Hydro-Hot owner here, and I have that very manual you pulled your sheet sheets from, BUT...your video was outstanding and helpful. I got 1000% more information from you than I ever will from a piece of paper. THANKS!
Never a disappointment watching your videos. I always learn things that someday I'll need. Thank you! 😊 Now, I'll start this annual maintenance project.
The easiest way to eliminate spark potential is a jumper wire between both electrodes for fuel testing. I have a mini jumper with clamps set up for this. This will keep you from having to disassemble the coil.
Recently took delivery of a new Tiffin with an Aqua-Hot 450D. Your video has lessened some of my apprehension about its servicing in the future. Thank you. I have always enjoyed your segments.
Free tip: Nozzle is 16mm. 16mm won't cause the wrench to "stick" going on to and off the nozzle, potentially scratching it up or damaging it. That extra .005 of an inch makes the difference. And base is 19mm, btw. (Hence, my 16mm and 19mm are two of the most used wrenches in my metric set. And probably my 13mm because of the hardware that comes with Lifeline AGMs. 1/2" "sticks")
I watched this video last night before doing my service, wow what a help it was. Made the process very easy. Thanks for making a very helpful, easy to follow video.
*Installing a filter* A technique taught to me by a clock Repair specialist is to first *reverse direction when seating male to female threads.* This allows the threads to "groove seat" with each other and avoids nearly all cross-threading chances. You can feel and hear the threads mate to each other. Works well on nuts, boots and screws, too.
Hi Daren, this is a very comprehensive guide. My Newmar coach has a 450-DE model and all your tips worked really well. The burner in my case was really nasty and I would think that was not being serviced for a long time (I bought this RV ~1 year ago…). I bought other parts other than the filter/nasal since they were in a pretty bad shape. This was my first time doing this and I felt very confident following your procedure and the aqua hot is running smoothly now. Thank you Again! I now subscribed to your channel and will look for other great tips in your video selection. Have a wonderful week! Marcelo from Dallas/TX.
This is a great video! Moderator is extremely knowledgeable and very smart. The process is complicated and he made it understandable. Talks at a fast pace, which is really good, because there is so much ground to cover. Thank you for this video!
I am a new subscriber and want you to know your vids are fantastic and are the best source of information I have found for RV maintenance and I will keep watching and look forward to each of your new videos. Thank You.
Fantastic video. Thank you so much for sharing. I have downloaded the troubleshooting guide too. Thank you for providing that. My Aquahot 450DE starts and comes up to temperature. Once at temperature, it faults and will not work.
Great video for owners of the AH-450 model but for those of us with older AH units, some components are much different. I have a 431/12 Aqua-Hot in my coach.
Another fantastic video! We are having a new 5er built and chose the AquaHot 250d for basement heat/ floor heat as well as hot water. I found this very helpful since I enjoy performing my own maintenance.
Glad our videos were able to help you! If you would like to support us please consider becoming an "RV Community Supporter" on our Patreon site: www.patreon.com/myrvworks
Can't get enough of these awesome and informative videos. Thank you so much! Im just starting out in RV repairs, so whatever I work on that day, I come home and see if you have a video on it. Thanks again for your expertise, it is truly appreciated.
Great video! Obviously a seasoned expert on these systems. Troubeshooting the MIL's Aqua Hot now and this is a huge help. I'm thinking man this guy is awesome wish he was close to my neck of the woods, then the comment about the Growlers flying overhead. I'm an old Prowler guy, glad you like the noise! Too bad I'm on the east side of the state doing this troubleshooting or I'd be calling you out!
*Fuel filter o-ring protection:* Guard against tearing the o-ring by placing the corner of a plastic bag over the filter base threads. This will keep the sharp edges away from the o-ring when sliding it over the threads to it's seated position. This works well with any o-ring application when sliding it over another object, especially one with sharp edges. (A technique used on suspension system rebuilds. See "The Motorcycle Suspension Bible" by Paul Thede and Lee Parks... It's got a lot of great Tech tips for working on mechanical things. I helped write the book---Shameless plug) Perhaps you can show this method as a quick tip in a short video? Thank you for all your helpful videos😊
Hi there and first off THANK YOU for all the amazing videos, they have been a lifesaver to us. I was wondering if you have a link posted anywhere to the cool little test switch box you built? I would love to make one, never ventured into project boxes, but seems like a fun place to start!
Fantastic video Darren. I learned a lot about our AquaHot. I was hoping you would talk about the smelly smoke output and if there is a thermostat to adjust the temperature of the water. Perhaps the annual service should solve the problems. Thank you.
Domestic water adjust is on the back side. It is marked at the factory so do not adjust it. Better to slow down the water so it spends more time in the heat exchanger. There are approved shower heads that work with the AquaHot - make sure yours is one of the ones they list. So many GPM flow rate. To schedule a service consult with Darren please sign up for the "1:1 Repair Consult" on our Patreon site. www.patreon.com/myrvworks
Excellent Video. Quick question. Is there any problem with running the aqua-hot system for cabin heat with no water or antifreeze in the domestic water system?
