Forum Discussion

GaryS1953's avatar
GaryS1953
Explorer
Feb 21, 2021

Atwood Hot water heater working, BUT...

Hi All-

So we are very fortunate to be spending a couple of months in warm Miami with full hookups, and our hot water heater is keeping water hot, but, comes on very frequently and only stays on for 2 minutes or less after the initial warm up. I turn if off overnight and start it in the morning, and at that point it stays on longer to do the initial heating.

I installed a dynasaur board years ago and it's always worked well till now. Is this a thermometer issue of some sort? Any thoughts?

Thanks1
Seeking Advice
  • enblethen's avatar
    enblethen
    Nomad
    Feb 22, 2021
    That is what the forum is for!
    You ight check the ground connection for the coils of the gas valve. It is hidden on the back side of gas valve. It uses same nut and bolt as the mount.
    Years ago I ran a jumper from the circuit board ground wire to the gas valve. Now it does rely on the sheet metal for ground.
  • enblethen's avatar
    enblethen
    Nomad
    Feb 22, 2021
    First there is the two browns that go to one unit and the red ones go to the other. Take photo or identify them.
    Only thing on wires is to insure that they slide on tight. There should be enough slack if the 1/4 inch spade connectors you can cut them off and crimp on new ones. Red 1/4 connectors are at most auto parts stores.
  • GaryS1953's avatar
    GaryS1953
    Explorer
    Feb 21, 2021
    Ok, I've got those in my cart. What about the other 3 wires that connect on the ECO, should I replace them as well? If so I can't find a part number for them.
  • enblethen's avatar
    enblethen
    Nomad
    Feb 21, 2021
    Inside the tubing is a thermal fuse. if it's connection is loose it causes same situation.
    Look at part 93866 and 91447
    Amazon
  • GaryS1953's avatar
    GaryS1953
    Explorer
    Feb 21, 2021
    Ok, looks like it could just be the wires. One red one in particular looks like it has a connector of some sort in the middle that connects to another section with a plastic sleeve over it. Where the two connect at the sleeve it's very loose, and I noticed that when I moved it the green light on the board went out and then back on. Is that a special wire of some sort that I might need to order?
  • enblethen's avatar
    enblethen
    Nomad
    Feb 21, 2021
    In about the center of the tank, there is the ECO and thermostat. Make sure they are tight against the tank. Wiggle the wires, two red, two brown. If they move very much, you should replace them. (ECO and thermostat)edit
    What you saw was the gas valve. Above it and to the right is the thermostat and ECO hidden behind the black foam.
  • GaryS1953's avatar
    GaryS1953
    Explorer
    Feb 21, 2021
    enblethen wrote:
    What is full model number of your Atwood? Number should be on outside access on frame.
    Are you running on electric or propane?
    First thought is thermostat is not tight against tank,
    It's a G6A-AE, and it's strictly propane. The green light on the dynasaur board shows green except when it's burning, then red. The flame is a nice blue. I said thermometer, but I meant thermostat. Is that the heavy duty metal part the gas line connects to on the bottom of the exterior access, the part that always makes it difficult to access the drain?
  • enblethen's avatar
    enblethen
    Nomad
    Feb 21, 2021
    What is full model number of your Atwood? Number should be on outside access on frame.
    Are you running on electric or propane?
    First thought is thermostat is not tight against tank,

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