Home » Public Forums » GMCnet » Engine Heat Exchange and Propane (Is there such a two way water heater ??)
| Engine Heat Exchange and Propane [message #232660] |
Sun, 08 December 2013 20:52  |
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SteveW
Messages: 538
Registered: June 2005
Location: Southern California - Ora...
Karma: 1
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Greetings all -
Just as asked in the topic - is there such a device as a water heater that'll heat water via engine heat and also via propane ??
And... am I correct to conclude that the "standard configuration" for a water heater that heats via engine heat is also 120 volt ??
I like the idea of engine driven hot water - would be nice to have hot water upon arrival anywhere. And I've got this huge propane tank...
As always, thanks in advance.
Steve W
Southern California
1973 23'
Steve W
1973 : 23'
Southern California
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| Re: Engine Heat Exchange and Propane [message #232661 is a reply to message #232660] |
Sun, 08 December 2013 20:58  |
Ken Burton
Messages: 10030
Registered: January 2004
Location: Hebron, Indiana
Karma: 10
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I do not know of one but it would not take much to modify one to do that. All the heat exchanger is, is a couple of loops of tubing wrapped around the tank. Remove any insulation around the tank and wrap a couple of turns of copper tubing around the tank and then reinstall the insulation.
Ken Burton - N9KB
76 Palm Beach
Hebron, Indiana
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| Re: Engine Heat Exchange and Propane [message #232665 is a reply to message #232664] |
Sun, 08 December 2013 21:05 |
Ken Burton
Messages: 10030
Registered: January 2004
Location: Hebron, Indiana
Karma: 10
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There may be some like that but the only one I have ever seen was a coil wrapped around the outside. My experience with them is very limited. Others here will have a better knowledge.
Ken Burton - N9KB
76 Palm Beach
Hebron, Indiana
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| Re: [GMCnet] Engine Heat Exchange and Propane [message #232666 is a reply to message #232665] |
Sun, 08 December 2013 21:21 |
Jerry Wheeler
Messages: 246
Registered: January 2013
Karma: 2
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I installed an 120v/propane heater in my daughter's 1973 23' Painted Desert
(in fact, I finished up the installation of the same water heater in my
deceased friend's 77 Birchaven, which will be available after the first of
the year) I took out of my daughter's coach a manual light water heater,
which may have been the original. Her water heater has automatic ignition
for propane and, when 120v is present, she can run both at the same time to
get hot water faster. I removed the engine pre-heat feature on my 78
Royale 13 years ago; just didn't want another place to possibly lose
radiator water (bad hoses). If I didn't have it, I would not go to the
trouble to install it. Just my opinion.
JR Wheeler 78 Royale NC/OR
On Sun, Dec 8, 2013 at 10:05 PM, Ken Burton <n9cv@comcast.net> wrote:
>
>
> There may be some like that but the only one I have ever seen was a coil
> wrapped around the outside. My experience with them is very limited.
> Others here will have a better knowledge.
>
>
> --
> Ken Burton - N9KB
> 76 Palm Beach
> Hebron, Indiana
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| Re: [GMCnet] Engine Heat Exchange and Propane [message #232670 is a reply to message #232660] |
Sun, 08 December 2013 21:48 |
Ken Henderson
Messages: 8726
Registered: March 2004
Location: Americus, GA
Karma: 9
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Steve,
An engine coolant heat transfer loop attached to the outside of the tank is
a standard option for RV water heaters. Most, if not all, Coachmen-fitted
GMC's (Royale & Birchaven) were equipped with them. While it was not
original equipment and few of us have added them, thermostatic mixing
valves on the output of those water heaters is a good idea -- that output
can reach nearly the engine temperature (195*F) and raise the possibility
of serious scalding after a long run.
No, it's not more common for such heaters to be 120vac&Engine -- far more
common would be LPG&Engine. I've added a 120vac heater in the drain plug
fitting of my X-Birchaven.
All of which reminds me, I need to work on my Atwood -- the control knob
has come off and there's a slight leak there when I use pliers to turn the
control. I need to find a replacement valve or, more likely, buy a new
water heater. Hmmm...wonder if it's even possible to swap it out with the
way I enclosed it when I rebuilt the coach?
Ken H.
Americus, GA
'76 X-Birchaven w/Cad500/Howell EFI & EBL
www.gmcwipersetc.com
On Sun, Dec 8, 2013 at 9:52 PM, Steve Weinstock <steve.weinstock@cox.net>wrote:
>
>
> Greetings all -
>
> Just as asked in the topic - is there such a device as a water heater
> that'll heat water via engine heat and also via propane ??
>
> And... am I correct to conclude that the "standard configuration" for a
> water heater that heats via engine heat is also 120 volt ??
