RV Repair: Thermostat on Atwood W. Heater, pilot control, set screw

Question
Hi Gerald,

Have a question about the Atwood WH in my '79 Tioga class 'c' motorhome.

The ON/OFF/PILOT control on top of the thermostat is extremely difficult to turn, and I was wondering if I have to fork over the $90+ for a whole new thermostat, or if the sticking thermostat is repairable. And if so, what would be involved?

I am reasonably mechanically inclinded, and am currently working as a plumber technician.

Thanks for any help you can give,

Mike

Answer
I can look up more information on this if you send me the model#. I am not positive which unit you have but I have removed several of these and cleaned them. If yours is a mounted knob then you should be able to remove it and clean it. You can also use a little 3in1 oil on the shaft. Look for a small allen set screw on the knob.