What caused my problem?

[Rollin Ollen]

We retired our 2011 Winterbeagle. After 14 years of serving us well it was showing it's age. We now have a 2019 Jayco Precept 31 UL. We had it checked out and it passed with flying colors. It had been gently used and the reason it was being sold was because the previous owner has serious health issues. Our first time out in our "new to us" coach and we discovered that we had no hot water. The water heater was checked running on propane and electric but not for long as it was still winterized when it was inspected so it had no water or antifreeze in the tank. We fired it up using gas when we arrived and I checked to make sure it had lit and was burning properly. All good. Perhaps 15 minutes later turned on the hot tap and nothing. I had previously sanitized the water system so I knew there was water in the tank. Propane was on as the furnace was running and the stove worked. I discovered that a wire had become very hot and had burned the insulation away. See photos. Repairing the wiring is an easy fix but, before I spice the damage, I would like to know the cause just so I don't create any further or serios damage. Does anyone have an Idea 'cause I don't?

 

[Kevin D Pem]

So, any corrosion below the pressure/temperature relief valve?

 

[Rollin Ollen]

So, any corrosion below the pressure/temperature relief valve?

Nope. None. I opened it to make sure the water tank was full after sanitizing.

 

[Kevin D Pem]

Sometimes corrosion, Sometimes back burn from the burner while starting or windy conditions. Other than that ???

 

[Rollin Ollen]

Sometimes corrosion, Sometimes back burn from the burner while starting or windy conditions. Other than that ???

It hasn't been windy but, now that I look at it not thinking electrical, the damage is right above the burner. The coach went unused for over a year. There could be something blocking the tunnel. Ill let you know. Thanks for the insight.

 

[Just George]

Given the proximity back burn seems like a possibility. It also may have been a bad wire to terminal crimp, or perhaps the wire strip was bad and their were broken strands. Poor connections create resistance that creates heat so make sure your repair has a good wire to terminal connection.