1977 water heater

[DFDureiko]

I purchased in 1977 argosy last year I've never been able to get the gas part of the water heater to work, however the electric worked for a time and now has stopped. I did not know the even offered electric back then. There appears to be no gas at the pilot? Anybody have any idea where to begin

[JimGolden]

DF,

Check the simple things first. First, make sure you actually have gas in the bottles and it hasn't leaked out. Then, make sure you are switched onto the bottle that has gas (assuming one doesn't and the other does).

I put a new Atwood dual fuel in my 1987. Your's is ten years older than mine...you might want to consider getting a new one. They're really easy to install....the new ones bolt right in where the old one comes out. They're not that expensive. It's nice to have a new one that works great.

Best of luck,

[DFDureiko]

I was told 140 for new regulator,,400 for new unit?

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by DFDureiko

I was told 140 for new regulator,,400 for new unit?

As suggestion, before you decide which way to go, try the following.

Remove the regulator, if you can.

Typically, after that many years, the regulator has seized into the aluminum tank. When you try to remove it, more often than not, you will rip the tank apart.

If not, then get the regulator, but also keep in mind that the water heater "WILL" fail typically shortly after that, and you cannot buy a water heater, minus the regulator.

That's 46 years experience talking.

Andy

[Aage]

I second that. The heater is what, 36 years old?

When did you replace the one in your home?

[ventport]

Looking at the picture you posted, it looks like a gas line or something is disconnected.

[tarnished]

I've got a '79 Argosy and finally gave up fooling with the water heater and bought a new one. Perfect fit easy to install.

[Lance M]

I fixed the water heater in my '72 Ambassador by replacing the gas control valve, thermocouple and burner. I had it working for about a month when the tank busted on a trip to West Texas 300 miles from home. Like most people that have been around old water heaters for a while, I would say replace the water heater. Soon the tank will fail and you will have a huge mess like this
http://www.airforums.com/forums/atta...5&d=1295283939
Luckily, the RV dealer I bought the parts from gave me credit for the gas control valve when I bought a new Atwood 10 gallon water heater.

Good luck!

[DFDureiko]

I disconected the line to the pilot to see if gas was coming out, it appears not. I thought it would be easier to replace the electric element, but could be the thermostat, and doubt they still make that part. I'd just like to get it running for a while then eventuall get new gas DSI/electric 6gallon Atwood. The tank is below the rear twin at the back with easy access to 12v in the rear closet....it's an Argosy 26 rear bath twin. fyi, fridge works as good as new and looks new!

[DFDureiko]

Thanks again to all! I think I'll look on ebay for a slightly used pilot light 6 gallon Atwood...,

[overlander64]

Greetings DFDureiko!

Originally Posted by DFDureiko

I disconected the line to the pilot to see if gas was coming out, it appears not. I thought it would be easier to replace the electric element, but could be the thermostat, and doubt they still make that part. I'd just like to get it running for a while then eventuall get new gas DSI/electric 6gallon Atwood. The tank is below the rear twin at the back with easy access to 12v in the rear closet....it's an Argosy 26 rear bath twin. fyi, fridge works as good as new and looks new!

I had two thoughts about possible items to check. You have probably already looked into both, but thought that I might mention them:

• Is the LP Gas valve for the water heater open . . . or could it possibly be defective? On my 1978 Argosy Minuet, there is a gas valve in the LP plubmbing on the bellypan of the coach.
• Is the LP Gas regulator at your supply tanks fully functional and up to the task supplying high demand appliances like the water heater and the furnace? The LP Gas regulator was one of the first devices that I had to replace on my Minuet after purchase.

Good luck with your investigation!

Kevin

[Aage]

Originally Posted by DFDureiko

Thanks again to all! I think I'll look on ebay for a slightly used pilot light 6 gallon Atwood...,

And the owner would be selling one like that because...?

[Lance M]

Originally Posted by Aage

And the owner would be selling one like that because...?

They took it out to install a new RV 500 or other on demand water heater.

It happens fairly often.

[Aage]

You really think so? I have been watching the classifieds here on Airforums for more than a year now, I'm on at least once a day. I read each and every new listing. I haven't seen one single offer such as that.

Now, that may or may not mean anything, but I also check out keyword Airstream on ebay more than once a week, have never seen one there either.

Where do you see them fairly often?

[Lance M]

Originally Posted by Aage

Where do you see them fairly often?

In my shop.