Water heater leaking

[Toolnut]

Just bought coach filled fresh tank water heater tank leaking. Part number 145541-01-700 is this a diy job and where to buy except dealer. Any recommendations for replacement. 2004 adventurer 38r with engine heater

[creativepart]

Hi. Welcome.

It's not an impossible DIY job, but it's fairly difficult to get under there and get the old one out and the new one in.

The "Motoraid" feature makes it a tad more difficult as well. Since you have to deal with heater hoses from your engine.

Are you sure about that part number? Atwood part numbers are more like: GC10A-4E (not your model). You'll find the exact model number on the frame inside the WH. Just open the door and look for the sticker on the side of the frame.

PS. Ford or Workhorse chassis on your Adventurer? And if Workhorse, which chassis? Ford only has one chassis, the F53.

[Toolnut]

Workhorse chassis w22 heater is gch10a-4e
Adventurer 38r 2004

[Mtn Charlie]

I have a 2013 Itasca Suncruiser 37F (Ford chassis ). I thought I had a water heater leak but was mistaken. I suggest that you put water heater in winter bypass and drain it to verify that it is really the water heater. I had a leak above the water heater that was draining thru the water heater compartment. When I started disassembly, I saw water at the top of the compartment, which is the least likely location for a leak. Further investigation located the real leak.

[creativepart]

Also, there is a fresh water tank overflow on the tank and since the OP mentioned he filled the fresh water tank and then found the water heater leak, I wondered if he really did have a tank leak.

When filling my fresh tank if I get too much water in there it will leak out of the area under the RV and just behind the water heater for a good 20-mins.

[Morich]

Without knowingwhat the OP knows on how he has decided it is the tank, I would also advise care before taking the time to remove the whole heater as the tank is a pretty sturdy thing while all the parts attached to it are far more prone to leaking! Lots of fittings back there!

This parts drawing may give an idea of what is behind the heater and I circled one suspect item! It lopks like the water pump is very close to the heater? If that is true, there is a tiny, thin plastic filter which is almost like an eggshell for breaking, so Check carefully before jumping into removing the heater as it may not be the problem??

But then, you are on the scene and know far more what you've done, so just my thoughts and often wrong!

[Toolnut]

Only filled tank 1/2 way. Hoping it’s a fitting

[Toolnut]

Thanks will check it first. Thanks for info

[Mtn Charlie]

Originally Posted by Toolnut

Only filled tank 1/2 way. Hoping it’s a fitting

Filling the fresh water tank only half full probably won't make any difference, unless you overfilled the tank, the first time. 90% of fitting leaks will only show up under pressure, when the pump is turned on. Even a leaky hot water tank may not show up until the pump is turned on. Most leaks start out as pinhole leaks and hardly even drip unless under pressure. Filling the fresh water tank only half full only eliminates the filler fittings.

[Toolnut]

Will fill tank fully tomorrow and do heater bypass to see if leaks from fitting. Put tank in use and see what result is. Looks like a repair as no replacement tanks available

[Mtn Charlie]

Putting the water heater in bypass does not confirm or deny a fitting leak. What it does is confirm that the leak is somewhere in the water heater plumbing. If the leak goes away, while in bypass, it confirms that it is the water heater or a fitting connected to it. If the leak continues, while in bypass, the leak has nothing to do with the water heater. If it continues to leak, while in bypass, pull the drain plug on the water heater and see if the leak stops. If the leak only stops, when the plug is pulled, it is probably the heater tank. While in bypass, open a hot water faucet to relieve pressure on the tank.

[Toolnut]

Than to those who replied. Today removed heater which was not an easy ‘you tube’ job. Was a split at th drain plug. Gues previous owner didn’t drain properly. Being welded now. Ordered new parts pressure relief and retaining rings Back in business next week hopefully. Also toilet valve was cracked as was shower valve leak proving wintering is important and buyer beware

[rvmebobby]

I do not know anything about this hot water heater.
What I do know is find the leak before you take out major components.
Good luck.

[Toolnut]

Had tank welded at drain fitting cost 90$. Cheaper than used tank. Installed with new relief valve and thermostats cleaned gas fittings. Worse part was the motor aid hoses no room to work but all done. Heater fired up with no leaks Thanks to those who replied