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Pattajames's avatar
Pattajames
Explorer
May 21, 2018

Hot Water Tank Identification help

I've got a 1983 Skyline Nomad trailer and I'm having some trouble with my hot water heater. The tank heats up but never shuts off. This causes the water to heat to a point that the pop off valve starts leaking.

I'm pretty sure it needs a new thermostat. However, most of the original identification stickers are faded so badly you cannot make out the information. I'm at a loss as to what model of heater this is so I can order a part.

Any information would help.Below is the links to some pictures for reference.







  • Pattajames's avatar
    Pattajames
    Explorer
    May 29, 2018
    Thanks Old-Biscuit! Camper store here wanted $260 for the part. I'll be ordering from the link you provided and repair it once I get back from vacation.

    For now, I'll have to heat the water and then turn the water heater off once it is up to heat. Should keep heat for a little while and then I'll turn it back on if needed.

    Pain in the rear, but beats blowing us all up. LOL

    Thanks again!
  • Old-Biscuit's avatar
    Old-Biscuit
    Explorer III
    May 22, 2018
    Pattajames wrote:
    Chris Bryant wrote:
    Have you actually measured the water temp? I would before spending on a thermostat, as that version is pretty reliable.
    If the whole thing is cold, it can take a long time to heat. It could be the TP valve is bad.


    I just replaced the TP valve recently because the last one went out. Now when you light it, the heater stays heating (full flame) and never shuts off. Then the TP opens to relieve pressure and the water temp is EXTREMELY hot.



    That gas control is definitely bad.
    *Not controlling temp via temp setting on front (L/120*F, M/130*F, H/140*F)
    *ECO not tripping when overheating (should TRIP at 190*F and shut down all heating and future heating ---ECO is a ONE-SHOT device. Trips and gas valve has t be replaced)
    ECO is the probe that sticks out of gas control into the tank
    **T&P Relief Valve popping OPEN...210*F/150 psi
  • Pattajames's avatar
    Pattajames
    Explorer
    May 21, 2018
    Old-Biscuit wrote:
    wasatchmtnatvr wrote:
    Suburban SW6P. Model number. FYI, that's not the original water heater.



    Good eye....

    I didn't look at pictures very close...just went with info from the Data Sheet

    ***Link Removed***


    Great catch! That helps a LOT! I stopped at a camper service dealer today and he only looked at the spec sheet as well. He told me Mor Flo was out of business and he didn't have a valve to fit. I'll call and see if they have the Model you suggested Old-Biscuit.

    THANK YOU!!!
  • Pattajames's avatar
    Pattajames
    Explorer
    May 21, 2018
    Chris Bryant wrote:
    Have you actually measured the water temp? I would before spending on a thermostat, as that version is pretty reliable.
    If the whole thing is cold, it can take a long time to heat. It could be the TP valve is bad.


    I just replaced the TP valve recently because the last one went out. Now when you light it, the heater stays heating (full flame) and never shuts off. Then the TP opens to relieve pressure and the water temp is EXTREMELY hot.
  • Chris_Bryant's avatar
    Chris_Bryant
    Explorer II
    May 21, 2018
    Have you actually measured the water temp? I would before spending on a thermostat, as that version is pretty reliable.
    If the whole thing is cold, it can take a long time to heat. It could be the TP valve is bad.
  • Old-Biscuit's avatar
    Old-Biscuit
    Explorer III
    May 21, 2018
    wasatchmtnatvr wrote:
    Suburban SW6P. Model number. FYI, that's not the original water heater.



    Good eye....

    I didn't look at pictures very close...just went with info from the Data Sheet

    Suburban SW6P Gas Control
  • DrewE's avatar
    DrewE
    Explorer II
    May 21, 2018
    If you have trouble getting the info here, I'd suggest taking it to a propane dealer or similar. Chances are pretty good that the thermostatic valve unit is the same as several domestic water heaters of the same vintage, and not made by Mor-flo. I kind of suspect they're somewhat standardized, but I may be all wrong about that.
  • ScottG's avatar
    ScottG
    Nomad
    May 21, 2018
    Yep but never heard of a Mor-flo water heater.
    We do have a resident expert though!
    Paging old Doc Biscuit!

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