Community Forums

dlboarman · 07-10-2020, 09:59 AM

I have an Atwood water heater that is leaking from a fitting. I called Winnie parts and they said it is a model 94165. The replacement is a 94020. Since Atwood is now Dometic I have researched both sites and can not find anything on either model. My concern is that I might have to replace the entire unit (Winnebago Journey 2001) and I am trying to determine if that is the correct model number. My unit is a heat exchange when driving the Journey and also both propane and electric.

I am thinking the plastic fitting might break and I will not be about to get the broken part out. Also, it is a very tight fit to work on it. Since the water heater is 20 years old, it is probably time to replace it anyway.

Ideas and comments very welcome... thanks in advance.

Kahoona · 07-10-2020, 11:44 AM

Welll.... Since you are thinking you might have to replace it anyway then why not give replacing the part a try. Turn it off, release the pressure and see if you can remove it. Don't just apply pressure though. Very carefully try to rock it back and forth, it's OK if it doesn't turn much. Keep it up for 20 or thirty turns. If it moves then apply more pressure gradually adding force until it budges more. Rock it out. If it is in a metal fitting then you may want to drill the plastic out very carefully. If there is an elbow before the fitting cut it off and drill. Use the biggest drill you can without hitting the threads. After that you will use a needle nose pliers and lever it under the remains so you can twist it out. Take pictures and measurements first because your next step will be a trip to ACE or a plumbing supply house where you will probably find a replacement. Also privately owned RV parts dealers often have stuff like that and will check for you. Take a picture of the number plate.

I an not sure but, unless this heater has other problems a new one might not be much better. Let us know how you make out.

veraken · 07-11-2020, 05:45 AM

A search for the Atwood 90420 shows that is model GCH10A-4E. Here is a link to the Service Manual which may help you.

http://waterheatertimer.org/pdf/Atwo...ice-manual.pdf

dlboarman · 08-11-2020, 01:42 PM

I went with replacing the water heater. I used the local Camping World and was less than happy with the job done replacing it. They left a switch in the battery compartment that would have to be switched on when I wanted 110 VAC hot water! Of course, that switch is outside the motor home. I have since moved the DC switch to the location inside the motor home where the AC switch was before. I hard wired the 110 wires together since they are switched on now by the 12 volt relay. Apparently, this is the newer way to switch on the 110 VAC for a water heater. The 110 VAC is protected by a breaker and the 12 volt DC is also, now, protected by a fuse.

All is good.

Old-Biscuit · 08-11-2020, 01:48 PM

Since 2004 Atwood went to DC Controls for Gas/Electric Combo Units

Here is an Atwood Service Manual that covers Pilot and DSI models, explans the different versions etc.

Your 3E is No Longer available except for some common parts

The 3E (6 gal/9E) conversions to 4E (6 gal/10E) versions is explaned starting on PG 23, 24 & 25
https://manuals.heartlandowners.org/...e%20Manual.pdf

CW is NOT a place to have any RV Repairs done!!!!!!