>
> I like the idea of engine driven hot water - would be nice to have hot
> water upon arrival anywhere. And I've got this huge propane tank...
>
> As always, thanks in advance.
>
> Steve W
> Southern California
> 1973 23'
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>
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Ken Henderson
Americus, GA
www.gmcwipersetc.com
Large Wiring Diagrams
76 X-Birchaven
76 X-Palm Beach
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| Re: Engine Heat Exchange and Propane [message #232671 is a reply to message #232665] |
Sun, 08 December 2013 21:51 |
Hal StClair
Messages: 971
Registered: March 2013
Location: Rio Rancho NM
Karma: -12
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Atwood 96163 96158 GCH6A-10E looks like an Electronic Ignition, Electric 1400 watt, heat exchanger model. 16"w, 12-1/2"h, 16-7/8"d
Hal
"I enjoy talking to you. Your mind appeals to me. It resembles my own mind, except you happen to be insane."
1977 Royale 101348,
1977 Royale 101586, Diesel powered,
1974 Eagle Bus 45',w/slideout,
Rio Rancho, NM
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| Re: [GMCnet] Engine Heat Exchange and Propane [message #232673 is a reply to message #232668] |
Sun, 08 December 2013 21:57 |
Ken Burton
Messages: 10030
Registered: January 2004
Location: Hebron, Indiana
Karma: 10
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I have never had that problem, but I do have a check valve in my cold water feed to the heater. My home tank type heaters do the same thing. As the water is heated some of it back up into the cold water feed for the water expansion.
I love having hot water while on the road or when I arrive for the evening at a Walmart or wherever I stop. I never turn on the heater unless I'm stopped for more than a day somewhere. It is a beautiful feature. "Free hot water". Just take a shower in the evening because by morning the water is only warm, not hot.
Ken B.
| Robert Mueller wrote on Sun, 08 December 2013 21:28 |
Ken,
The electrically powered 6 gallon Atwood models have a single loop (no coil) inside the aluminum tank. On hot days it is enough to
bring the water temp above the temp / pressure relief valve settings on Double Trouble. The (5/16" ?) restrictor is in place in the
manifold fitting that feeds water to the water heater.
At first I couldn't figger out why when I first turned on the pump or hooked up to city water upon arriving at a RV park I'd dump
water out the water heater. It would do it until the cold water entering the water heater dropped the temp below the temp / pressure
relief valve settings.
Regards,
Rob M.
-----Original Message-----
From: Ken Burton
There may be some like that but the only one I have ever seen was a coil wrapped around the outside. My experience with them is
very limited. Others here will have a better knowledge.
Ken
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Ken Burton - N9KB
76 Palm Beach
Hebron, Indiana
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| Re: [GMCnet] Engine Heat Exchange and Propane [message #232674 is a reply to message #232673] |
Sun, 08 December 2013 22:11 |
Otterwan
Messages: 946
Registered: July 2013
Location: Lynnwood (north of Seattl...
Karma: 0
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That's exactly what my 1976 Royale has. Heat exchanger from the engine and propane heater.
1977 Birchaven, Lynnwood WA - "We may not be able to stop all evil in the world, but I know that how we treat one another is entirely up to us."
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| Re: [GMCnet] Engine Heat Exchange and Propane [message #232684 is a reply to message #232666] |
Mon, 09 December 2013 08:24 |
jhbridges
Messages: 8412
Registered: May 2011
Location: Braselton ga
Karma: -74
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Depends on your uses - I think the engine heat is the greatest thing since tab-tops on beer cans. When I get to the show site - usually fairly late the night before showing - I have hot water to shampoo the dog and myself... and the dog is dry before show time tomorrow. No need to run a hair dryer over him which injure the texture so one must spray texture back in his coat. Natural dry equals natural coat and the judges know it... and reward it. My heater usually still has hot water in the morning if I don't run the bath at night. In the summer this is a plus, I have to choose between the A/C and hot water.
I'll note, since this is a 23' Norris upfit, the heater hoses are fairly short. They run from the passenger side of the engine directly under the door to the hot water heater which is adjacent to the door.Less than ten feet.
--johnny
________________________________
From: Jerry Wheeler <jrwheeler7@gmail.com>
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Sent: Sunday, December 8, 2013 10:21 PM
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Engine Heat Exchange and Propane
I installed an 120v/propane heater in my daughter's 1973 23' Painted Desert
(in fact, I finished up the installation of the same water heater in my
deceased friend's 77 Birchaven, which will be available after the first of
the year) I took out of my daughter's coach a manual light water heater,
which may have been the original. Her water heater has automatic ignition
for propane and, when 120v is present, she can run both at the same time to
get hot water faster. I removed the engine pre-heat feature on my 78
Royale 13 years ago; just didn't want another place to possibly lose
radiator water (bad hoses). If I didn't have it, I would not go to the
trouble to install it. Just my opinion.
