Water heater winterizing

[Broke sailor SV Marcell]

How do you undo those quick disconnects on the water heater? I took out the plastic lock washer but I can't undo the disconnect. To connect the hot and cold hoses together bypassing the water heater do you need a special fitting or will they connect as is? Lastly I was reading in the Owners manual and it says to drain the heat exchanger to winterize it. Isn't the heat exchanger full of engine coolant? Why would you need to drain it? First time winterizing....

 

[Sailgunner]

You should drain your water heater, not yoru heat exchanger.

 

[Mulf]

Read step three on the page pasted below.

 

[shemandr]

I had trouble with mine at first too. See if you can find one connection in a easy to access area and practice. Once you've done it a few times its much easier. I usually skin a knuckle when it releases.

 

[Bill Murray]

once you get them apart - get a bypass kit (WM or any RV store) and install it. you will be thankful every spring and fall that you took an extra 20 minutes to do this.

 

[Broke sailor SV Marcell]

Thanks for the replies. I will give it a try.