Water heater temp adjustment

Status
Not open for further replies.

American Flyer

Well-known member
Joined
Mar 3, 2022
Messages
163
Fluid Motion Model
R-29 CB
Vessel Name
American Flyer
2017 R29. Is there any way to adjust the hot water temperature when on electric? We have nice hot water after an hour of cruising but when on electric it is barely warm enough for a shower. Any other problems I should look for that would cause this? Is the electrode easily replaced if necessary? I think I read somewhere that the tank is under the helm seat and accessed through the cave. Is this correct?
 
You have the location described correctly (at least that is where it is on the 2021 year boat). We have never had a problem with the temperature on ours when using electric so I can't help you in the department.
 
The temperature when cruising comes from the engine -- so yes, it sounds like you need to turn up the thermostat for electric. Assuming it is the standard 11ga heater, as I recall the thermostat is inside the removable panel on the front of the heater. Remove the small screws that attach that plate and it is right inside.

The temperature gets mixed down with cold water, again if I recall correctly, so setting it somewhat high should give you more that is usable without worrying about scalding.
 
There is a mixer valve on the hot water heater itself (hot water output) which allows you to adjust the temperature via regulating how much hot water is coming out and getting mixed with cold water - this allows you to stretch your hot water tank longer and prevent scalding from the heat exchanger heated water. There is no adjustable thermostat on the webasto/indel/isotherm 11g hot water heater. If you are getting hot water while cruising, but not while plugged in with the water heater breaker powered on, my guess would be you have a problem with the element, and it needs to be replaced. I had to do this recently, due to an overheat sensor failure which caused some melted wires and the element to burn out, and so I had to redo the wiring harness and install a new element. That was up there on my list of "un fun" projects due to the difficulty in draining it/access... here's a quote from the website on the set temp (non adjustable):

Electrical Heating at the Dock —
Isotemp Spa Water Heaters are equipped with a nickel-plated copper electric heating element and an electrical thermostat set at 167°F (75°C) - hot enough to prevent bacterial growth. A thermal cut-out feature protects against overheating should the tank run dry.
 
Great info. Should be easier to diagnose now that I know what to look for. Thanks.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top