2004 Vectra Hot Water Issue

[resqguy]

I need to fix the hot water issue with my 2004 Vectra 40AD. I have purchased new check values which I'm going to assume is the problem. I'm having trouble locating them on the coach.

Are they attached to the back of the water heater? (I almost hope the answer is no). If not, where are they?

If yes, how do I get to them? Do I have to remove the water heater?

Thanks in advance.

[emiddleb]

Yes. Had to replace mine once, is not fun. The check valve(s) are located on the back of the water heater. One for sure where the cold water comes into it, possibly a second where the hot water exits. They screw into the water heater and the pipes attach to them. This assumes you have the original Atwood water heater.

Access is tricky. I was able to get to mine by going underneath, working up through a cutout. Difficult on-the-back work, with access through a cutout (say 8x12" or so.) A tight job, do-able but one I'll not try again at my age.

Alternatively you can remove the water heater, but you'll still have to come up from the bottom/back to unhook the pipes and the propane.

Be sure you have drained all water, shut off electric to heater etc.

[grtharris]

resqguy, Here are a couple pictures that my help. Be sure and pay attention to the direction of the check valves when you remove the old ones.

[resqguy]

Thanks for the diagram, I had looked at the diagram and assumed CV6 was the back flow valve but didn't know where to confirm.

There is a shelf compartment underneath the water heater effectively blocking any access to it. The batteries are to the front, air unit to the back. Any idea on where I should look for an access panel? I was going to start by looking under the bed.

[emiddleb]

Looking at the parts fische, your layout is the same as my 40KD as far as the water heater. You were in the right spot, but you need to go further underneath to get to the cutout I referenced. You go (on your back) under the water heater compartment and come up the back side, where you can access the back, not the bottom of the water heater. As I said, without a lift or a pit it's not a fun job.

I don't know about coming down from the bedroom, my interior layout is different from yours (my bed is on the driver side.)

[resqguy]

Thanks Ed. I checked again and realized there is an access panel at the bottom of the water heater. I removed the panel and am able to get to the piping. The bottom was easy but the top one is really on there. I need to cobble together a wrench with an extension for a little more leverage.

I can't seem to find the arrow on the bottom valve. Should I assume that the top valve is the fill and the bottom is the hot water out?

Wish me luck.

[emiddleb]

Cold in at the bottom, hot water out at the top.

[mel s]

Originally Posted by resqguy

I need to fix the hot water issue with my 2004 Vectra 40AD. I have purchased new check values which I'm going to assume is the problem. I'm having trouble locating them on the coach.
Are they attached to the back of the water heater?
Thanks in advance.

resqguy
My water heater has only 1 check valve.
It's screwed into the cold water inlet on the back of my Suberban SW10D water heater, (which is accessible/removable by removing a panel in a lower kitchen cabinet).
Mel
'96 Safari

[resqguy]

Thanks for the help everyone. I got them swapped out and no leaks or busted knuckles.