suburban water heater not always hot in electric

[torrerizor]

We have replaced both thermostats and the heating element. Works great on gas, but in electric its hot sometimes, lukewarm the next. No rhyme or reason on when its hot or cool with our usage or how long it sits between uses. Any ideas?

[wmtire]

Have you replaced the black electric switch on the face of the heater (if applicable). These are known to go out and/or act up?

http://www.forestriverforums.com/for...ore-36197.html

They only cost 10-15 bucks and are easily replaced.

[torrerizor]

No we haven't but will give it a shot this weekend. Thanks!!

[fonzie]

and your by-pass valves are set up properly? Like below?

[torrerizor]

Yep sure are! That's the first thing we checked

[DavandJane1]

Pull the cover off the thermostat (black cover w/push buttons) and check thermostat connections. Had same issue and found connectors burned. Replaced thermo and installed new connectors . Been great ever since!

[Mr. Dan]

Originally Posted by DavandJane1

Pull the cover off the thermostat (black cover w/push buttons) and check thermostat connections. Had same issue and found connectors burned. Replaced thermo and installed new connectors . Been great ever since!

I can't imagine a situation where the settings of valves (including bypass) could cause a heater to work differently on electricity than on gas. I've seen mention of thermostats but if there has been a mention of high-limit switches, I haven't seen it. I had a high-limit switch fail on the electric side and got what you're getting. I put a short jumper across the high-limit and got hot water. So I ordered and installed a new high-limit switch and all was well. If your heater doesn't have high-limit switches, please disregard.

[torrerizor]

My hubby said he thought the same about the high limit switch so he replaced both gas and electric thermostats twice in case one was faulty but still no luck. He's hoping to get off work in time to replace on/off switch and thermostat connection too this weekend. Thanks for the great ideas, keep em coming! Cold shower is for the birds!