I just bought a 2005 Dutch Star and this is my first glimpse at Hydro Hot all my previous RV’s had regular propane heaters. I’m so glad you made this since I’m totally unfamiliar with this unit. I don’t even know if this Hydro Hot is working. Asking how important is the antifreeze that goes in this? The fellow that owned this did no service of any kind to anything in this rig. I found the antifreeze way down. None at all in the recovery bottle so now I’m wondering what else has been neglected. Any and all help greatly appreciated. How do I test and purge the system?
Hi there, I have a newer 2019 Aqua Hot 600D that the overflow tank went dry, and had the “Overheat Fault” on the Aqua Hot Reporter 2.0 digital readout. I have topped up the overflow tank but still no hot water on electric or diesel. I started your troubleshooting guide pdf, and got to the BDC high limit thermostat circuit test and have “no voltage”. Guide says bad diesel burner controller. Here’s my question will that controller prevent from working on electric too? Just want to make sure before spending 800-1000 on new controller. Thanks in advance. Rod
Great video and well done. Explained details that made the process easy to understand plus added some best practices like marking connectors and the wire strap color coding tip. Clicking on Subscribe and searching for more of your videos.
Your videos are great! you are a good instructor. I was wondering if you had any videos on servicing a 250D model. I think it's almost the same, but I don't think the spray adjustment tool is needed any longer. Just change the filter, run unit, shut down, remove burner, check chamber and reflective ring, replace nozzle and put back together. Is this correct? A video would be great. I'm due my first annual service. I have the filter and nozzle. Thank you.
Thanks for the video I did my service it fired off it works but I have a lot of smoke I ran it for 20 minutes and it still smoking is there something I should check or just let it burn off all the extra fuel down in the system thanks for the video
One of the best troubleshooting and concept of the operation video's to date. Your detailed video, your attention detail (minus the ignition plug) and description was simple to understand and the correlation of what you describing and the accompanying video was excellent. I feel like I can successfully rob my overly priced RV maintenance/dealer out of my hard earned cash, and use it for fuel.... I belong to a RV group here with about 40 member's and your video will be the topic at our next meeting. Thank you.
Love your videos best learning vidios. I have a voltage toy hauler and the kitchen lights are not working what can be bad the fuces and the breakers are not bad so I don't know what to check next
First of all awesome video. I have a question about the bolts that connect the burner head to the burn chamber. How do you replace the bolts if you break one?
That's just good old-fashioned mechanical broken bolt extraction techniques. If you know a good mechanic I'm sure they've got the tools and experience to help with that.
We started out with the inexpensive insulation piercing probes you found on Amazon and found that they don't stand up to constant use. For a hobbyist they might be fine but for technicians that need their tools to perform and work as hard as they do those cheap ones don't last long at all. But you're welcome to get whatever you want. That's why there's Stanley screwdrivers and Snap-on screwdrivers. There is a difference in quality.
Hey buddy. I’m a new tech and just trying to get familiarized with these units. I have one that’s not working. When i looked inside i noticed the high limit switch was no longer attached to the wall, it was just dangling, it looked like the bottom of the switch was broken off. I want to install a new one, but it’s location it’s rather challenging, i wanted to get your advice on to replace it. Thank you
I've just found you on RU-vid. Also, just purchased a 1994 Prevost Liberty coach. When I turn the Wabasto on, I get a lot of blue diesel smoke from the exhaust. I don't think the previous owner used the Wabasto at all. I'm thinking I need to change the spray nozzle along with a routine service. Could the excessive smoke be from improper air/fuel mixture that you need the special tool to calibrate? Thanks, Don
I appreciate your videos! I have watched all of them in regards to an aquahot system. I have been troubleshooting mine and have replaced the electronic control board and the little silver box that slides on the burner. I have followed the flow chart to come to this conclusion but still the burner will not start (make the high pitch noise) if you turn the inside switch on and off it will start for a split second but shuts back off. I am stumped. If you have any recommendations I would appreciate it!
Hi, thanks for all the work you do. I was fascinated to see you demonstrate the proper diesel nozzle mist. I wouldn't have the nerve to try it. I have a harder problem. Interminttent ignition. I did the annual service. Fired it up and it worked perfectly. Then a week later, I got no ignition. After trying 5 times, it igniting (burned off all the fuel with white smoke. Seems it lights more when its warmer in the daytime, then when its cold in the middle of the night, which is not good. Any thoughts on what causes the intermittenent ignition? many thanks to the experts here. ( I put this post on another video but it should have been here.)
You should check your burner spray pattern first, as demonstrated here in this video. Then see if the electrodes are clean and spaced correctly. You can fire the burner outside of the boiler. BE CAREFUL! If it fires, great! Next, clean interior heat exchanger and make sure exhaust piping is connected and not obstructed. Otherwise, change the photoeye, and reinstall everything. Test. Good luck.
I can't seem to find a link to the troubleshooting material you mention in your Aqua-Hot video. I have gone as far as I can with the filter and nozzle and would like to follow your steps to find my problem. My 450DE still will not fire. The motor spins but no ignition. Thank you
Thank you for this information in this aqua hot video. My problem is that it’s starts and runs for 5 or so minutes and shuts off while heating both water and or space. It does not restart and requires to be reset every 5 or so minutes. Any thoughts. I’m actually going to do the service this next weekend. Thanks again for the video.
