Airstream LAND YACHT MOTORHOME - Manual (Page 122)

AIRSTREAM LAND YACHT GAS
WATER HEATER (See warning at top of page J-1)
Manufacturer:
Atwood Mobile Products 4750
Hiawatha Drive P.O. Box 1205
Rockford, Illinois 61105
Phone: 815-877-7461
Note: Review the water heater literature supplied in your Owner's Packet before proceeding,
Warning:
Hydrogen gas can be produced in a hot water system served by this heater
that has not been used for a long period of time (generally two weeks or more). Hydrogen gas is
extremely flammable. To reduce the risk of injury under these conditions, it is recommended that the
hot water faucet be opened for several minutes at the kitchen sink before using any electrical
appliance connected to the hot water system. If hydrogen is present there will probably be an
unusual sound such as air escaping through the pipe as the water begins to flow. There should be no
smoking or open flame near the faucet at the time it is open.
Electronic Ignition
The switches used to operate your electronic ignition water
heater are located in the bathroom above the lavatory top.
When the switch marked gas is turned on, the red light will
come on indicating the "try" mode is in effect. Normally
the burner will ignite in just a few seconds, and the light
will go out. If your LP system hasn't been used for some
time, the system may go into safety lockout (about 20
seconds) before the air is all expelled from the lines.
Turning the switch off for 30 seconds, then back on,
reinstates the "try" mode.
The second switch is used to operate the water heater on 110-volt power. This provides power to the
heating element.
CAUTION : DO NOT use the water heater system unless you are sure there is water in the water
heater. Open a faucet and see if there is a full stream of water on the hot side. Be sure the water
heater by-pass valves are in the normal use position. The water heater may be damaged if you
disregard this caution.
The 110-volt element may be operated at the same time as the gas burner. To operate the 110-volt by itself
simply turn the electronic gas igniter switch off.
The heating element is 1500 watts so if breakers start to kick out when the air conditioner cycles you may
want to turn the switch off the heating element and return to LP gas operation.
SAFETY
If your water system is full and cold and the water heater is ignited, the system can produce pressures as
high as 120 psi before the relief valve starts to open. Since the water system normally operates in the 40-psi
range the water expansion does put unusual stress on the system. This normally does not cause any
problems, but the stress is easily alleviated. As the water is heating just open any faucet and run as little as
a cup of water. Just removing this small amount of water reduces the pressure build up significantly.
For fun, watch the sequence of events your family goes through when you park the motorhome and ignite
the water heater. More than likely someone will run water and relieve the pressure without even
realizing it.
J-5