Help with water heater install
- Thread starter maxxx
- Start date
- Status
It all depends upon the space around your present water heater. I tried this also and found that the heat exchanger tubes on the Seward extend out about 3 inches too far, which made the fit and function difficult without moving an internal bulkhead. I bit the bullet and took the Seward back and exchanged it for the Raritan. I know it's almost double in cost, but take a close look at the fit and function before you start. On a postive note, the new Raritan's have a all plastic composite case, which eliminates the external corriosion issue.
Max, You should be able to get pex adapters at any hardware store to convert fittings I would just be concerned with new unit fitting in old units space after space consideration it should be cake. But would be happy to walk you thru basic plumbing once it is at hand.
Hope this helps. Ravin
Having been through the whole water heater replacement process, I have some advice. (Like, it's the internet... what else would you expect?)
Once you remove the old tank, clean up the old mounting area completely. You may have to epoxy in the old screw holes.
Check out the original AC wiring -- the old run likely needs to be replaced back to the panel breaker.
Do NOT reuse the old hoses to/from the engine. After all these decades it's beyond time to replace them with new ones. Probably either 5/8 or 3/4, reinforced hose is not that expensive. While the closed cooling is drained replace the thermostat.
The new tanks are a lot better than the 80's stuff -- and do not use any model with an aluminum inner tank. It corrodes and puts an abrasive alum. oxide gritty powder thru the plumbing.
If you need to do any changes or reformatting of the drinking water system in that area, this IS the time to do so.
Modern tanks are better insulated. Be prepared to have the Admiral become correspondingly more affectionate when she finds that there is ample clean hot water available the next morning after anchoring out.
Tough situation -- deal with it!
:dance:
L
Once you remove the old tank, clean up the old mounting area completely. You may have to epoxy in the old screw holes.
Check out the original AC wiring -- the old run likely needs to be replaced back to the panel breaker.
Do NOT reuse the old hoses to/from the engine. After all these decades it's beyond time to replace them with new ones. Probably either 5/8 or 3/4, reinforced hose is not that expensive. While the closed cooling is drained replace the thermostat.
The new tanks are a lot better than the 80's stuff -- and do not use any model with an aluminum inner tank. It corrodes and puts an abrasive alum. oxide gritty powder thru the plumbing.
If you need to do any changes or reformatting of the drinking water system in that area, this IS the time to do so.
Modern tanks are better insulated. Be prepared to have the Admiral become correspondingly more affectionate when she finds that there is ample clean hot water available the next morning after anchoring out.
Tough situation -- deal with it!
:dance:
L
Here's why you should replace the hoses from the engine: http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,3769.0.html
I second the advice to go with another Raritan
They cost twice as much but they last 20-25 years--2-3x the lifespan of cheaper water heaters. Reason:
More expensive tanks are glass lined...they have replaceable anodes. Cheaper water heaters have anodized aluminum tanks...when the anodizing is eaten through (you'll know it when the HOT water only--not the cold--starts tasting/smelling like rotten ages), the only fix is a new water heater.
Which brings me to a question: Why are you replacing yours? Anodes, pressure relief valves, thermostats, heating elements, drain petcocks etc on a Raritan are replaceable. So unless yours has corroded, you may not need a whole new water heater, just some parts.
They cost twice as much but they last 20-25 years--2-3x the lifespan of cheaper water heaters. Reason:
More expensive tanks are glass lined...they have replaceable anodes. Cheaper water heaters have anodized aluminum tanks...when the anodizing is eaten through (you'll know it when the HOT water only--not the cold--starts tasting/smelling like rotten ages), the only fix is a new water heater.
Which brings me to a question: Why are you replacing yours? Anodes, pressure relief valves, thermostats, heating elements, drain petcocks etc on a Raritan are replaceable. So unless yours has corroded, you may not need a whole new water heater, just some parts.
On replacing the hoses (2) going to & from engine & water heater - I had to replace mine a few years back when one started to leak form ongoing chafing that finally wore through the hose. Replacing the hoses seemed simple enough - I would just connect the new hose to one end of the old hose connected together with an internal barbed connector and use the old hose to pull thru the new hose. It was NOT that simple - the original hoses apparently had a single oval clamp/support to hold BOTH hoses up to the under side of the "pan" while the pan was being installed at the factory. I could move either hose in either direction about 2 to 2-1/2 feet and that was all. As the support moved (rotated some) with hose movement, it bound up tight and would not allow either hose to move any further. I ended up cutting the old hoses where the entered and exited the pan area and rerouted new hoses.. After connecting up hoses to water heater, and filling the hoses & water heater coil with the coolant mix, I connected the hose ends to the engine ports, clamped them good and ran the engine for awhile. I think I may have topped off coolant a little after running the engine initially. All has been well since. This was on a 1990 H-33.5.
My current Raritan is simply to corroded to start throwing parts at it. While I admit that replacing it with a like unit is the easiest wat to go, the difference in price is a lot.(more than twice as much) I am also installing a small a/c unit and new hatch boards. I can accomplish all of this for the price of the Raritan. My Commodore loves our boat but still thinks I should leave a little in the kitty for her to share with the mall...! Dang it ! Again, I thank everyone for the help and Ravin, I will take you up on your offer If yall have any additional thoughts , Please jump in.... max
- Status