Temperature Compensating Valve Failure

[Mike Brown]

Recently we experienced an overheat alarm and had to be towed back to a marina. After doing some quick checks it appeared as though the hot water heat exchanger leaked on the closed loop side and lost enough coolant to create the overheat. This is the side that is plumbed to the engine and carries hot water to and from in order to heat the house water while running. I replaced the water heater, which was 7 yrs old and rather funky inside the cold water supply fitting. I also cleaned the Temperature Compensating Valve inside and out. While doing so I could see where it was leaking slightly from what appears to be a weep hole. Since it was a very minor leak (or maybe the cause of the entire issue) I used Rescue Tape to stem 99% of the leak. I then started trying to find a replacement online without any luck. Tried to get one from my Beneteau dealer but struck out there as well. Finally called Beneteau Parts only to find they don't stock them. They contacted their engineering department and have promised to get back to me. After 3 days and a return call to them they still haven't been able to provide a source for the valve. While I'll still work with them in hopes they can find one I've begun to look outside of the usual marine suppliers. Home Depot carries one but its for a home hot water heater. I suppose I could make it work. Or I could just remove it from the system all together but that would risk someone scalding themselves. Has anyone had an issue with theirs? Any other suggestions?
Thanks
Mike

[James Taylor]

Mike

Last month I visited "Sailorman" in Ft Lauderdale. They had a Force 10 hot water heater with the "Temperature Compensating Valve " bypass system. Not sure how old that unit was but they had one. I do not think Force 10 manufactures  water heaters any longer?

James

[Mike Brown]

James, thanks for the note. Apparently Force 10 is now Kuuma. The new water heater I installed is a Kuuma and all indications are they took over for Force 10. I found a valve (also known as a mixer or anti scald valve) that I can purchase from Isotemp. A slightly different design it tempers the hot water by mixing in cold water pretty much like you do when you use a faucet at home. It looks like a simpler design which will allow me to adjust the temperature of the water coming from the water heater, something the current valve doesn't allow. I'll order one later this week.
Mike

[James Taylor]

Sounds good Mike!

[Mike Brown]

Just an update on the Temperature Compensating Valve (also know as a anti scald valve). I purchased one from Isotemp and a installed it the other day. Since it was designed for an Isotemp and not a Force10/ Kuuma brand water heater I had to pick up a couple of fittings and longer stainless braided hose from the hardware store. I used pipe tape on the fitting threads but unfortunately didn't make enough wraps the first time and some of them leaked. At this point everything is installed, there are no leaks and I now have an adjustable valve with which I can control the temperature of the hot water.
One last comment regarding the amount of buildup inside the old water heater and fittings. I was surprised at the amount of soft gunk that had built up. Especially since we live aboard and always have fresh water passing through the system. Not sure how to address that yet. Mike

[James Taylor]

Disregard