AquaHot Troubleshooting and Annual Service

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Certified Mobile RV Technician, Darren Koepp, troubleshoots this AquaHot system to figure out the reason it's not igniting. Find out all sorts of detailed information on what you should be doing annually on your AquaHot system!
If you are in need of RV Repairs in the Olympic Peninsula area of Washington state, submit a service request on our website at myrvworks.com today!
Topic: AquaHot Troubleshooting and Annual Service
For a complete list of tools used head to Darren's Tool List page on our website: myrvworks.com/resources/darre...
For AquaHot Troubleshoot Sheets head to our Manuals page on our website. myrvworks.com/manuals/
Filter the list by 'Hydronic Heaters' / 'AquaHot' and look for the following PDF downloads.
"Diesel Burner Troubleshooting Flow Chart"
"Controller Wiring Diagram"
"Diesel Burner Troubleshooting Procedure"
Related Video's:
Troubleshooting AquaHot 450D With Hot Water But No Heat - • Troubleshooting AquaHo...
Film Date: 10/16/2019
Location: Sequim , WA.
Camera/Audio:
Samsung Galaxy Note8
Native Camera16:9 FHD 1920x1080
Version 9.0.01.38
60-Inch Lightweight Tripod - amzn.to/2ZqBuPv
Wireless Microphone System - amzn.to/2ZAD4KI
Music:
"My RV Works-Jam"
Composed by Steve Patry - Four Faces Band - www.bandmix.com/four-faces/

[@pauljordan756]

Best RV tech tutorial channel on KZbin! Thank you!

[@winginitwithjohn8451]

Never a disappointment watching your videos. I always learn things that someday I'll need. Thank you! 😊 Now, I'll start this annual maintenance project.

[@frankweakley9582]

Excellent, I haven't been able to find a service center or tech within 200 miles of my home. Very good tutorial

[@stevek6921]

Hydro-Hot owner here, and I have that very manual you pulled your sheet sheets from, BUT...your video was outstanding and helpful. I got 1000% more information from you than I ever will from a piece of paper. THANKS!

[@allanbrown9525]

The easiest way to eliminate spark potential is a jumper wire between both electrodes for fuel testing. I have a mini jumper with clamps set up for this. This will keep you from having to disassemble the coil.

[@martyessenburg8123]

This is one of the best vid on the Auqua HOT I like this guy!

[@johnpehrson3563]

Best video I have seen on KZbin, great presentation!!

[@Michael-vi1kn]

Great video. Best description I’ve seen, Thank you

[@JohnJohnson-hl1vi]

Recently took delivery of a new Tiffin with an Aqua-Hot 450D. Your video has lessened some of my apprehension about its servicing in the future. Thank you. I have always enjoyed your segments.

[@robertege4486]

Thanks for the great video. You do a excellent job of keeping the camera in the right position to see all the details, as you are explaining.

[@nicholasricks1646]

Fantastic video. Thank you so much for sharing. I have downloaded the troubleshooting guide too. Thank you for providing that. My Aquahot 450DE starts and comes up to temperature. Once at temperature, it faults and will not work.

[@ytTaz480]

Free tip: Nozzle is 16mm. 16mm won't cause the wrench to "stick" going on to and off the nozzle, potentially scratching it up or damaging it. That extra .005 of an inch makes the difference. And base is 19mm, btw. (Hence, my 16mm and 19mm are two of the most used wrenches in my metric set. And probably my 13mm because of the hardware that comes with Lifeline AGMs. 1/2" "sticks")

[@mattraymand3539]

Thanks. I,m in Portland today, have a new nozzle coming. To much blue smoke so my filter and nozzle are the first things. This will get me through

[@hbdoffroad2037]

Thanks for all the great content and knowledge sharing.

[@alanoneill8750]

Thanks for all your hard work.

[@cowbizr]

I watched this video last night before doing my service, wow what a help it was. Made the process very easy. Thanks for making a very helpful, easy to follow video.

[@koolhandluke2009]

Great information. Thank you for another great video

[@charlesrose7212]

Thanks Darren. You are a fantastic teacher! 😀

[@kenleeou812]

Thanks for making this video and all your helpful tips.

[@christophercruthis6512]

Awesome guide. I really appreciate your guidance.

[@OddsandSods26]

This is a fantastic video, Thanks. I like the other videos that you have produced also.

[@WhiskeyB]

Thanks! Very informative!

[@lanceblack3127]

Another Great video. Thanks for all your time and effort on these RV educational videos.

