[C320-list] Water Heater By Pass

[Jon Vez]

You shouldn’t run the engine to heat an empty water heater. In other words whether via AC or engine the WH should not be used while empty.
For you to do this you would also need to bypass the coolant to the WH. I know Yanmar makes shutoff valves placed at the engine to do this, but not sure if Perkins does...

Sent from my iPad

> On Mar 29, 2021, at 10:31 AM, Christian <ccaper at gmail.com> wrote:
> 
> Apologies, I wasn't the most clear.  I am talking about installing valves
> on the fresh water intake and exit of the water heater, so no water enters
> the water heater.  Then should I decide to cruise overnight, I could turn
> the valves and allow water to enter the water heater.  I winterize my
> plumbing without antifreeze, blow compressed air throughout the system, and
> drain the water heater with a wet vac.  In the 5 years of owning, I've
> never used the water heater, and draining the heater with a wet vac is 2-3
> hours of effort.  But as our sailing skills improve, we are looking at
> overnight trips in the near future, so I'd like the option of the water
> heater if needed.  I'm looking at these whale valves:
> 
> https://marinepartssource.com/15mm-quick-connect-shut-off-valve-whale-wx1574b.html?utm_source=google_shopping&gclid=Cj0KCQjw9YWDBhDyARIsADt6sGZCFjJYsNEBNy42ZCETNJGagUWNDhMB3TEnOie3j3M73BgIX6f0KVoaAtP7EALw_wcB
> 
> Thanks Jack for the comment about 110 volt on the heater, was wondering
> about that.  I should think about that.
> 
> I am in Chicago, and our off season is about 7 months, so my water heater
> sits with no fluid for 7 months every year already.  I'm curious if
> potentially 5 more months with no liquid would hasten corrosion, but I
> don't know which is worse, submersed in water, or dry.  I would almost
> think submersed in water could corrode coils, etc, quicker.
> 
> Thanks all for the insight, still debating if a good idea to do.
> -Christian Caperton
> 1994 C320 #138 "Canuck" Monroe Harbor, Chicago, IL
> 
> 
> 
>> On Sun, Mar 28, 2021 at 1:14 PM RONALD HODEL <ronandgail2 at me.com> wrote:
>> 
>> Sorry about my assumptions. I thought you were only interested in by
>> passing the engine cooling water side of the water heater. We use our hot
>> water heater all the time and because we’re on the west coast, we never
>> have to ‘winterize’ our boat, so I just made an assumption. To Troy’s
>> comment, yes it would create a lot of storage space below the galley.
>> 
>> Ron
>> Lokomaikai #1070
>> 
>> Sent from my iPad
>> 
>>>> On Mar 28, 2021, at 11:52 AM, Troy Dunn <troutwarrior at gmail.com> wrote:
>>> 
>>> Christian
>>> 
>>> Are you asking about by passing the engine or the water side of the
>> heater?
>>> Removing liquid from either side of the equation will provide a more
>>> robust environment for corrosion for sure.  If you really don’t use the
>>> water heater, it may be a smarter idea to remove the water heater
>>> completely take off the thermostat, heating coil, and pressure relief
>> valve
>>> and allow it to dry completely and then store it for the next owner.
>>> Taking out the water heater will definitely create a lot of extra stowage
>>> below the galley.   Removal is a straight forward deal.  Remove base
>>> drawers and frame, remove all hoses and drain, remove the screws holding
>>> the heater in place.   Take out.
>>> 
>>> Good luck
>>> 
>>> Troy Dunn
>>> Hull #514
>>