Winterizing the Scamp and the dreaded plastic water heater bolt!!

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AnthonyRM
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Joined: 11/13/2016 - 08:35
Winterizing the Scamp and the dreaded plastic water heater bolt!!

I winterized the Scamp this past week as we had a temperature prediction of 17 degrees in CT, It went fairly well except for the removal of the 7/8 inch white plastic bolt in the water heater panel. A 7/8 inch wrench and a 7/8 inch socket are too small for the bolt. A 1 inch wrench and 1 inch socket are too big. I finally removed it with an adjustable wrench, not the best procedure for a "plastic" bolt. After I drained the system, I reluctantly but the bolt back in, but I would like to replace it with something more substantial. Has anyone replaced the plastic bolt with a brass or stainless steel bolt? Do you have a source? A part number?

Also, as we have the 13' front bunk model and the video said to use a gallon or two, I poured one gallon of RV antifreeze into the water tank and turned on the electric pump. Antifreeze came out of the cold water side fairly quickly but very little came out of the hot water size. I assume that one gallon spread out in the bottom of the tank and made it difficult for the pump hose to reach it and would recommend using two gallons.

ELongest
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WH plug

Some plugs have 7/8" head and some have 15/16". Threads are 1/2 NPT. Stick with the plastic plug also available on Amazon. Use 6 point socket.

Eddie

This should get you back in business. Some have had difficulty with using sockets.

http://amzn.to/2yu27lV

http://amzn.to/2ABFWeM

AnthonyRM
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Thanks Eddie! That's what I

Thanks Eddie! That's what I need.

Anthony Memoli

kilovictor
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Joined: 01/03/2014 - 18:14
Replace it.

Replace the plastic plug with a valve and you will never be removing it again.

KVJ

AnthonyRM
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Joined: 11/13/2016 - 08:35
Replace it.

KVJ, that's a lot of space you have there. I don't think a valve like that would fit in my configuration.

Anthony Memoli

ac0gv
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Joined: 09/22/2016 - 13:57
a valve like that

A valve like that will prevent good flushing of the water heater tank as well. The plug is best.

kilovictor
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True

Yes you would have to remove it to flush, but if you are just draining it to prevent freezing or between camping trips during the summer it is great. Camco sells a small valve that will fit and you won't booger it up like the plastic plugs.