[@troyhenckel8077]

Can't get enough of these awesome and informative videos. Thank you so much! Im just starting out in RV repairs, so whatever I work on that day, I come home and see if you have a video on it. Thanks again for your expertise, it is truly appreciated.

[@AdirondackOlympics]

Very helpful. Thank you. You are a good instructor and camera man. 5 stars👍

[@MyRVWorks]

Glad it was helpful!

[@barryl1072]

Great Video, the mystery of AquaHot trouble shooting / maintenance reveled, Thank You

[@mike_adams]

I don’t have a class A or an AquaHot but i enjoyed watching the entire episode. This guys work ethic and patience is awesome.

[@stevesmith9173]

AWESOME job and HUGE,huge thank-you for sharing this information!!! 🙂

[@kathygallagher7378]

Really nice video. I learned a lot and got some good pro tips from watching. Thank you Darren!

[@rockyballinger7129]

An absolutely awesome video👊🏻 Very informative and very easy to understand👍🏻

[@kapekodbob]

Thanks for a great tutorial.

[@dr.larrygbear541]

I am a new subscriber and want you to know your vids are fantastic and are the best source of information I have found for RV maintenance and I will keep watching and look forward to each of your new videos. Thank You.

[@franktomlinson7090]

Best use of my time on youtube ever. Thank you!

[@TheHungryCubanAdventures]

Thank you for the video and all your input, tips and tricks. Now I know I can service the AquaHot myself.

[@jamesleinbach6962]

Great video and Excellent instructor. Thanks very much for the good info

[@Just_a_Proud_Dad]

Thank you very much! My rig has the 450D and now I have a pretty good grasp of how to service it. Will definitely subscribe. Thanks again!

[@leonardjones7818]

Love your videos!!!

[@johnmayfield7068]

As always a great video thank for what you are doing i am learning so much

[@detravel534]

Thank you so much for making this. I am having problems and will be using this video to help me trouble shoot

[@user-wu8os5fn2j]

Best guy around for fixing your Rv. Keep up great video’s And Merry Christmas ,Happy New Year. From Charlie L and family enjoy

[@ohio9703]

Great video and well done. Explained details that made the process easy to understand plus added some best practices like marking connectors and the wire strap color coding tip. Clicking on Subscribe and searching for more of your videos.

[@roundstone2020]

Great video.

[@brucea1956]

Great video ! Thank you❤

[@22howards]

Another fantastic video! We are having a new 5er built and chose the AquaHot 250d for basement heat/ floor heat as well as hot water. I found this very helpful since I enjoy performing my own maintenance.

[@shermansmith9580]

Must see video very informative. Thank you!!

[@cynthiaincolorado3373]

Wonderful vid, thank you.

[@perrysmith4394]

This is a great video! Moderator is extremely knowledgeable and very smart. The process is complicated and he made it understandable. Talks at a fast pace, which is really good, because there is so much ground to cover. Thank you for this video!

[@clintmeyer]

YOU. ARE. AWESOME!!!! Who has two thumbs and liked, subscribed and commented? ME, the answer is ME

[@dennen92]

Fantastic video. Thank you for taking the time to walk us through this. 👍

[@MyRVWorks]

Glad our videos were able to help you! If you would like to support us please consider becoming an "RV Community Supporter" on our Patreon site: www.patreon.com/myrvworks

[@clwbob]

Excellent video

[@jerrywhitesel8039]

thanks very good job of explaining

[@marcelolaranjeira4405]

Hi Daren, this is a very comprehensive guide. My Newmar coach has a 450-DE model and all your tips worked really well. The burner in my case was really nasty and I would think that was not being serviced for a long time (I bought this RV ~1 year ago…). I bought other parts other than the filter/nasal since they were in a pretty bad shape. This was my first time doing this and I felt very confident following your procedure and the aqua hot is running smoothly now. Thank you Again! I now subscribed to your channel and will look for other great tips in your video selection. Have a wonderful week! Marcelo from Dallas/TX.

[@MyRVWorks]

Thanks, Marcelo!

[@pilotnelson4507]

Best practices! 👌

[@johnnypark3729]

AWESOME!!! Thank you

[@andrewosborne6666]

Great video! Obviously a seasoned expert on these systems. Troubeshooting the MIL's Aqua Hot now and this is a huge help. I'm thinking man this guy is awesome wish he was close to my neck of the woods, then the comment about the Growlers flying overhead. I'm an old Prowler guy, glad you like the noise! Too bad I'm on the east side of the state doing this troubleshooting or I'd be calling you out!

