Troubleshooting an Atwood Water Heater G6A-8E 2001 Overheating

Question:

20 year old water heater overheats. Heats for about 40 minutes until relief valve dribbles and then releases steaming hot water. Ive replaced the thermostat, verified with ohm meter that it opens when put on a hot plate, checked contact between outside tank wall and thermostat, pulled lead off of thermostat after 15 minutes of heating to verify burner will shut off if points open, flushed tank with 50 white vinegar solution. Thanks

asked by: JAS

Expert Reply:

It sounds like you have been doing a great job of troubleshooting your Atwood G6A-8E. You have already replaced the thermostat so that is one thing it likely could have been. Another thing that could be causing your overheating issues is the control panel. The Replacement Control Panel for Atwood Water Heaters # AT91367 would be the correct replacement control panel for your Atwood G6A-8E.

Another route would be to replace your Atwood G6A-8E. The Atwood G6A-8E is no longer produced. The correct replacement would be the Dometic RV Water Heater # DMC74FR. A couple things to note are that the current cutout for the unit will be larger than what is needed and you will have to run electric to the unit since this one is gas/electric and the one you have now is gas only. To help with the larger cutout you can use the Water Heater Door Conversion Kit part # DMC24FR. The trim panels help to clean up the appearance since the new unit is smaller than your current G6A-8E.

expert reply by: Scott S