Which way to turn the now closed heater bypass valve

[rad-rt66]

My 2018 25ft Flying Cloud FBT has a small opening for the bypass valve location. It is now in the closed position. I would love to know which way (clockwise or counterclockwise) to turn the incredibly hard to turn valve, so as not to break it. It appears to be fragile plastic.

[daleyocum]

This video is generic, not Airstream specific, but explains bypass valves pretty well. I never use mine since I don’t add antifreeze to winterize, I just use compressed air.

[rad-rt66]

Yep, the video does not come close to showing what I need to know. I do appreciate your tip about never using that valve but blowing out. We received this trailer and this is the first time and I am trying to get it ready.

[jeffmc306]

I just checked our 2019’s water heater bypass valve and found there’s a positive stop when closed. You should be able to determine the correct direction to rotate it by checking this first.

Move it in the opposite direction so the valve handle is parallel to the pipe (open position).

Hope that helps!

[waninae39]

most modern valve handles work the same
ie if the handle is inline with the pipe it is open
if its perpendicular, then its closed

in the picture above, the valve is closed

[BigHornStream]

Access to the bypass valve is the key. I remove the plywood panel underneath the mattress to get full access since the hole in the panel is too small for my hand. Even then the access is still quite restricted but at least I can turn the valve, and, mine is also incredibly hard to turn. Hope this helps.

[FlyingCloud7]

I cut a 6" piece of 1/2" OD brass tubing (you can use any pipe) to use as leverage to open and close that valve. Slip it over one end and you can easily turn that valve.

[Applej]

If you can’t see the valve stop which provides a clue to direction to open, mine is counter clockwise to open.
Jeff
2019 27 GT

[JBamadon]

Here is the tag from our 2023 FCFBQ. The valve only rotates 90 degrees between these two positions.

[rad-rt66]

I figure out how to turn my valve. No stop tabs, no indications, but now in line with water flow.

[rad-rt66]

Originally Posted by rad-rt66

My 2018 25ft Flying Cloud FBT has a small opening for the bypass valve location. It is now in the closed position. I would love to know which way (clockwise or counterclockwise) to turn the incredibly hard to turn valve, so as not to break it. It appears to be fragile plastic.

Finally figured out the direction. No valve stop, no indicators, just went for it with water flow direction downstream.
Thaks All...