[@pilotnelson4507]

*Installing a filter* A technique taught to me by a clock Repair specialist is to first *reverse direction when seating male to female threads.* This allows the threads to "groove seat" with each other and avoids nearly all cross-threading chances. You can feel and hear the threads mate to each other. Works well on nuts, boots and screws, too.

[@tsmjs4]

Especially spark plugs...

[@ajw431]

Hi there and first off THANK YOU for all the amazing videos, they have been a lifesaver to us. I was wondering if you have a link posted anywhere to the cool little test switch box you built? I would love to make one, never ventured into project boxes, but seems like a fun place to start!

[@markromero930]

Great video. I watched two others before this that were worthless. And 6 months later I’m back since my aquahot isn’t working.

[@junlong68]

Nice job.

[@RichardSmith-qf4jx]

Great video for owners of the AH-450 model but for those of us with older AH units, some components are much different. I have a 431/12 Aqua-Hot in my coach.

[@donbowen6631]

Very interesting, great video , no more jokes!

[@norberrodriguez6453]

very well explained and good images, thanksss

[@MyRVWorks]

Hi Norbert, We are so glad to hear that our videos were able to help you! If you would like to support us please consider becoming an "RV Community Supporter" on our Patreon site: www.patreon.com/myrvworks Happy Camping, My RV Works Media Team

[@hoofixrman]

Thanks for the vid...new aquahoy owner. Learned a lot..subd

[@19Clutch69]

Great video

[@jiml8739]

I am looking at buying an RV with a bad aqua hot soon, ok think this video will help 1 million percent 👍

[@ngbgary]

Thanks for the great video. Just changed the nozzle and cleaned things up on my Hydrahot. Couldn’t have done it without you!

[@pilotnelson4507]

*Fuel filter o-ring protection:* Guard against tearing the o-ring by placing the corner of a plastic bag over the filter base threads. This will keep the sharp edges away from the o-ring when sliding it over the threads to it's seated position. This works well with any o-ring application when sliding it over another object, especially one with sharp edges. (A technique used on suspension system rebuilds. See "The Motorcycle Suspension Bible" by Paul Thede and Lee Parks... It's got a lot of great Tech tips for working on mechanical things. I helped write the book---Shameless plug) Perhaps you can show this method as a quick tip in a short video? Thank you for all your helpful videos😊

[@brianbarnes1551]

Great Video. The shops wanted around 500 to 800 dollars for service. I did it for less than $40 (fuel filter and fuel nozzle)

[@oysterjohn5669]

Forks, Washington 12 feet of rain per year. Sequim, Washington 12 inches of rain per year. Olympic rain shadow. Thanks for the Video.

[@702BattleBorn]

Yo MRVW. your process is legit. have a pleasant day. cheers

[@guitarbare]

I just bought a 2005 Dutch Star and this is my first glimpse at Hydro Hot all my previous RV’s had regular propane heaters. I’m so glad you made this since I’m totally unfamiliar with this unit. I don’t even know if this Hydro Hot is working. Asking how important is the antifreeze that goes in this? The fellow that owned this did no service of any kind to anything in this rig. I found the antifreeze way down. None at all in the recovery bottle so now I’m wondering what else has been neglected. Any and all help greatly appreciated. How do I test and purge the system?

[@flyingtrout53]

One of the best troubleshooting and concept of the operation video's to date. Your detailed video, your attention detail (minus the ignition plug) and description was simple to understand and the correlation of what you describing and the accompanying video was excellent. I feel like I can successfully rob my overly priced RV maintenance/dealer out of my hard earned cash, and use it for fuel.... I belong to a RV group here with about 40 member's and your video will be the topic at our next meeting. Thank you.

[@atwistedlime6090]

Appreciate the walk through. Any tips on what to do when there is a boiler fluid issue?

[@DarkEnergyStudios]

Fantastic video Darren. I learned a lot about our AquaHot. I was hoping you would talk about the smelly smoke output and if there is a thermostat to adjust the temperature of the water. Perhaps the annual service should solve the problems. Thank you.

[@MyRVWorks]

Domestic water adjust is on the back side. It is marked at the factory so do not adjust it. Better to slow down the water so it spends more time in the heat exchanger. There are approved shower heads that work with the AquaHot - make sure yours is one of the ones they list. So many GPM flow rate. To schedule a service consult with Darren please sign up for the "1:1 Repair Consult" on our Patreon site. www.patreon.com/myrvworks

[@marcocasillas5023]

Thanks for the video I did my service it fired off it works but I have a lot of smoke I ran it for 20 minutes and it still smoking is there something I should check or just let it burn off all the extra fuel down in the system thanks for the video

[@shinklehomestead6962]

Excellent Video. Quick question. Is there any problem with running the aqua-hot system for cabin heat with no water or antifreeze in the domestic water system?