It actually looked like someone filled their fuel tanks with offroad diesel hence the weird pinkish color to the dirty nozzle. Or perhaps a bit of diesel bug in the tanks?
I am thinking I didn't winterize my unit properly because when I charge the waterline, it pushes out of the automotive radiator cap style pressure release on the top of the unit. Do you happen to have a video explaining how to change what I screwed up?
Do you have any info on a 250D install in Tiffin Allegro Red 2019? We’re having troubles with ours.. Gas failure at first and now Electric. Replaced filter and nozzle. Also, your nozzle replacement.. no torque wrench? Problem started with it coming on going through whir up.. run for a few minutes and kick off.. a keep us freezing.
I have an 450 and works great but 3am slowly replacing the components as they are failing over time. 10 yo unit. So far, one new motor in the burner. Then the burner head fell apart. Replaced with a new burner. Then a zone pump failed. I shudda replaced both cause the other one failed the next winter. With my luck the stir pump is next. To make it a little more difficult the unit is mounted in the middle of the rv and the lite panel is on the other side !?
I have the aquahot 450d it runs for about 5 minutes and then shuts off it is getting hot and I have done a tune-up to it and replace the nozzle and the fuel filter
The ESPAR diesel system is far better and less troublesome than the Aqua-Hot Systems. A lot less money too! The Aqua-Hot is now well over $10,000 as an option. Not worth it in my opinion.
I have followed all the cleaning instructions, installed new filters and nozzles and a new control unit but my Aqua Heater still rolls out grey smoke from the exhaust pipe. Would anyone like to comment if they think I need a new pump and it doesn’t seem to have enough fuel pressure but there is no one in the area that knows Aqua Heaters
Well, you are definitely anal-retentive. With 55 years as an engineer and technician I can state that ANYONE worth their salt is anal-retentive . This was a quality video and I learned a lot. Thank You I have avoided Aquahot because they are not serviced by Stag. I'm doing a job now as a good will gesture. (I'm a sucker for a damsel in distress) My tech support is not reliable (three hours and no return call), so I'm surfing you tube and I struck gold. I'm in San Antonio, TX. and I noticed you do other work also. I know from experience you're not anal in one area without being anal in all areas (it just ain't the way we think) If I get someone going your direction I will send them your way. I tend to stay at my parks forever so I get calls from customers saying I'm in so and so and this ain't working, or I'm in Oregon and will be there is three weeks. I can now direct them to you. Again, thanks for a well done teaching class. Les Smith A-1 Mobile RV Repair
Hi, My name is Roger Rainham i have a Atwood 8531 Gas heater. when i turn on the gas heater i can smell gas and see small amount of black smoke, it all so turns on ok starts up runs and has heat after around a min the gas turns off and just keeps repeating it self still a small amount of gas. hope this is ok i live in New Zealand and got a 2011 Hoilday Rambler. The furnace is a bit Rusting.
I know they recommend that you not do this, but the coolant in my aqua hot 250D was so disgusting I've drained the entire system, flushed it through, flushed again, and then flushed again with distilled water. Now I'm contemplating the best way to refill the entire system, four radiators throughout the system and of course the boiler tank. I've been using a little sure flow pump and two 5 gallon buckets thus far, but I'm concerned about diluting the new coolant as I put it in to a system already full of DI water. Wondering if I should blow it through with low air pressure first so that I'm filling a dry system? Alternatively I could up the concentration of the coolant from the recommended 38% allowing it to mix with the remaining DI water in the system that I'll be pushing through as I refill the system with coolant.
The technique that I use is to first estimate the gallons the system will hold. I then make up that much pre-mix. Then I fill the system with my pre-mix. That should displace the distilled water already in the lines. After the lines have circulated for about a half an hour I then pull a sample and look at it through the refractometer.
@@MyRVWorks thanks for your reply, really appreciate it!. I used a sureflow pump with The input valve slightly closed so I didn't put all the volume through, but I figure it was probably 15 psi as I flush the system. Use the same process to add the new coolant but I let it flush through to the same bucket I was taking out of for a few minutes to get all the air out of the fluid and lines. I used about 10 PSI air pressure to blow all the water out of the lines before introducing the new fluid. That broke so much sediment loose that I had to reflush the whole system another three times.
Hi Norbert, We are so glad to hear that our videos were able to help you! If you would like to support us please consider becoming an "RV Community Supporter" on our Patreon site: www.patreon.com/myrvworks Happy Camping, My RV Works Media Team
Thanks for the Great Video, Thanks to you I am going to tackle my 450D maintenance this weekend. I decided to build a remote switch to make the job easier. On my wiring schematic It shows the negative for the lights on the engine pre-heat and electric switch going back to a separate ground, can they go to same ground with the burner on light negative on pin 57 on the JP2 Plug?
I keep those green connectors in stock for when I build the remotes for the AquaHot controls. I can either sell you an individual connector or an entire assembled box. Send me an email to work out the details: Darren@MyRVWorks.com
