Converting water heater pilot to DSI

[walter1]

Is it possible to retrofit water heater pilot light assembly with a DSI (direct spark ignition) similar to what my new Suburban furnace & Dometic fridge have? If so where would I acquire needed parts?

I have a 3 year old Atwood water heater. Works great on LPG or electric, but requires exterior cover to be removed and pilot lit (all of 2.3 minutes) each time I stop to camp for the night.

You're right, Pilot lights are Sooo yesterday



Anyone want my "working" '64 Bowen before it gets hauled to the dump?



Thanks
Walter

[Ganglin]

It would be less expensive to just buy a new one. The ignition control board alone is $190.00.

[walter1]

Thanks, Thats exactly what I wanted to know. I can afford the 2.3 minutes to light the pilot more and will spend my $$$ on others goodies like solar and AGM batteries.

When the Atwood gives out (if it does) I'll go electronic.

thanks

[InsideOut]

Originally Posted by walter1

Anyone want my "working" '64 Bowen before it gets hauled to the dump?

From what trailer model? I may be interested in the vent/cover parts that go on the exterior...

Shari

[walter1]

Hey Shari,
It' a stock Bowen from a '64 Safari. Works fine as far as I know. I replaced it only because a new Atwood "fell off a truck" in my lap when I bought the trailer.

Sorry, I was able to rework and retrofit the exterior cover so it looks "original".

The water heater, tank, thermocouple, etc are still here.

Also have original Suburban furnace (again less exterior exhaust cover panel), most of a spare Therm'x catalytic heater, 30# steel propane tanks with old style valves, a fridge from a '64 Bambi, and various '70s Magic Chef stove/oven parts.

Wife wants her car in the garage before it snows this year.

I hate to trash AS parts, I give parts away, I don't do ebay.

Walter

[campngirl]

Hi Walter,
I am going to be replacing the ( broken ) Bowen water heater in my 64 Tradewind. A PO didn't winterize and lost the lower portion of the cover. I saw a post a while ago on fabricating a new cover to look like the original... so, I am going to give that a try.
What I am interested in is your retro fit process of the Bowen original 2 piece cover on a new unit.

Any Tip?? Photos??

Thanks.

Karol

[boatdoc]

Originally Posted by InsideOut

From what trailer model? I may be interested in the vent/cover parts that go on the exterior...

Shari

Hi Shari; I have brand new unsused outside cover from Attwood 6 gal which I will not be using. You are welcome to it, if you can use it. "Boatdoc"

[CharlieE]

Ganglin is right on. In addition to the DSI electronic module you also would need the electrically operated gas valve and a new gas jet assembly with the electrode assembly. Probably the total of all parts would exceede the cost of a DSI unit new. Check out prices of DSI units at Vintage Airstream Supply. Charlie

[walter1]

i'll get photos of how I installed Bowin cover on the Atwood, when i get home later this week.

Flying around Yosemite and national forests looking for insect damaged trees all week. Someone has to do it!

[MarkR]

hi, still interested in, looking forward to seeing the photos of your atwood hidden behind the bowen . . .
thanks, mark