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somatronicon's avatar
somatronicon
Explorer
Sep 09, 2017

Replacement valve assembly for Atwood water heater

Hi everyone,

This is my first post. The community seems like a very knowledgeable one so I thought I'd ask my question here. We have a '91 Winnebago Chieftain class A with an Atwood GH6-6E water heater. I've had about three people look at the issue, and it appears one of the two solenoids/valves are faulty. One of them appears to open, and the other doesn't, so no flame. It's an electric ignition as well. So, at this point, we are looking for a replacement valve. However, given the age of our RV, it's a bit tricky for me to find an exact replacement. Can anyone tell me if it's common/okay to use a different valve than the exact model that's currently on the water heater?

For example, there was a service company that recommended an AT93844 valve assembly. I looked it up, and only found the following possible replacement part:

http://m.opentip.com/product.php?products_id=6168695&osCsid=b359421l2kv2pv232d5090ta35&ats=product_landing

Looking at it, they definitely appear to be different. However, conceptually I think they do the same thing. One thing I'm concerned about is that the clearance between the top of the valve and the flu vent (above) may not be sufficient. Is it possible to rotate the valve so that it will fit? I wonder if that would impact the performance/safety characteristics of the valve.

Here is an image of the existing valve:



And an image of the replacement valve:



Any help on this would be appreciated. I'd hate to get the wrong replacement valve and end up down a hundred bucks :D

Thanks everyone!

Christopher

18 Replies

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  • somatronicon's avatar
    somatronicon
    Explorer
    Sep 11, 2017
    Old-Biscuit wrote:
    Actually for that vintage and model the gas valve is installed with solenoids DOWN

    As for how long tank with last....until it leaks :B

    Seriously.......no time table

    Pin hole leaks or cracks in welds are types of leaks on tanks


    LOL, that is a totally reasonable answer :D It's good to know that the old one is correctly installed right now. I'll do the same with the replacement solenoid, or at least try to. I should have the parts either today or tomorrow.

    Thanks again for the information and the background on the upside-down orientation of the valve.

    I can access the hot water heater under one of the twin-beds in the back. I'll take some time to inspect for leaks while I'm installing the new valve.

    Christopher
  • Old-Biscuit's avatar
    Old-Biscuit
    Explorer III
    Sep 10, 2017
    Actually for that vintage and model the gas valve is installed with solenoids DOWN





    As for how long tank with last....until it leaks :B

    Seriously.......no time table

    Pin hole leaks or cracks in welds are types of leaks on tanks
  • somatronicon's avatar
    somatronicon
    Explorer
    Sep 10, 2017
    Busdriver wrote:
    Looks like the old one is upside down, have never saw one that solenoid on bottom


    Hi busdriver, I know right? It seemed odd to me as well. I wonder if that was part of the reason it failed, or if it was just due to wear over time.

    In either case I'll try to put the new one in right-side-up :D

    Thanks for the reply Busdriver.

    Christopher
  • somatronicon's avatar
    somatronicon
    Explorer
    Sep 10, 2017
    Hi everyone, wow you have been more than helpful!

    I just read through the follow-ups and was stunned by the comprehensive nature of the posts. My wife, five children and I are all very greatful.

    For now due to our budget I think we'll have to get the valve assembly and mounting bracket. In the future though, I think you're right and we ought to spring for a new one. Do you know how often the hot water tanks go and what symptoms I should look for to tell if it's going?

    We've followed the links and have ordered the parts. I also appreciate the information on the petcock. TBH I had no idea what that word meant until I googled it. Makes sense now :)

    I'll reply back when I get the parts installed and working to let you know how it went.

    Thanks again for all the help!

    Christopher
  • Busdriver's avatar
    Busdriver
    Explorer II
    Sep 10, 2017
    Looks like the old one is upside down, have never saw one that solenoid on bottom
  • darsben1's avatar
    darsben1
    Explorer
    Sep 09, 2017
    I do not know your situation but with the cost of the valve about 1/3 of the price of a new unit I would just go new.
    Hate to see the tank go on you in a year or so and then what, after all the unit is 26 years old.
    https://www.amazon.com/Atwood-Gal-Elect-Ignition-G6A-8E/dp/B00I0GH9GY/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1504995754&sr=8-5&keywords=atwood+6+gallon.
  • ret_usn's avatar
    ret_usn
    Explorer
    Sep 09, 2017
    Old biscuit is correct. I just purchased and installed the same valve and installed it in less than 30 min. ,y old one leaked and we could always smell propane if the water heater was not used. Solved the problem. also replaced furnace valve due to same problem.
  • Old-Biscuit's avatar
    Old-Biscuit
    Explorer III
    Sep 09, 2017
    Biggest issue is current valve solenoids are on bottom and get WET every time you drain WH Tank especially the one right by that petcock

    Petcock is NOT OEM on that model.....should be the standard OEM 1/2" NPT Nylon drain plug
    (Petcocks were used on 2 older 10 gallon models, G10-2E & 3E versions)
    So while you have the old gas vlave out remove that petcock assembly drain/flush tank, clean up threads using a 1/2" NPT brass 6" Nipple (screw it in/out chasing threads) then use the Nylon Drain Plug.

    Replacement gas valve is the Atwood 93870/93844 White Rodgers Valve


    White Rodgers 93870/93844 $76

    And you will need a new valve bracket
    Mounting bracket $5

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