waterheater temp adjustment

[Jim Hardesty]

I have a seaward S600 electric only waterheater on my 2001.  The relief valve pops and the water feels too hot.  Does any one know where the temp adj is?  I didn't get a manual for the waterheater with the boat.  I removed the cover, but due to access really couldn't see anything.

[Ron Hill]

Jim : I don't believe that you can adjust the temperature, BUT why don't you call Seaward and ask them your question???  (562)699-7997
You'll get a more absolute answer from them than you will from us !!

[jfssail]

Hi Jim, Previous responder was correct in the temperature setting is non adjustable. My Seward temp control failed last year and I replaced it with a lower heater control unit made by GE for Lowes.I may have described its replacement on the C36 site?

In any event , you will notice a tin box cover on one side of your heater where the wires enter. Remove the box and you will find insulation and a cardboard cover. Remove these and the wires and you will find an electrical reset switch plus the temperature control. After replacing my temp control with the Lowes unit, I contacted Seward about my heater and found out they supply replacement units for both controls for about $40. I bought a set and keep them with my spares. You can purchase a new heater at Defender for $200 plus postage. Drop a line if you want additional information.

We start our Lake Erie trip on Monday with a 3 day stay at Leamington and then on to Rondo. Port Stanley, Long Point. Hope to get to Erie by early August.

Regards,
Jack F Stewart
1993 C36 #1233 "Windancer"
Port Clinton, OH

[Stu Jackson]

The trick is to NOT leave the electric heater ON all the time.  It only takes between 15 minutes and a half an hour to heat the six gallons.  Turn the power off after that to avoid overheating the water and popping the relief valve.  Simple...

As far as "electric only heater" what do you mean?  Don't you have hoses going to it for heating from the engine, too?

For those of you with hoses to the heater, they should be examined and replaced as discussed here: http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,3769.0.html

[Jim Hardesty]

Stu,
No, I don't see any lines from the engine to the heater.  I don't leave the heater on.  But when I do turn it on about 15 min later the relief valve pops and the water is very hot.  On the plus side,  the bilge is real clean.
Jim

[Stu Jackson]

Jim, this sounds very strange.  Very.  Look at the heater, front and back.  Also look at the engine: there should be two hoses from the front of the engine going down as shown in the photos I linked.

[Jim Hardesty]

Stu,
I stand corrected.  Spent some quality time with my waterheater today.  Yes, I found hoses from the engine to the heater.  Checked the water temp, was 140 deg., thought it fixed itself.  Then the relief valve popped and Seaward finally called me back at the same time.  Ordered a new relief valve.  Problem solved.  And I learned more about my boat systems.
Thanks for the information.
Jim

[Stu Jackson]

Glad to hear that, Jim, and glad we could help.  I assume you have the Owner's Manual.  Actually, it's a pretty good read, and every once in a while I'll read it again, just for grins & giggles!

[Ron Hill]

Amazing the information that you can get from the manufacturer !!  When my boat was new/1-2 years old I called and got a new flex hose for the shower and a new fresh water pump - to mention only a few items. They will stand behind their products, but you have to talk with them!!
A thought

[Ken Juul]

I believe the element and pressure relief valve are pretty common plumbing parts.  If (when) mine fail I am planning on removing and looking at Lowes or Ace Hardware first.  RV repair parts may also work as the element is 110v instead of the normal 220v found in houses.

[Jim Hardesty]

Ken,
Looked to me, without taking it out, that the relief valve is 1/2 pipe.  Standard is 3/4.  Not much room for an adaptor.  Also if it is the same as my last boat, the operating pressure was lower.  Seaward price is $20, the wait is the problem.