[C320-list] water heater

[David Cardoza]

Hot water heated by the engine should have a higher temp than by shore
power.  When I had the problem (replaced my valve 2 yrs ago and it hasn't
leaked at all since) I recall seeing a screw setting for the thermostat
controlling the electric element for the heater (I recall a fiber board
cover where the electric connects beneath a metal shield).  It may be that
the thermostat is either set too high or (thank you salt water environment)
stuck.  I'd take out the cabinet front and give it a good look (shut the
breaker before adjusting please).  The tank is very well insulated so it may
take a while before the temp comes down as you may have noticed.  When it
leaked on me it was always with the engine up to temp and the water pressure
pump on (180-190deg f based on the engine thermostat/same temp as engine).
If you notice the pressure release valve is rated at 190 deg F (yes pressure
or temperature will open it) so there is not much head room for it not to
leak under engine heating.  But if your loosing water while on shore power
but not with the engine running for any length of time I'll bet you have
thermostat issues (tea anyone).  And like a home HW heater you should be
able to bring it down to something reasonable.  If it has been happening for
a while then you may still have to replace the valve as well because they
tend to dribble once they go off a few times even on a home HW heater (the
bottles).  By the way don't get a new valve from a local plumbing supply
because by code they blow around 160 deg F and you'll have water in the
bilge all the time.  Seaward will send you a 190.  They might also have some
insight on the thermostat. 

Hope this is helpful

-----Original Message-----
From: c320-list-bounces at catalina320.com
[mailto:c320-list-bounces at catalina320.com] On Behalf Of Bill Culbertson
Sent: Wednesday, September 20, 2006 10:39 PM
To: C320-List
Subject: Re: [C320-list] water heater

I agree with Adam (I know Adam, you'll start wondering if I'm ok now).
 
I don't think that you have a problem Bert.  They just do this.  Like Adam
said in #2, you really can't get a relief valve that performs perfectly
because the shore power temp and the engine heated temp aren't guaranteed to
be the same.  Plus the actual temp of the relief valves isn't precise.  It's
ballpark b/c it is only designed to prevent a rupture - not to provide a
precisely calibrated overflow at xyz degrees.  I think, but can't prove,
that this is why some folks have improvement when they put in a replacement
for the overflow valve. 
 
IMO, the bottle is fine - no need to make it more complicated.  
 
 -bill
 Harmony #859


----- Original Message ----
From: Adam Weiner <esquirecatering at rcn.com>
To: C320-List <c320-list at catalina320.com>
Sent: Wednesday, September 20, 2006 9:23:35 PM
Subject: Re: [C320-list] water heater


OK, I have gone over this with Seaward so hopefully I can help you out.

1.    I replaced the valve--it helped but not much.
2.    Most of the problem seems to occur on shore power and the
problem seems to be based on the fact that there are two different
methods of heating the water and that they don't heat it to the same
temperature.
3.    It is normal.  As mentioned, many new/expensive boats have it
plumbed right thru the hull.
4.    Although your home heater doesn't do this, your car's radiator
does.  There is definitely an overflow system on your car that just
happens to pump the coolant back into the radiator.
5.    Buy a large plastic bottle of tequila/scotch/gin or whatever
your favorite item is.  Drink the same amount out of the bottle as the
amount of water in the pressure relief bottle under the sink.
6.    The water isn't close to being at the scalding level, you just
have to trust my credentials on this one and no I am not a plumber.
7.    You do not have a problem, particularly if you follow advice
number 5.

Adam

-----Original Message-----
From: c320-list-bounces at catalina320.com
[mailto:c320-list-bounces at catalina320.com] On Behalf Of harold brown
Sent: Wednesday, September 20, 2006 5:49 PM
To: C320-List
Subject: Re: [C320-list] water heater


I've been following the discussion on the water heater overflow
(pressure relief) valve. I too have a bottle which catches the overflow
that seems to occur whenever I'm on shore power. What I don't know is if
this is normal, or if the valve is defective, or if the tank is
overheating (the water is scalding) causing abnormally high pressure.
Certainly the water heater in the house doesn't overflow everytime it
cycles. The manual is of little help. I'm new to the boat scene so I was
content just to empty the bottle now and then but the recent threads got
me to wondering if I have a problem. Jim Brown   "Desafinado" 

BAdams3491 at aol.com wrote:  Yep, mine are 15mm, too.

Bert
At Ease
#442


                
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