Question on old American Appliance water heater

Question

I have a 1989 Skyline that I am working on updating. It has an American Appliance water heater (Company was purchased by Suburban 1987) The water heater works great so I'm not wanting to replace it yet. Does anyone know if it uses a anode rod? There is a drain **** and behind it is a round knurled nut or fitting, others I have seen have a hex nut built onto the anode and the draincock threads into it. I'm going to replace the draincock and wondering if the round nut could be an anode? If not, can or should it be removed to add an anode? Any info or suggestions would be appreciated, see images Thanks

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dutchmensport · Answer

There is no anode rod on that plug. The water heater is drained by turning the wing and it drains through the middle, like an automobile radiator drain. Actually, that's what it is.

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Photo 2, click here.

utahoutlaw · Answer

Thanks

old-biscuit · Answer

American Appliance was a 'subsidiary' of MorFlo Industries Inc.

They used an anode rod in their water heaters due to being constructed just like a residential heater...steel tank/glass-lined

That 'petcock' drain looks like NON-OEM

IF you can remove it and that plug petcock is in then check thread size.....
Suburban uses 3/4" NPT
Aftermarket anode rods for Atwoods (not needed/required/recommended but are made/sold) are 1/2" NPT

chris_bryant · Answer

Your anode is installed on the back top of the tank. I've never been able to break one of those loose- even with a breaker bar out of the camper. The water heater is nearly 30 years old, just start saving for a new one.

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Question on old American Appliance water heater

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