Atwood water heater...

[Skamper1]

Noticed the gas line coming up from the belly of the AS to the water heater has a gap around it. It appears that a ring of vulkem caulking was there. Is it OK to use vulkem near the heat of the water heater? The rubber gasket on the front of the heater is empty. I also assume this was for another way to bring a gas line to the heater. Can I just plug this opening or not worry about it? The outside of the water heater compartment also needs to be recaulked. Is it OK to use protemp 636? Removed corner brackets, killed the rust and repainted using 500 degree paint. Not sure how far the heat travels. Thanks. Jack

[SteveH]

Most of the heat will be at the exit of the flue, continuing on to the screen on the cover over the flue.

I believe you are safe with most any sealant away from those areas.