Water heater replacement questions

MDboater

I will be replacing the Atwood 6 gallon water heater on my 270FV this weekend (with a new Atwood heater) and I'm looking for advice on a couple of points:
1) How do I bleed air from the engine coolant loop in the water heater?
2) Can I use an automotive grade coolant (antifreeze) to top off my cooling system (as I will loose a little coolant when swapping out the old tank)?
3) Assuming that I only need a 8-12 ounces of coolant could I just use water?

I plan to install West Marine Dri Deck under the heater as recommended.

Thanks and Happy Canada Day and 4th of July to everyone celebrating those holidays!

MDboater

NavyCTRC

MD,

I changed mine out last year, I went with the Stainless version.  I don't recall losing any coolant when removing the old one.  If you do, it will be a negligible amount, if in doubt you could zip tie the hoses so the opening is supported "up" somewhere.   There wasn't anything to bleed, I just removed the hoses and wires (make sure shore power is not hooked up), it was about 4 or 5 stainless screws holding it down, old one out, vacuum to clean up the area a little, new one right back in it's place. same screws to hold it down then reconnect hoses, wires, when you first hook it up, your fresh water tank should drop 4 or 5 gallons...bottom line, make sure you do not turn it on unless it is full of water!!!!  That will trash the element in about 20 or 30 seconds. 

randy56

MD you can buy 50/50 anti freeze at most auto parts stores.