Errant Wind is a 2000 Hunter 290. I have a Seaward 600 Hot Water Heater. The heater seems to be OVERHEATING the water (under diesel Power). A tempature valve release and water is then drained to my bilge via a black overflow hose. Manual gives little info on how to correct problem. i have opened electrical panel on unit and pushed red reset button. A little frustrating as I drained 40 gallons of fresh water (twice) thru my bilge and pumped over to the sound over memorial day weekend. I had same problem start of season last year, however it seemed to correct itself. Any thoughts?
Hot Water Heater
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Anti-freeze
Fortunately for you the overheating is manifested in the hot water heater instead of the engine. Think about the last time the anit-freeze was replaced, since it's only good two years or so.
Fortunately for you the overheating is manifested in the hot water heater instead of the engine. Think about the last time the anit-freeze was replaced, since it's only good two years or so.
PRV Maybe???
I had the same problem on my water heater. The pressure release valve (PRV) was letting water out whenever the engine heated the water or if I ran the electrical heat function too long. I replaced the valve and...it did the same thing at about the same rate. If it is leaking alot, try replacing the PRV. I solved my problem by running the hose into a one gallon laundry detergent bottle. I just empty the jug once a month or so, and it never overflows into the bilge.
I had the same problem on my water heater. The pressure release valve (PRV) was letting water out whenever the engine heated the water or if I ran the electrical heat function too long. I replaced the valve and...it did the same thing at about the same rate. If it is leaking alot, try replacing the PRV. I solved my problem by running the hose into a one gallon laundry detergent bottle. I just empty the jug once a month or so, and it never overflows into the bilge.
I would check the primary cooling
You did not say if the water in the bilge was hot. I assume that it was. If the engine coolant is that hot, the engine is probably way too hot, too. The tank overflow temperature is much higher than your engine thermostat should be. I think that the engine is 140 or 160 degrees and the overflow on the tank should be closer to 190 degrees. That is a big enough difference that I would be concerned about the engine not the heater. Did you taste the water coming out of the heater? If it is sweet, (do not drink it) that indicates that coolant is leaking into the fresh water through the heat exchanger. The reset button should not have anything to do with the heater when you are under way with the engine running. You might have a faulty overtemp valve on the heater.
You did not say if the water in the bilge was hot. I assume that it was. If the engine coolant is that hot, the engine is probably way too hot, too. The tank overflow temperature is much higher than your engine thermostat should be. I think that the engine is 140 or 160 degrees and the overflow on the tank should be closer to 190 degrees. That is a big enough difference that I would be concerned about the engine not the heater. Did you taste the water coming out of the heater? If it is sweet, (do not drink it) that indicates that coolant is leaking into the fresh water through the heat exchanger. The reset button should not have anything to do with the heater when you are under way with the engine running. You might have a faulty overtemp valve on the heater.
Thanks for all your advise. I think the culprit may be not enough water in the Hot water tank unit , as this is the initial fill up of the season. Thus, a small amount of water in the unit and a whole lot of steam. I will try running hot water taps for a while and fill unit and then start engine. By the way, diesel is fine and not overheating. i have tested alarm switch with every start and while underway. If all else fails I will replace valve as suggested. Thank you
Your engine coolant should not be hot enough
to generate steam through a heat exchanger in your hot water tank even if it is only partially full. The engine should be running at 150 degrees or so and the coolant should be less than that at the heater. Is it possible that you are heating the water heater through your inverter? Even so, that should not be so much different than it is at the dock.
to generate steam through a heat exchanger in your hot water tank even if it is only partially full. The engine should be running at 150 degrees or so and the coolant should be less than that at the heater. Is it possible that you are heating the water heater through your inverter? Even so, that should not be so much different than it is at the dock.
On my 3GM30F
there is a valve on one of the hoses that go to the water heater. I beleive it's really just designed for on and off but maybe you could regulate the amount of engine water that runs through your water heater with it. If nothing else, shut it off and see if your engine overheats. The heat lost through the waterheater (especially if you pass 40 gallons through it) might be what's keeping your engine running within the temp range.
there is a valve on one of the hoses that go to the water heater. I beleive it's really just designed for on and off but maybe you could regulate the amount of engine water that runs through your water heater with it. If nothing else, shut it off and see if your engine overheats. The heat lost through the waterheater (especially if you pass 40 gallons through it) might be what's keeping your engine running within the temp range.
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