Hydro-Hot, cursed or normal?

[Wobster]

I would like to know if this is normal for a hydro-hot system or if this particular system is cursed it is a coach I am looking at for possible purchase.
Between 2008 and 2015 (I don't have dates for all the repairs as the receipts are not all date) the following occurred:
Electric heating element replaced (7/2012)
Float switch, high limit switch, O-ring, blower motor- $1234
Fuel nozzle, photo disc, electrodes, grommets, PC control board, 12 volt control unit, combustion chamber (warranted)- $2476
Stir pump replacement retrofit kit, mixing valve tempering 145 degree-$822
I just have parts numbers for the next one- "no heating zone 1"-$349.35
Replace zone pump (part warranted)-$372
Inoperative, "problem between panel and heater"- $523
Circulation pump, incorrect wiring (this was 12/07)-$426
Bedroom hydro-hot switch stays on, never goes off- problem not found 5/08
That is all I have records for, don't know that every record was saved
Total repair costs over this 7 year period were at least the $6200 listed above...is it really $1000/ year (roughly, as maintenance is not included, yet I assume needed) to keep a hydro-hot system going or is this beyond normal?
Thanks
Dave

[LETMGROW]

Sounds about normal to me. I have been on this forum for about a year and from what I have seen your system is about neck and neck with the Vacu-flush system for problems and expense. You couldn't run fast enough to give me either one.
Keep your wallet handy.
Lynn

[jollyjim]

The biggest problem we have had with our Hydro-Hot is finding someone who knows how to fix the problems. Lot of people will work on them, but they don't know how to fix it. Hydro-hot systems are great, especially for heating, it is a nice even heat. However, you need to learn how to do the maintenance and minor work yourself. Our unit is a 2004 and we have only had to replace two parts (other than regular maintenance), one was the circulation pump and the other was the flame sensor.

[96 Wideglide]

Not even close to being 'normal'.

In the 2 1/2yrs I've owned my coach, I've replaced the burner nozzel, fuel filter, and added about 3 cups of transfer fluid. All done by myself.
Runs great. Would'nt want to go back to propane WH and furnaces!!

[Stealth01]

Certainly not our experience! We had a 2002 Beaver, in the 11 years we owned it, besides "normal" service we replaced the heat shield!

[jbrobinson77]

Had 3 Tiffins with Aqua-Hot (currently a 2016 Allegro 45 Bus) other than normal ($ 150-200) annual maintenance never had any problems. Great system!

[LETMGROW]

Originally Posted by jbrobinson77

Had 3 Tiffins with Aqua-Hot (currently a 2016 Allegro 45 Bus) other than normal ($ 150-200) annual maintenance never had any problems. Great system!

I've had several tow behind trailers over the years. In the earlier years the only problem I ever had was a couple bad thermo couples. My 1989 Class C sprung a small leak in the hot water tank. I bought a new tank and changed it myself in about an hour. Mind you the Class C was 25 years old in 2013. I bought this unit in 2012 and from what I could see the hot water heater was original.
I did have a problem with the water heater in my class A which I narrowed down to a faulty electronic control board. I replaced this at a cost of $90 plus tax and it has worked just fine since.
Maintenance is zero unless you consider the few minutes I spend with a wet dry vacuum keeping the heat chamber and heater clean every now and then. I don't bill myself for my own labor.Funny thing is I have all the hot water I need also.
I also have a propane furnace which we don't need much but works well if we do. The same thing as far as maintenance. Keep it clean and dust and spider free. Again maintenance cost: 0.
Lynn