|
12-22-2006, 05:54 AM
|
#1
|
Established Member
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Spring Branch
Posts: 49
M.O.C. #715
|
Water Heater Problem
In our 3295RK Big Sky we have the direct spark ignition model SW10DE and the water just is not getting hot (works great with gas). I just changed out the anode and cleaned the tank and the results are the same. Sounds like it could be the heating element??? If so, is it easy to repair. Looks like you just remove the cover and replace the element. Could this be the problem and if so is the element easy to replace and do you need to drain the tank again, turn off gas and power??
Any comments would be appreciated.
Thanks
|
|
|
12-22-2006, 07:36 AM
|
#2
|
Montana Master
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Wappingers Falls
Posts: 1,303
M.O.C. #6263
|
Hi Diamond, Mine has the same water heater. I just checked and would suggest you check the current draw and the voltage across the element connections. If voltage across the connections is 120vac then there should be current flow...according to the suburban website its a 1440watt element and draws 6.0amps. Regarding your other questions, is it easy, not sure would think its not difficult, and yes you have to drain it as the element sits in the water next to the drain plug. Be sure you turn off the power and disable the gas from trying to start up. If your not handy with this stuff, get someone experienced to perform the task.
Chuck
|
|
|
12-22-2006, 10:52 AM
|
#3
|
Montana Fan
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Gilbert
Posts: 245
M.O.C. #5430
|
Hey Diamond, if it is the element, they are easy to replace. You can easily do it yourself. Turn off the gas and power, drain the water, remove element cover. The element just unscrews like the anode rod. Just make sure you fill the water heater before swithing on the new elec. element. If you don't, you will fry it in a second....don't ask how I know......
|
|
|
12-22-2006, 11:15 AM
|
#4
|
Montana Master
Join Date: May 2003
Location: New Bern
Posts: 4,294
M.O.C. #311
|
To the left side on the heater is two black rubber caps. They cover reset buttons. I would try pushing them one time and try a reset. If the electric heat does not work after that then you check the heating element. It requires a 1 and 1/4 inch socket I think. Mine on our 02 3295 unscrewed. It is larger than the drain plug. There are two wires on the heating element.
With a volt meter you can check for 120 VAC. If you have voltage then disconnect both wires and check the two screws for continuity. If it reads a short the element should be good.
I did have to loosen the propane gas feed to the heater to remove the electrical element. Be careful.
Good luck and Merry Christmas.
Cheers,
|
|
|
12-22-2006, 12:25 PM
|
#5
|
Montana Master
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Cooper
Posts: 1,230
M.O.C. #3029
|
So far no one has mentioned that there is a switch outside on the hot water heater. I assume you have it in the on position. Again, make sure the tank is full of water.
|
|
|
12-22-2006, 12:40 PM
|
#6
|
Montana Master
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Haldimand County
Posts: 2,413
M.O.C. #122
|
At the Fall Rally in Goshen, the Suburban rep. mentioned that there is a better element available than the one they supply to the OEMs. It is the same wattage, but a longer element so that the watt density is lower. These elements should last longer, and can survive short periods of dry operation. Of course they cost more!
Otherwise, I'm in agreement with what everyone else has stated.
|
|
|
12-22-2006, 12:40 PM
|
#7
|
Montana Master
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Wappingers Falls
Posts: 1,303
M.O.C. #6263
|
Ahhhh! Charlie....u r da man. Simple one first, and like I looked at mine with its clip installed to prevent accidentially turning it on. Yeah, Diamond, what Charlie says!
Chuck
|
|
|
12-22-2006, 12:47 PM
|
#8
|
Montana Master
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Full Timer
Posts: 918
M.O.C. #331
|
And, also because I didn't see it mentioned, there is also the circuit breaker for the electrical part of the water heater to be checked. Make sure it is not tripped..
|
|
|
12-22-2006, 01:30 PM
|
#9
|
Established Member
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Spring Branch
Posts: 49
M.O.C. #715
|
Thanks for the reply. Also, we were at the rally and do remember them talking about it. Do you recall how you can get one? Do you need to order from Surburan?
|
|
|
12-22-2006, 01:51 PM
|
#10
|
Montana Master
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Wappingers Falls
Posts: 1,303
M.O.C. #6263
|
As mentioned previously looks simple and cheap fix if your sure its ng. I would expect any RV parts department would have them or be able to order. Googled it and here's a place...not suggesting they are reputiable -> http://www.marksrv.com/swwaterheater.htm
Should be one of these two types...
|
|
|
12-22-2006, 02:33 PM
|
#11
|
Montana Master
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Oceanside
Posts: 20,028
M.O.C. #20
|
Jack and Ruth, haven't seen you on here in awhile. Good to see you're back. At the risk of stating the obvious that you probably know, but just in case... there is a breaker dedicated to the electric element of the water heater on the electrical panel inside the coach.
|
|
|
01-02-2007, 01:30 PM
|
#12
|
Established Member
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Spring Branch
Posts: 49
M.O.C. #715
|
Got a replacement element, but had trouble finding the correct size socket to remove old one. I persevered and FYI - Go to hardware store and get a sheet metal socket (large enough with thin enough shaft to get into opening) for a cost of about $6.00. Works like a charm. Unfortunately, replacing the element did NOT fix my water heater problem. The switch is one, circuit breakers okay, any other suggestions?
|
|
|
01-02-2007, 03:32 PM
|
#13
|
Montana Master
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Wappingers Falls
Posts: 1,303
M.O.C. #6263
|
Jack, Your gonna need a voltmeter. Check the voltage to each side of the element to ground this should show one of them at 120vac...
Chuck
|
|
|
|
Thread Tools |
Search this Thread |
|
|
Display Modes |
Linear Mode
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
» Recent Threads |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|