Raritan Hot Water Heaters--Info Please

[M. R. Bober]

We have the 6 gallon model (engine heat exchanger + shore power). On a recent long motor "sail" the pressure relief valve relieved itself (first time ever). When the engine & water heater cooled a bit the overflow stopped. The owner's manual describes cleaning the valve in the event subsequent leakage( there hasn't been any). However, the decal on the water heater states that if the relief valve ever activates it must be replaced.

Now we all know how easy it is to gain access to the unit. My question is: What to do? Have any of you experienced downstream consequences from a previously activated relief valve? Replace the valve? Leave well enough alone? Is the valve easily replaced? I thought I would avail myself of this rich base of knowledge before I call Raritan.
Thanks in advance.
Mitchell Bober
RESPITE
CD330



the bobers@erols.com

[John Sill]

Yeah, you ought to replace it. If it's not "frozen" into the heater body, replacement is pretty simple - just unscrew the whole thing.

Good Luck, John



jesill@erols.com

[Mark Yashinsky]

The real question should be, why did this happen??? Something as simple as the water heating up from motoring for a long time and the presure built up in the system (need an expansion tank and/or open the sink hot water for a moment) or something more expensive (the engine is running too hot at the hot water tank is overheating). Dont know the valve on the tank, but if is like on a residential hot water tank, it should be reusable, if is not dripping after resealing.

[d. Stump, Hanalei]

Temp./pressure relief valves are generally called on only once. A valve that opens only once is unlikely to re-seat once opened, hence, the manufacturers say to replace a cycled valve. But, if it isn't dripping, when cold or hot, why replace it?

I would be more concerned with why did it have to relieve in the first place? Did engine run hot? Did you lose antifreeze making the engine run hot? What was the real problem?

If you do decide to replace the valve, get one from Raritan. Marine valves have different seating surface material(the treaded part that goes into the tank)than do domestic hot water heater valves. And, no they are not all that hard to replace. FWIW.....

Dave Stump
Captain Commanding
s/v Hanalei CD-30