1898 sunline water heater question

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1930

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Oct 2, 2018
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Im not having any luck so far with this water heater as far as making it work. worst case scenario if it needs replacement or in general for my own information that may help me figure out what is wrong with the unit is there a model number of the water heater stamped anywhere?

There was a sticker at one time that has rubbed away showing a serial number I believe but not much other information.

Im wondering if there is a direct replacement for this unit that will bolt directly in?

Im also wondering if these things are pretty much bulletproof and assuming the tank itself dosent fail are parts even avail?

Im assuming I cant do much in either direction since I have no idea what I have.

Thanks for your help

https://postimg.cc/jLdX8pBr
 
It appears to be a 6 gallon Attwood pilot light water heater, I would replace it with a DSI (Direct Spark ignition) model, either Attwood G6A-8E-6  or a Suburban SW6DE the Suburbans will be about $100 cheaper than the Attwoods, but due to their steel tanks will have an Magnesium anode rod that you will need to replace every 2-3 years at a cost of about $15 (Attwoods have Aluminum tanks so don't need an anode rod).  You can still buy pilot light models, which cost about $50 less than the DSI models.  The DSI models will require 12V DC power to operate, and you will need to mount a control switch / indicator light indoors.  Any of the Attwood or Suburban 6 gallon models should be a direct drop in as they all have the water and gas connections in approximately the same relative locations. Either brand can last, just the Suburbans require a little more attention with the anode rods, my coach has its original Suburban heater and will turn 17 years old in a couple of weeks (build date was Thanksgiving week 2001).

p.s. yes parts are available, though Attwood used a variety of different pilot light units over the years, they are basically built from standard commercial off the shelf parts.
 
All the parts are available and those Atwood heaters have a looong service life.  You didn't mention what's wrong, but there isn't much that can't be fixed with a good clean-out or at worse a new gas valve assembly.  But to answer your question, yes there are direct replacements, both pilot and DSI types..

The Atwood Water Heater Service Manual covers the old models as well as newer ones.
http://bryantrv.com/docs2/docs/atwoodwaterheater.pdf
 
Sunline always included a complete packet of manuals and component information, I suppose that has been tossed?

Your water heater can be fixed but you didn't say what the problem is.
 
Get a new direct replacement.
Faster and better than repairing

Good price at

https://www.pplmotorhomes.com/parts/rv-appliances/rv-water-heaters/rv-water-heaters/water-heaters-atwood-6-gallon_80-1346?gclid=Cj0KCQiAw5_fBRCSARIsAGodhk-Gw3ePJJrlZuqQPM4Xhr_O2MdR9vjemU0LuHUJteW0wydkDkzG08saApBIEALw_wcB
 
darsben said:
Get a new direct replacement.
Faster and better than repairing

Good price at

https://www.pplmotorhomes.com/parts/rv-appliances/rv-water-heaters/rv-water-heaters/water-heaters-atwood-6-gallon_80-1346?gclid=Cj0KCQiAw5_fBRCSARIsAGodhk-Gw3ePJJrlZuqQPM4Xhr_O2MdR9vjemU0LuHUJteW0wydkDkzG08saApBIEALw_wcB

I seen this one and I was gonna post it as well just to see what you guys say. Issac above recommended the G6A-8E-6 and Im not sure what the differences might be?

Can you comment Issac?
 
Gary RV_Wizard said:
All the parts are available and those Atwood heaters have a looong service life.  You didn't mention what's wrong, but there isn't much that can't be fixed with a good clean-out or at worse a new gas valve assembly.  But to answer your question, yes there are direct replacements, both pilot and DSI types..

The Atwood Water Heater Service Manual covers the old models as well as newer ones.
http://bryantrv.com/docs2/docs/atwoodwaterheater.pdf
Thanks, Im gonna have a look see at the manual you posted and go from there
 
1930, the one I listed is the DSI (direct spark ignition) version, the one you linked to is the pilot light model.  With DSI there is no pilot light to deal with, it has an electronic sparker and a solenoid valve that lights the propane each time the water needs to be heated.  The DSI model does use a little 12V DC power, but not much, vs the pilot light model does suck down propane slowly while lit.

If running a small 12V electrical wire would not be a problem I would opt for the DSI model, it costs a little more, but there is no need to go out and mess with lighting a pilot light when you arrive for the weekend, just flip a switch and you will have hot water in a few minutes.


ps Ooops I should have said Suburban SW6D above not SW6DE, as the DE is the dual electric/propane model the correct DSI Suburban option would be this one https://www.pplmotorhomes.com/parts/rv-appliances/rv-water-heaters/rv-water-heaters/camper-water-heater_09.0060
 
lynnmor said:
Sunline always included a complete packet of manuals and component information, I suppose that has been tossed?

Your water heater can be fixed but you didn't say what the problem is.
Surprisingly I have no papers on the water heater, kitchen faucet yes but no water heater.

I do see it marked as an Atwood though

Im gonna do more looking at it it before I either ask questions about its repair or maybe just replace. Thanks
 
Isaac-1 said:
1930, the one I listed is the DSI (direct spark ignition) version, the one you linked to is the pilot light model.  With DSI there is no pilot light to deal with, it has an electronic sparker and a solenoid valve that lights the propane each time the water needs to be heated.  The DSI model does use a little 12V DC power, but not much, vs the pilot light model does suck down propane slowly while lit.

If running a small 12V electrical wire would not be a problem I would opt for the DSI model, it costs a little more, but there is no need to go out and mess with lighting a pilot light when you arrive for the weekend, just flip a switch and you will have hot water in a few minutes.

I see and thanks for that, good comparison
 
1930, I just added a ps to my last message noting an opsy on the Suburban model I listed, the correct DSI model is the SW6D not the SW6DE which is dual propane/electric 

here is the SW6D
https://www.pplmotorhomes.com/parts/rv-appliances/rv-water-heaters/rv-water-heaters/camper-water-heater_09.0060
 
Isaac-1 said:
1930, I just added a ps to my last message noting an opsy on the Suburban model I listed, the correct DSI model is the SW6D not the SW6DE which is dual propane/electric 

here is the SW6D
https://www.pplmotorhomes.com/parts/rv-appliances/rv-water-heaters/rv-water-heaters/camper-water-heater_09.0060

Unfortunately the cut- out sizes on the Suburbans dont even seem close to what I already have cut out of my camper. Im looking for as few mods as possible should I need a replacement. Thanks though
 
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