Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×
Sunline RV Forum
Sunline User Photos

Go Back   Sunline Coach Owner's Club > Technical Forums > Repairs and Maintenance
Click Here to Login

Join Sunline Club Forums Today


Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
Old 01-27-2010, 10:08 AM   #1
Senior Member
 
Ted-Thompson's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 106
SUN #989
Ted-Thompson
Water heater, repair or replace?

Having checked on things a bit more, I see I have a G3A6 water heater, and I noticed that I can get a replacement tank for it.

Does anyone know what's involved with installing one?
__________________

__________________
Ted Thompson


1985 T-1750 #2342
Ted-Thompson is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-27-2010, 10:18 AM   #2
Moderator
 
Sunline Fan's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Michigan
Posts: 6,155
SUN #123
Sunline Fan is an unknown quantity at this point
I'm not sure what's involved with actually installing it on the heater, but I have heard that you'll have to take the unit out of the sidewall (and disconnect whatever still is, like LP) in order to do so. It can't be done inside the coach while still mounted.

Jon
__________________

__________________
2007 T-286SR Cherry/Granola, #6236, original owner, current mileage: 9473.8 (as of 6/18/21)
1997 T-2653 Blue Denim, #5471
1979 12 1/2' MC, Beige & Avocado, #4639
Past Sunlines: '97 T-2653 #5089, '94 T-2251, '86 T-1550, '94 T-2363, '98 T-270SR
Sunline Fan is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-27-2010, 11:07 AM   #3
Moderator Emeritus
 
kanyonkitty's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: West Virginia
Posts: 2,289
SUN #17
kanyonkitty is an unknown quantity at this point
Gary removed the tank from the WH that we took out of the 299. The tank was cracked, and we toyed with the idea of a repair, but then opted for getting a new heater. BUT, Gary wanted to "Find Out" how the tank came apart from the flange piece. WELL, lets just say, it's a good thing we ordered a new tank, as removing JUST the tank from the flange piece was not an easy chore, and the flange thing really got messed up. I'd just go for the new heater.

Kitty
__________________
Sunny #18 2003 F-344SR #8157
Sunny #19 1997 T-2653 #5485
1999 Ford F350XLT DRW Crew Cab, Long bed 7.3 PSD
2002 VW Jetta TDI.. AKA: Kitty's Kruiser
kanyonkitty is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-27-2010, 05:19 PM   #4
Senior Member
 
Ted-Thompson's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 106
SUN #989
Ted-Thompson
That's the kind of intel I was looking for. I suspected as much, and since the tank is about half the price of a new one, I see it ain't worth it.

Thank you both!
__________________
Ted Thompson


1985 T-1750 #2342
Ted-Thompson is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-27-2010, 06:11 PM   #5
Moderator
 
Sunline Fan's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Michigan
Posts: 6,155
SUN #123
Sunline Fan is an unknown quantity at this point
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ted-Thompson
That's the kind of intel I was looking for. I suspected as much, and since the tank is about half the price of a new one, I see it ain't worth it.

Thank you both!
Yeah, if it were the case where someone didn't winterize a new unit properly and had a tank bust, it'd be one thing to replace it on a couple year old heater. But this is a 25 year old one, so the main components would still be 25 years old, which probably isn't worth it. I think it's a smart move to go with the new assembly, especially with the work required.

Jon
__________________
2007 T-286SR Cherry/Granola, #6236, original owner, current mileage: 9473.8 (as of 6/18/21)
1997 T-2653 Blue Denim, #5471
1979 12 1/2' MC, Beige & Avocado, #4639
Past Sunlines: '97 T-2653 #5089, '94 T-2251, '86 T-1550, '94 T-2363, '98 T-270SR
Sunline Fan is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-27-2010, 06:43 PM   #6
Senior Member
 
Gene's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Rhode Island
Posts: 1,515
SUN #768
Gene is an unknown quantity at this point
When I replaced my tank I was somewhat uneasy about how to get the tank off the unit. I sent an email to rvproshops (now out of business) and got a nice reply. Here is some of it:

Quote:
... the tank is held to the box by 2 rings that are knocked on from the front side. I usually pry them loose with a large screw driver, also once you pry them loose a little you can cut them with wire cutting pliers. ..... When you go to reassemble the unit you can use a short piece of pipe that is a large enough diameter to fit over the tank burner and exhaust tubes. Or just use a screw driver or piece of wood when you knock the rings back on to the tank. The new tanks do come with the new rings.
You can see one of the rings in these pictures





I was able to pry an edge up on the old rings and then cut it with wire cutters. Getting the new rings on squarely was a lot of work but I did it.

Gene
__________________

Gene & DW Ginny
2002 Sunline T-2363
2008 Toyota 4-runner 4wd 4.7L V-8
Reese Dual Cam straightline - P3 Brake controller
Gene is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-27-2010, 08:24 PM   #7
Senior Member
 
Ted-Thompson's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 106
SUN #989
Ted-Thompson
That's good info to have in this thread, but since your's looks so nice and shiny and mine looks like this:





Well, I think I'm going to go with the "replace" advice.


Here's a question though, if I remove all the fasteners and get the flange loose from the siding, will I be able to extract the water heater from the outside of the trailer? I ask because the installation directions state that it gets put behind the wall and then shoved through it - the the flange is made by bending ears over.
__________________
Ted Thompson


1985 T-1750 #2342
Ted-Thompson is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-28-2010, 05:40 AM   #8
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: New Hampshire
Posts: 1,025
SUN #292
Honda03842 is an unknown quantity at this point
The water heater is easy to take out. Disconnect the connections at the rear of the water heater from inside the trailer after turning the water off. From the outside disconnect the gas connectioning the lower left hand corner after turning the gas off. Remove the edge screws from the outside. Remove the front cover by sliding the sliding one of the hinge pieces towards the center. Slide out the heater.

