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knoby129 · 01-16-2014, 03:19 PM

Water heater was not shutting off. So I bought a new eco and t-stat and installed. Replacing was straight forward although the 4 metal tabs that hold in each were difficult to open and and then bend back into place.

When I fire up the water heater, it never turns off heating up the water. After 45 minutes to 1 hour, it’s still running. Eventually water starts coming out through the bypass/check value on the water heater. I don’t think this is normal.

For the last few trips out, what I do is fire up the water heater when I know I want to take a shower. After 30 minutes or so, I turn off the switch so it turns off. There is enough hot water to take a shower. But it’s a pain to remember to turn on/off.

Any suggestions before I give up and take into the shop next week?

Thanks

jesilvas · 01-17-2014, 09:33 AM

I would be using 12V tests to follow the path to see what's happeneing.
Maybe the t-stat and ECO are opening and killing 12V power, but the gas valve may be sticking open? Seen it happen once. Maybe the relay for 120V power is stuck closed.
You never said on what heat source.

ga traveler · 01-17-2014, 10:15 AM

The thermostat must make good contact with the tank to sense the water temp. Remove the new thermostat and clean the tank area where the thermostat contacts it. make sure the thermostat is tight against the tank.

knoby129 · 01-18-2014, 02:35 PM

Same things happens with electricity or propane. Water heater heats up and never turns off.

I have a volt meter, but don't follow which test(s) to run. Any pointers would be appreciated.

jesilvas · 01-18-2014, 02:45 PM

If LP keeps burning, you need to see if the t-stat has voltage in and out of it. It should only when heat is needed. Same thing for ECO.
If there is no voltage at gas valve and it's still burning, your gas valve is stuck open.
If there is voltage there, then the ECO, tstat, or control board is bad.

On electricity, same thing. Follow the path of electricity depending on your model, and see where it is and shouldn't be.

sswilson · 01-18-2014, 03:58 PM

Judging by what you have said That the same thing happens whether on gas or electric, the common thread is probably the T-stat not being satisfied?

jesilvas · 01-18-2014, 05:07 PM

WHAT MODEL WH? Suburban have two sets of t-stats ECOs, so it's a long shot both are bad.
Some Atwood's have two sets also.

knoby129 · 01-18-2014, 11:21 PM

I believe it's a Atwood GCH10A-4E

Lobstah · 01-19-2014, 08:50 AM

It sounds like maybe something didn't get rewired correctly when you reinstalled everything.
I'd doublecheck all connections. I went through this with my Atwood about 3-4yrs ago, and I'm almost certain there's a t-stat that turns the electric/gas ON, and another one that turns it OFF when it gets up to temp. Been a long time though, and I suffer from CRS...if you're over 60, you know what that is

Jim

knoby129 · 01-21-2014, 05:50 PM

I caved and took it to the shop today. They replaced the thermostat and the pressure relief valve.

I installed a new thermostat, and I'm not sure why another one was needed. Maybe the one I ordered was wrong, or I broke it installing, or it was defective. I will never know...

$40 bucks in parts and $170 labor and everything is working great now. I hate to pay these types of bills when I think I can do myself.

3wheeljunkie · 01-22-2014, 06:11 PM

did you get the old parts ? If they replaced what you just did maybe you can get a refund for a defective part.

jesilvas · 01-22-2014, 06:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 3wheeljunkie

did you get the old parts ? If they replaced what you just did maybe you can get a refund for a defective part.

If I did the work I wouldn't. The reason: the part that was on it is used. I can't sell a used part. The customer can keep it, but I also put on a new part that is now used, and can't be sold as new again.

EDIT: Halfway through that, I realized you said "defective." The shop could warranty it, but because it was a customer install, it's hard to prove to the mfg that it was installed properly, and some companies will only warranty dealer work. If there was all documentation, it is possible.