the winter, as soon as it warms up, April ??? I will check the wires and try all suggestions, before going to a new circuit board.

Will let you all know in the spring what happens.

Sincerely: Buzz