The hardest part is disconnecting the water usualy due to access issues.

Once out I would cap the gas line with a plug and if you wan to continue using the trailer bypass the water lines. I would also keep track of how the water lines are paired, marking a pair with tape.
__________________
Norm and Ginny Milliard
1982 Sunline 15.5 SB
2004 Honda CRV 4 cyl, manual
Honda03842 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-28-2010, 06:03 AM   #9
Senior Member
 
Ted-Thompson's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 106
SUN #989
Ted-Thompson
Ok, that's what I thought. It sure LOOKS like it should fit
__________________
Ted Thompson


1985 T-1750 #2342
Ted-Thompson is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-28-2010, 08:58 PM   #10
Senior Member
 
Gene's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Rhode Island
Posts: 1,515
SUN #768
Gene is an unknown quantity at this point
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ted-Thompson
...Well, I think I'm going to go with the "replace" advice. ...
Well ... no offense, but after looking at the picture I think that is a wise move.

Gene
__________________

Gene & DW Ginny
2002 Sunline T-2363
2008 Toyota 4-runner 4wd 4.7L V-8
Reese Dual Cam straightline - P3 Brake controller
Gene is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-28-2010, 10:54 PM   #11
Senior Member
 
Ted-Thompson's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 106
SUN #989
Ted-Thompson
None taken! I didn't let it get like that

I'm just trying to save her.
__________________
Ted Thompson


1985 T-1750 #2342
Ted-Thompson is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-29-2010, 05:03 AM   #12
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: New Hampshire
Posts: 1,025
SUN #292
Honda03842 is an unknown quantity at this point
Don't be too disturbed by rust, it's typically only a surface condition. If the tank was whole the heater would probably work. My heater looked similar when we bought it however new stainless screws and spray paint quickly fixed the appearance and halted further damage.
__________________
Norm and Ginny Milliard
1982 Sunline 15.5 SB
2004 Honda CRV 4 cyl, manual
Honda03842 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-27-2010, 12:43 PM   #13
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2010
Posts: 4
SUN #1033
BenandMelissa
I have the same situation. Same trailer.
Is this a standard 6 gallon unit? Or do you have to be careful of the dimensions?
Anyone have any advice as to where to order a new one online?
Thanks!
__________________
BenandMelissa is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-27-2010, 04:24 PM   #14
Moderator Emeritus
 
EMD_Driver's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: West Virginia
Posts: 2,039
SUN #897
EMD_Driver is an unknown quantity at this point
Send a message via MSN to EMD_Driver Send a message via Yahoo to EMD_Driver
Quote:
Originally Posted by BenandMelissa
I have the same situation. Same trailer.
Is this a standard 6 gallon unit? Or do you have to be careful of the dimensions?
Anyone have any advice as to where to order a new one online?
Thanks!
I googled that model number and came up with nothing. PPL motorhomes sells different models here:

http://www.pplmotorhomes.com/parts/r...er-parts-1.htm

We bought our Atwood WH from Adventure RV.. They sell theirs here:

http://www.adventurerv.net/major-app...s-c-24_41.html
__________________
Gary
SunlineClub Custom Google Search

2007 Peterson Excel Limited 30RKE
2014 Ford F350XLT SRW Crew Cab, Long bed 6.7PSD

EMD_Driver is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-28-2010, 11:46 AM   #15
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2010
Posts: 4
SUN #1033
BenandMelissa
thanks for the links! we ordered the atwood from PPL. We've bought from them before.
Now just waiting for it to arrive and hope installation is easy!
__________________
BenandMelissa is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-28-2010, 03:17 PM   #16
Moderator Emeritus
 
EMD_Driver's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: West Virginia
Posts: 2,039
SUN #897
EMD_Driver is an unknown quantity at this point
Send a message via MSN to EMD_Driver Send a message via Yahoo to EMD_Driver
Quote:
Originally Posted by BenandMelissa
thanks for the links! we ordered the atwood from PPL. We've bought from them before.
Now just waiting for it to arrive and hope installation is easy!

We're here to help!!

If you have any install issues, just ask!
__________________
Gary
SunlineClub Custom Google Search

2007 Peterson Excel Limited 30RKE
2014 Ford F350XLT SRW Crew Cab, Long bed 6.7PSD

EMD_Driver is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-13-2021, 06:48 PM   #17
Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2018
Location: Virginia
Posts: 37
SUN #10354
Boomer485 is an unknown quantity at this point
I just posted on my water heater repair. I left the front panel attached to the tank when I had it welded so I did not have to mess with the rings and such. I replaced all the parts on the front except the heat defuser. I put the unit back in the trailer and it works perfectly. Even took a shower, everything worked great!
__________________

__________________
Boomer485 is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Best Way To Replace or Repair Locks Marylyn Sunline Travel Trailers 2 11-20-2021 08:18 AM
T2363 Water Leak Repair frank Repairs and Maintenance 12 09-13-2017 02:38 PM
1992 T-2053 Water lines from water heater sfven Repairs and Maintenance 1 03-06-2009 03:22 PM
Atwood water heater water hose connections problems Sunline1 Repairs and Maintenance 17 08-31-2008 01:01 PM
Leaky City Water Intake or Water Heater? sunlineclub Repairs and Maintenance 4 06-09-2008 07:24 PM


» Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Disclaimer:

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by Sunline RV or any of its affiliates. This is an independent, unofficial site.


All times are GMT -6. The time now is 11:27 AM.


×