Water heater warm only..

[EricNSTL]

We took out the trailer for the first time this weekend. Everything was fine except the water heater would only put out warm water. Not quite hot enough for a comfortable shower.

I changed from propane and electric with no difference. So I a guessing I have a bad T-Stat.

Its a 60 Mile drive to the dealer so it was cheaper to at least try the thermostat then driving to the dealer and waiting on them. I ordered one at amazon for like $15,

Any other suggestions on what could be wrong?

Thanks

[arlan in arizona]

Originally Posted by EricNSTL

We took out the trailer for the first time this weekend. Everything was fine except the water heater would only put out warm water. Not quite hot enough for a comfortable shower.

I changed from propane and electric with no difference. So I a guessing I have a bad T-Stat.

Its a 60 Mile drive to the dealer so it was cheaper to at least try the thermostat then driving to the dealer and waiting on them. I ordered one at amazon for like $15,

Any other suggestions on what could be wrong?


Thanks

I didn't know they had a thermostat. The water out of my water heater is scalding hot. Asked the dealer about it on the one time it was in for repair. Was told. "They are all like that".

[EricNSTL]

Yea they are on the outside of the heater. You can access from the exterior door. Apparently, it just sticks to the tank. it is supposed to be a fixed temp of 140 degrees. (Mine must be 80..)

[bcs slc]

So did the new t-stat work? Mine is only coming out warm as well.

[DesertRat]

Not sure about your model but was told on my PDI to make sure the outside shower/wash hose knobs are turned off.

[ewarnerusa]

Yes, outside shower knobs on will mix cold with hot so the full-hot never reaches the open faucet. Another culprit is having the winter bypass valve at the water heater open, again allowing cold to mix with hot before it ever reaches the open faucet. Check your water heater winter bypass valve and make sure it is in the closed position.

[bcs slc]

Oh gotcha. I have Kodiak and just swapped out the thermostat that press agents the tank and fixed the Luke warm problem . Cost $16.00 and took about 20 minutes. After looking at the contacts to the wires there was some foam from the seal that seals the spring to the tank.
Thanks for your speedy reply.

[EricNSTL]

Originally Posted by bcs slc

So did the new t-stat work? Mine is only coming out warm as well.

Since you asked I guess I have to admit my bonehead mistake. I changed the thermostat, and still had only warm water. Then I looked at the bypass valve, and it was open. I put the valve in the closed position as it should have been and problem was solved! (My only excuse for not properly troubleshooting was the dealer told me my valve were in the proper position on delivery, which they weren't.)