[@Adam-dv1px]

Your videos are great! you are a good instructor. I was wondering if you had any videos on servicing a 250D model. I think it's almost the same, but I don't think the spray adjustment tool is needed any longer. Just change the filter, run unit, shut down, remove burner, check chamber and reflective ring, replace nozzle and put back together. Is this correct? A video would be great. I'm due my first annual service. I have the filter and nozzle. Thank you.

[@cockneyusa]

So you sell the 3 switch box with light for $200!!. Test lead piecing probes for $80 that are $11.99 on Amazon. Exactly the same. Good job.

[@MyRVWorks]

We started out with the inexpensive insulation piercing probes you found on Amazon and found that they don't stand up to constant use. For a hobbyist they might be fine but for technicians that need their tools to perform and work as hard as they do those cheap ones don't last long at all. But you're welcome to get whatever you want. That's why there's Stanley screwdrivers and Snap-on screwdrivers. There is a difference in quality.

[@mrclay50]

I don't own one of these Aquahot's, what is it? a water heater? but I could probably fix one now after watching this excellent educational video.

[@CarefreeTolandPools]

Thank you for this information in this aqua hot video. My problem is that it’s starts and runs for 5 or so minutes and shuts off while heating both water and or space. It does not restart and requires to be reset every 5 or so minutes. Any thoughts. I’m actually going to do the service this next weekend. Thanks again for the video.

[@freedomseeker1966]

I fill the reservoir with a common water bottle (filled w boiler fluid), quick and easy

[@peterphilbrick4342]

I can't seem to find a link to the troubleshooting material you mention in your Aqua-Hot video. I have gone as far as I can with the filter and nozzle and would like to follow your steps to find my problem. My 450DE still will not fire. The motor spins but no ignition. Thank you

[@mitchp5302]

I appreciate your videos! I have watched all of them in regards to an aquahot system. I have been troubleshooting mine and have replaced the electronic control board and the little silver box that slides on the burner. I have followed the flow chart to come to this conclusion but still the burner will not start (make the high pitch noise) if you turn the inside switch on and off it will start for a split second but shuts back off. I am stumped. If you have any recommendations I would appreciate it!

[@paulhelfman2152]

First of all awesome video. I have a question about the bolts that connect the burner head to the burn chamber. How do you replace the bolts if you break one?

[@MyRVWorks]

That's just good old-fashioned mechanical broken bolt extraction techniques. If you know a good mechanic I'm sure they've got the tools and experience to help with that.

[@prestonwestmoreland7933]

Hi, thanks for all the work you do. I was fascinated to see you demonstrate the proper diesel nozzle mist. I wouldn't have the nerve to try it. I have a harder problem. Interminttent ignition. I did the annual service. Fired it up and it worked perfectly. Then a week later, I got no ignition. After trying 5 times, it igniting (burned off all the fuel with white smoke. Seems it lights more when its warmer in the daytime, then when its cold in the middle of the night, which is not good. Any thoughts on what causes the intermittenent ignition? many thanks to the experts here. ( I put this post on another video but it should have been here.)

[@mikebocanegra2467]

Great video,best info on a aquahot system.also great joke,Einstein would like it..

[@billknipple3591]

I am thinking I didn't winterize my unit properly because when I charge the waterline, it pushes out of the automotive radiator cap style pressure release on the top of the unit. Do you happen to have a video explaining how to change what I screwed up?

[@elimorfin1694]

Love your videos best learning vidios. I have a voltage toy hauler and the kitchen lights are not working what can be bad the fuces and the breakers are not bad so I don't know what to check next

[@MyRVWorks]

Sometimes the light fixture itself is what's wrong. Maybe pull down that light and see if you have 12 volts feeding the fixture.

[@elimorfin1694]

@@MyRVWorks yes that's a good idea thank you much

[@donsandlin8094]

I've just found you on KZbin. Also, just purchased a 1994 Prevost Liberty coach. When I turn the Wabasto on, I get a lot of blue diesel smoke from the exhaust. I don't think the previous owner used the Wabasto at all. I'm thinking I need to change the spray nozzle along with a routine service. Could the excessive smoke be from improper air/fuel mixture that you need the special tool to calibrate? Thanks, Don

[@timsullivan1964]

Do you have any info on a 250D install in Tiffin Allegro Red 2019? We’re having troubles with ours.. Gas failure at first and now Electric. Replaced filter and nozzle. Also, your nozzle replacement.. no torque wrench? Problem started with it coming on going through whir up.. run for a few minutes and kick off.. a keep us freezing.