JR Wheeler 78 Royale NC/OR
On Sun, Dec 8, 2013 at 10:05 PM, Ken Burton <n9cv@comcast.net> wrote:
>
>
> There may be some like that but the only one I have ever seen was a coil
> wrapped around the outside. My experience with them is very limited.
> Others here will have a better knowledge.
>
>
> --
> Ken Burton - N9KB
> 76 Palm Beach
> Hebron, Indiana
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>
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Foolish Carriage, 76 26' Eleganza(?) with beaucoup mods and add - ons.
Braselton, Ga.
I forgive them all, save those who hurt the dogs. They must answer to me in hell
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| Re: Engine Heat Exchange and Propane [message #232693 is a reply to message #232660] |
Mon, 09 December 2013 09:52 |
Bob S.
Messages: 143
Registered: October 2012
Location: Rapid City, SD
Karma: 2
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Senior Member |
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I have a 120V/LPG/engine heat hot water heater in my coach. I have never used the LPG since I don't dry camp much. I love having the hot water on the road. When I plug in to shore power it is already hot so the 120 volt just has to keep it warm.
I did have a coolant leak in the coach when I first got the coach, but a quick tightening of the hose clamp on the hot water heater took care of it. No problems since. I'm not sure what brand or model number it is but I can sure check if your are interested.
Bob and Pam Schilling
Rapid City, SD
"78 Royale
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| Re: [GMCnet] Engine Heat Exchange and Propane [message #232694 is a reply to message #232673] |
Mon, 09 December 2013 10:17 |
rjw
Messages: 697
Registered: September 2005
Karma: 4
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| Ken Burton wrote on Sun, 08 December 2013 22:57 |
I love having hot water while on the road or when I arrive for the evening at a Walmart or wherever I stop. I never turn on the heater unless I'm stopped for more than a day somewhere. It is a beautiful feature. "Free hot water". Just take a shower in the evening because by morning the water is only warm, not hot.
Ken B.
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I love having the "free hot water" feature. However, I enjoy a hot shower in the morning after staying at Camp Wally World. That's why I installed a 2nd water heater that's LP gas powered.
Richard
76 Palm Beach
SE Michigan
www.PalmBeachGMC.com
Roller Cam 455, TBI+EBL, 3.42 FD, 4 Bag, Macerator, Lenzi (brakes, vacuum system, front end stuff), Manny Tranny, vacuum step, Tankless + OEM water heaters.
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| Re: [GMCnet] Engine Heat Exchange and Propane [message #232709 is a reply to message #232666] |
Mon, 09 December 2013 13:08 |
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mike miller
Messages: 3576
Registered: February 2004
Location: Hillsboro, Oregon
Karma: 0
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| Jerry Wheeler wrote on Sun, 08 December 2013 19:21 |
I installed an 120v/propane heater in my daughter's 1973 23' Painted Desert. ... I took out of my daughter's coach a manual light water heater, which may have been the original. ...
|
It might have been old enough to be original... But, in a GM upfitted coach, if it was propane powered, it was not original.
Mike Miller -- Hillsboro, OR -- on the Black list
(#2)`78 23' Birchaven Rear Bath -- (#3)`77 23' Birchaven Side Bath
More Sidekicks than GMC's and a late model Malibu called 'Boo'
http://m000035.blogspot.com
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| Re: [GMCnet] Engine Heat Exchange and Propane [message #232711 is a reply to message #232694] |
Mon, 09 December 2013 13:19 |
jhbridges
Messages: 8412
Registered: May 2011
Location: Braselton ga
Karma: -74
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If I didn't bathe last night, mine will still be hot in the morning when I get up.
--johnny
________________________________
From: RJW <mygmc@palmbeachgmc.com>
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Sent: Monday, December 9, 2013 11:17 AM
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Engine Heat Exchange and Propane
Ken Burton wrote on Sun, 08 December 2013 22:57
> I love having hot water while on the road or when I arrive for the evening at a Walmart or wherever I stop. I never turn on the heater unless I'm stopped for more than a day somewhere. It is a beautiful feature. "Free hot water". Just take a shower in the evening because by morning the water is only warm, not hot.
>
> Ken B.
I love having the "free hot water" feature. However, I enjoy a hot shower in the morning after staying at Camp Wally World. That's why I installed a 2nd water heater that's LP gas powered.
--
Richard
76 Palm Beach
SE Michigan
www.PalmBeachGMC.com
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Foolish Carriage, 76 26' Eleganza(?) with beaucoup mods and add - ons.
Braselton, Ga.
I forgive them all, save those who hurt the dogs. They must answer to me in hell
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