Atwood GC6AA-10E Water Heater Gas Leak

Shaihulud2090

Advanced Member
Joined
Mar 26, 2024
Posts
71
Location
Florida
Hey all. I realize there is another thread about a similar situation, but mine is slightly different.

I'm smelling gas when the water heater is turned off. I've used soapy water to see any potential areas of leaks along the gas line in the heater. No bubbles were found. I turned off the gas and let it dissipate for half an hour then sniffed around the heater. The smell of gas was much much less. Then I turned on the gas and did more sniffing. Seems like the strongest smell is coming from the combustion tube. It's my opinion that it is likely the solenoid valve allowing gas to flow.

However, i would like to get more experienced opinions on the matter before I make my decision.
 
2 ways to check a gas leak. 1. spray any fitting with soapy water
Key points about using soapy water to check for propane leaks:
  • How to mix: Combine a small amount of dish soap with water in a spray bottle.

  • Where to spray: Apply the solution to all connections and fittings on your propane tank, hose, and appliance where gas might escape.

  • Identifying a leak: If bubbles appear when you spray the solution, it indicates a leak at that point.

Important safety precautions:
  • Turn off the propane valve: Always turn off the propane supply before checking for leaks.

  • Ventilate the area: Ensure good ventilation when checking for leaks.

  • Tighten connections: If you find a leak, tighten any loose connections and retest.

  • Professional repair: If leaks persist or you are unsure about repairs, contact a qualified professional.
or there is a soloution you can buy and sevral and here is one

Eastman 2 Oz Gas Leak Detector Liquid, Water-Soluble, Ideal for Natural, Manufactured, LP Gas Connections, Refrigerants, and Oxygen, Yellow Tinted, 65700B​

 
My opinion is that your regulators on your tanks are failing and sending debris into the lines and causing the solenoid valve not too seat.
My opinion is to.
Remove, disassemble, clean, and replace regulators, and solenoid.
Just had regulators on the tanks do some weird s--t to my camper.
 
My opinion is that your regulators on your tanks are failing and sending debris into the lines and causing the solenoid valve not too seat.
My opinion is to.
Remove, disassemble, clean, and replace regulators, and solenoid.
Just had regulators on the tanks do some weird s--t to my camper.
That makes sense. I did just do a swap with Amerigas and it worsened when I switched to that tank. It's been present on and off since I bought the trailer.
 
My issue is repaired.

I replaced the solenoid valve with this Panther RV Products

It's the Dometic Atwood solenoid #92089.

Uninstall, turn off, disconnect gas. Disconnect the igniter from the circuit board. Disconnect the solenoid from the red power. Unscrew the gas supply that connects to the solenoid. Unscrew the mounting bolt from the mount. Unscrew the mount from the solenoid.

Installation is straight forward. The machine screws go into the mount into the side of the backing and one on top of the large gas ignition tube. There's a self tap screw that goes into the shroud that mates with the right side brass outlet, dunno what it's called. Then there is a small bolt that attaches the mount to the solenoid.

Attach the mount to the solenoid first. Then attach the mount to the backing and tube. Connect the gas supply to the left side brass elbow. Align the shroud with the right side brass outlet. I believe this was preadjusted to regulate airflow so align the screw hole with where it looks like the screw marked the shroud or mark with a marker before uninstalling the original solenoid. Turn on gas and test for leaks. Connect the igniter and the solenoid to power. Make sure your water heater tank is full. Turn on the water heater. Verify ignition takes place in the ignition tube. Turn off, let it sit and smell for leaks.

Lessons learned: there are some cheap versions of the solenoid available that don't come with the brass fittings pre-installed. While I could get the right brass outlet off, I could not get the left brass fitting off practically destroying it. I believe its preinstalled and not meant to be taken off. So, I ordered the Atwood replacement brass elbow. The threads don't match the off brand solenoid. Do yourself a favor and buy the Dometic Atwood replacement. It's 3x more expensive, but works.
 

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