In a previous post, I described the repair of our Aqua Hot 250D ("Balloon Fest Aqa Hot Challenge"). The problem was a failed control thermostat. The solution was to replace it with a newly engineered part that should be more reliable. Unfortunately, we only got 4 months from the newly engineered part, while we got nine months from the first faulty part.
The bad news is it failed. The good news is I had ordered a spare the last time this happed. I have since replaced the part this morning and all is running straight and normal. Aqua Hot is sending me a new part, so I will have a backup.
I provided great deal of detail in my previous post on the first failure. As the saying goes, practice makes perfect. I did change one thing about the install that made it easier. Rather than using a 7/8 socket to remove and replace the thermostat, I used a 7/8in ratchet wrench instead. It worked much better in the tight space.
Long story short, if you have a similar unit, and are reasonably good with a wrench, it would be in your best interest to carry a spare. See details below from my initial post, that I hope you find helpful:
"Our Aqua Hot is the 250D. As for the control thermostat part number, it is ELE-015-011. I was told that this is a new part number and is supposed to be more reliable than the original. Time will tell, but I now have a spare.
The following are dos and don'ts:
Dos:
1.Do need a 7/8in deep socket and/or an open-end wrench to remove the thermostat. Small hands also help, but these were not available in my case.
2. Do need an adapter that screws into the exit port for fluid on Aqua Hot. This allows for connection of clear plastic hose for draining a couple gallons of Hydronic fluid into a clean container prior to removing the thermostat.
3. Do need a hand pump from an auto parts store to pump fluid back into the system after thermostat is replaced. It is important to pump back in bottom up rather than through the reservoir to avoid air bubbles. I found the best way to avoid air was to prime the hand pump by placing both suction tube and exit tube into the gallon of hydronic fluid and fill all tubing before connecting to the Aqua Hot for filling.
4. Do need to watch Utube channel "Our Next Adventure"- Troubleshooting and Fixing the Aqua Hot in our RV". This video provides a visual view of the process and parts needed above.
Don'ts:
1. Though the Aqua Hot will run using a 10-amp fuse to bypass the thermostat, I would not recommend it. Aqua Hot Technical service said we could run it for short bursts to get showers. I watched it really close and it only takes a couple minutes before hot hydronic fluid begins to bubble back up into the reservoir. If not cut off quickly, this will soon be bubbling out the overflow and has potential to damage or melt your reservoir.
2. When pumping fluid back into the Aqua Hot, be careful not to suck air back into the system. Air will cause the system to fault out and requires going through a stir process to remove air. Fortunately, we did not have to do that.
I hope this additional detail helps should anyone out there have a similar issue. Glad to respond to additional questions, should anyone have those.
Thanks,
Wayne
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