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murlsketeer's avatar
murlsketeer
Explorer
Oct 28, 2019

Replace Hot Water Tank Propane Gas Valve

I need to replace the hot water tank gas valve on my travel trailer. I have been doing a lot of searching and found the Suburban 161109 Gas Valve for $40. I then found the Dometic Atwood Mobile Products 93844 for $125. The only difference is that the Suburban is 10.5" reg and the Dometic is 10.0" reg. The valve on the TT has a 10.0" reg. My question is what does the 10.0" and .5" reg mean? Can I change out the the valve for the Suburban without causing damage to the water heater? I really don't want to spend three times the amount if I can use the 10.5" reg. Thank you for any advice that you can offer up.
Seeking Advice
  • C_Schomer's avatar
    C_Schomer
    Explorer
    Nov 05, 2019
    There's more to it than what meets the eye. Don't mess with explosives, ejector seats, parachutes or gas appliances if you don't know what you're doing. All the parts work as a system and you don't mismatch parts. Clean all gnds. Connectors and the igniter. I also add gnd. Wires to be sure everything is bonded properly. Ignition and valve operation rely on milliampere detection through the flame and the gnd. Circuit and it hardly takes anything to Lock out the valve. Craig
  • enblethen's avatar
    enblethen
    Nomad
    Oct 30, 2019
    OP: what is wrong with your existing solenoid(gas valve)?
    They are a very simple device. 12 volts DC is supplied to the two coils, which opens the device.
    One issue that I have run into is a poor ground. It is connected to the mounting bracket right where the water from drain plug hits. This causes corrosion.
    The orifice is mounted directly to the solenoid. It needs to be cleaned occasionally.
  • jseyfert3's avatar
    jseyfert3
    Explorer
    Oct 30, 2019
    Atwood 93844 is obsolete and is replaced by 92078 for 6 gallon models.
  • enblethen's avatar
    enblethen
    Nomad
    Oct 30, 2019
    The valves are just a solenoid. When they are energized allows the flow of propane to the burner via the orifice.
    They would operate on various propane pressure.
    The BTU rating is the size of the orifice entering the burner.
    You would need to find the solenoid's manufacturer to determine the pressure in which will work.
  • murlsketeer's avatar
    murlsketeer
    Explorer
    Oct 30, 2019
    Where did you find the BTUs of the valves?

    On the valve there is a sticker that says 10.0 or 10.5 reg.
  • Old-Biscuit's avatar
    Old-Biscuit
    Explorer III
    Oct 29, 2019
    Here is one difference for you'

    Suburban 6 gal uses a 12,000 btu burner
    Atwood 6 gal uses a 8800 btu burner
    Besides the Suburban will NOT mate up with Atwood orifice/burner tube

    Got an Atwood...use atwood gas valve
    Shop around.....may need to change out mounting bracket
    Atwood gas valve.....different numbers over the years



    And just out of curiosity---where are you getting the 10" and 10.5" REG info
    Gas Valves are NOT Regulators..they OPEN and CLOSE
  • enblethen's avatar
    enblethen
    Nomad
    Oct 29, 2019
    gas volumn going through the orifice will vary slightly causing a slight change in efficiency.
  • murlsketeer's avatar
    murlsketeer
    Explorer
    Oct 29, 2019
    The water heater is an Atwood g6a-8e water heater. I understand that I should buy the Atwood gas valve but I’m wondering what the difference between the 10.0” and 10.5” reg is. I hate to spend three times as much is the cheaper one will work.
  • opnspaces's avatar
    opnspaces
    Navigator II
    Oct 28, 2019
    Definitely buy the valve that matches the manufacturer of the WH.
  • Old-Biscuit's avatar
    Old-Biscuit
    Explorer III
    Oct 28, 2019
    What BRAND/Model is your Water Heater?

    Buy that BRAND replacement gas valve.

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