[@orhusky]

Thanks for the Great Video, Thanks to you I am going to tackle my 450D maintenance this weekend. I decided to build a remote switch to make the job easier. On my wiring schematic It shows the negative for the lights on the engine pre-heat and electric switch going back to a separate ground, can they go to same ground with the burner on light negative on pin 57 on the JP2 Plug?

[@JustinCGreen]

Ground is always connected to the ground. So they can share a connection.

[@GoGreenMobileRVRepair]

I have been making and selling them. Let me know if you still need one. RvGoFix @ Gmail .com

[@orhusky]

@@GoGreenMobileRVRepair thanks Justin, I made one myself. It turned out great and was a fun project. Works as advertised.

[@JustinCGreen]

@@orhusky mind shooting me an email still I have some questions. Maybe you can help me make mine better. RV Go Fix @ Gmail.com

[@kapekodbob]

I have an 450 and works great but 3am slowly replacing the components as they are failing over time. 10 yo unit. So far, one new motor in the burner. Then the burner head fell apart. Replaced with a new burner. Then a zone pump failed. I shudda replaced both cause the other one failed the next winter. With my luck the stir pump is next. To make it a little more difficult the unit is mounted in the middle of the rv and the lite panel is on the other side !?

[@normogaard1]

I have the aquahot 450d it runs for about 5 minutes and then shuts off it is getting hot and I have done a tune-up to it and replace the nozzle and the fuel filter

[@DarkEnergyStudios]

Hi Darren, I noticed that you didn't fill the Fuel Filter with diesel before spinning it on. Isn't that necessary?

[@MyRVWorks]

Pump is self priming. To schedule a service consult with Darren please sign up for the "1:1 Repair Consult" on our Patreon site. www.patreon.com/myrvworks

[@thenomadiquechef4690]

Hey buddy. I’m a new tech and just trying to get familiarized with these units. I have one that’s not working. When i looked inside i noticed the high limit switch was no longer attached to the wall, it was just dangling, it looked like the bottom of the switch was broken off. I want to install a new one, but it’s location it’s rather challenging, i wanted to get your advice on to replace it. Thank you

[@cribbage1686]

First time I’ve ever heard of this system. In your opinion are they worth the money.

[@RichardSmith-qf4jx]

The ESPAR diesel system is far better and less troublesome than the Aqua-Hot Systems. A lot less money too! The Aqua-Hot is now well over $10,000 as an option. Not worth it in my opinion.

[@perrymason9338]

flippen genius omg

[@MarkSpencerAZ]

I know they recommend that you not do this, but the coolant in my aqua hot 250D was so disgusting I've drained the entire system, flushed it through, flushed again, and then flushed again with distilled water. Now I'm contemplating the best way to refill the entire system, four radiators throughout the system and of course the boiler tank. I've been using a little sure flow pump and two 5 gallon buckets thus far, but I'm concerned about diluting the new coolant as I put it in to a system already full of DI water. Wondering if I should blow it through with low air pressure first so that I'm filling a dry system? Alternatively I could up the concentration of the coolant from the recommended 38% allowing it to mix with the remaining DI water in the system that I'll be pushing through as I refill the system with coolant.

[@MyRVWorks]

The technique that I use is to first estimate the gallons the system will hold. I then make up that much pre-mix. Then I fill the system with my pre-mix. That should displace the distilled water already in the lines. After the lines have circulated for about a half an hour I then pull a sample and look at it through the refractometer.

[@MarkSpencerAZ]

@@MyRVWorks thanks for your reply, really appreciate it!. I used a sureflow pump with The input valve slightly closed so I didn't put all the volume through, but I figure it was probably 15 psi as I flush the system. Use the same process to add the new coolant but I let it flush through to the same bucket I was taking out of for a few minutes to get all the air out of the fluid and lines. I used about 10 PSI air pressure to blow all the water out of the lines before introducing the new fluid. That broke so much sediment loose that I had to reflush the whole system another three times.

[@haydenwatson7987]

If you have the rigid steel lines instead of the flex like the one you are working on, how do you do the spray pattern test?

[@MyRVWorks]

To schedule a service consult with Darren please sign up for the "1:1 Repair Consult" on our Patreon site. www.patreon.com/myrvworks

[@fuscomaximiliano]

Just got a motorhome and every time I turn on the water pump or city water overfill the aquahot thank, the little white one above. Any advice?