Servicing an Aqua-Hot System

[mtofell1]

http://www.rvcruzer.com/aquahot.php

I'm just starting to dig into the world of diesel pushers with the anticipation of buying one at some point in the future (probably years from now).

I got off on a bit of tangent and found this article on DIY servicing of an Aqua-Hot system. The system has a lot of similarities to a residential oil burning furnace but has a few more moving parts. Anyhow, I figured I'd share it here since it's very detailed and could be useful to someone searching for info.

When I initially read about the systems I thought it would be a great feature to look for in a coach someday. After reading this I'm not so sure I'd want all the complexity and potential for problems. I know in houses oil burning furnaces are much less forgiving to being neglected in terms of maintenance compared to natural gas or electric units.

I'd also be curious to hear if anyone has the systems and if they're reliable and if the added service cost/effort is worth the benefit.

[JetAonly]

FWIW you are un likely to see the difference in a worn vs new nozzle. Danfoss makes nozzles for the AH. The tolerances are very small.

[aviator]

Mine is serviced every other year and the nozzle does not show any wear. The even heat and warm floors are a dream. We have plenty of hot water with the electric element for showers and daily use, unless the temps are in the 50,s. I would never have a coach with out one. Always disliked messing with the propane and its potential problems. Our coach is 45'.

[Executive45]

I would NEVER own another coach without the AquaHot system....think long HOT showers and even heat..cost is minimal and I have mine serviced every other year.....Dennis

[Ivylog]

Another must haver an most winters in S Fla the electric is all that's needed to keep warm and plenty of hot water. Even if you used the boiler a lot there is not need for the yearly nozzle replacement. I'm on the second nozzle in 10 years but I probably have less than 200 hours on the boiler. There is a good possibility that the new ULSD keeps the nozzle cleaner than the previous diesel. Putting a sweep 90 degree elbow on it solves making the neighbor unhappy.

[sdianel_-acct_c]

We love our Hydro Hot (smaller Aqua Hot). We have it serviced annually for about $120 to keep it running great. We have had some repairs but we still would prefer it even with the repair costs.

[JetAonly]

I couldn't agree more. A must have. Easy to service and easy to work on, there are very good internet resources. It plus the engine in back define the Class A experience, for me.

[Acampingwewillg]

Just let me add this...We have a 1996 coach with the Webasto system, the predecestor to the aqua hot(pretty much the same components). Being in So Cal..never used it much and one day about 8 years ago, it stopped working. While in Quartzsite I had it serviced for the first time in the 12 years Ive owned the coach. A simple reset switch had it fired right back up within 30 seconds, the nozzle was still in great shape, the fuel filter was not clogged. Long story short....after years of non use, it was still going strong....of course I had it serviced while I had the tech there.

[BigSkyBob]

steveownby wrote:

mtofell1 wrote:
http://www.rvcruzer.com/aquahot.php

I'm just starting to dig into the world of diesel pushers with the anticipation of buying one at some point in the future (probably years from now).

I got off on a bit of tangent and found this article on DIY servicing of an Aqua-Hot system. The system has a lot of similarities to a residential oil burning furnace but has a few more moving parts. Anyhow, I figured I'd share it here since it's very detailed and could be useful to someone searching for info.

When I initially read about the systems I thought it would be a great feature to look for in a coach someday. After reading this I'm not so sure I'd want all the complexity and potential for problems. I know in houses oil burning furnaces are much less forgiving to being neglected in terms of maintenance compared to natural gas or electric units.

I'd also be curious to hear if anyone has the systems and if they're reliable and if the added service cost/effort is worth the benefit.

Our full timing coach is eleven years old now and has a OEM AquaHot. These systems, particularly the diesel burner, need to run. Ours is on 24/7/365 except a few hours before maintenance to allow the unit to cool.

I'm on a 2 year maintenance schedule now and the operation is completely seamless. I would not give up my AH without a fight.

Mine too. I agree 100%. Aqua-Hot is a must have for me.

[steveownby]

mtofell1 wrote:
http://www.rvcruzer.com/aquahot.php

I'm just starting to dig into the world of diesel pushers with the anticipation of buying one at some point in the future (probably years from now).

I got off on a bit of tangent and found this article on DIY servicing of an Aqua-Hot system. The system has a lot of similarities to a residential oil burning furnace but has a few more moving parts. Anyhow, I figured I'd share it here since it's very detailed and could be useful to someone searching for info.

When I initially read about the systems I thought it would be a great feature to look for in a coach someday. After reading this I'm not so sure I'd want all the complexity and potential for problems. I know in houses oil burning furnaces are much less forgiving to being neglected in terms of maintenance compared to natural gas or electric units.

I'd also be curious to hear if anyone has the systems and if they're reliable and if the added service cost/effort is worth the benefit.

Our full timing coach is eleven years old now and has a OEM AquaHot. These systems, particularly the diesel burner, need to run. Ours is on 24/7/365 except a few hours before maintenance to allow the unit to cool.

I'm on a 2 year maintenance schedule now and the operation is completely seamless. I would not give up my AH without a fight.

[dougrainer]

Aqua Hot systems rarely fail. The only problem and this is from lack of yearly maintenance is usually for people that rarely use the RV. The Fuel Nozzle gets gummed up from lack of use. THAT is the main thing the yearly maintenance prevents. Most fulltimers, rarely have problems with the fuel nozzles as they are constantly in use. The ONLY drawback IMO is you jet the exhaust to your neighbors campsite. Doug

[Blaster_Man]

JTHarley wrote:
I've owned 4 coaches with standard LP heater…..3 coaches with aqua hot…..I never, never, never will go back to LP. As far as maintenance, once a year done at the service about $275 and that's it…very easy to do yourself if you want to learn.

Forever hot water, no filling LP tanks, no danger of explosion, warm floors, even heat……one of the best additions to any motorhome!

Agree, this is a must have for us. Also, AHs are necessary with more coaches being all electric (no propane).

[Mr_Mark1]

It may depend on use but we found servicing the Aqua-Hot every other year works just fine. At first, I was having it done every year for the first couple of years. Then, when I saw the nozzle that the tech removed from the unit I thought it was the new one.

So now, we have moved to a two year cycle and all has worked well. The tech will clean out the burner, check the boiler fluid, change out the nozzle, blow out the exhaust system and replace the fuel filter. Ours virtually has no smoke when operating, just a slight hum.

I was able to give it a good test recently since we went through Colorado and the lows dipped into the 40's. The system worked perfectly. All the heat registers were blowing hot air which was telling me that the boiler fluid was being pumped to the right areas and all the pumps and fans were working, etc. Our unit is 7 yrs. old and been 99% trouble free.

The only problem we have had was not the fault of the Aqua-Hot. I had a kitchen hose split which caused water to run down the hose and drip water onto the Aqua-Hot electronic board shorting it out. So, the board had to be replaced.

Smooth sailing every since.

MM.

[JTHarley]

I've owned 4 coaches with standard LP heater…..3 coaches with aqua hot…..I never, never, never will go back to LP. As far as maintenance, once a year done at the service about $275 and that's it…very easy to do yourself if you want to learn.

Forever hot water, no filling LP tanks, no danger of explosion, warm floors, even heat……one of the best additions to any motorhome!

[Flyawes]

Having an Aqua-Hot system is a "must have" on many peoples list for purchasing a motorhome.