My atwood hot water heater gets way too hot. Nothing has been adjusted to increase the temperature. Just noticed an odor and scorching hot water. Thought it might be the controller?

Copy following links to identify type of thermostat, and see how to adjust temperature on that specific thermostat, and see other ways to increase amount of hot water
http://waterheatertimer.org/How-to-adjust-water-heater-temperature.html
http://waterheatertimer.org/Increase-amount-of-hot-water.html
Add a comment and describe if water heater is gas or electric, and add what other problems you are experiencing.

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Remove hot pipe connection, and flush out through drain valve.
Or remove TP valve and flush out through drain valve.
Connect small circulating pump to 5 gallon bucket with 2 gallons white vinegar like they do with tankless water heater, as shown following Bosch manual. And let run for 45 minutes.
http://waterheatertimer.org/pdf/Bosch_Descaling-heat-exchanger.pdf
White vinegar is safe for humans.

If odor is the problem, use H2O2 hydrogen peroxide, and not bleach. Hydrogen peroxide is safe for humans and easy to flush out of water heater and pipes. While it can take weeks to get rid of bleach, which is caustic and toxic.

If you need further help, I’m available over the phone at https://www.6ya.com/expert/gene_9f0ef4df2f9897e7

Hi Michael.
The lever usually controls the set-point for that water temperature inside the water heater. Move the lever clockwise to increase the temperature and move it counter clockwise to reduce the temperature.

The lever is pointing out behind the frame at left bottom in the picture at the link:
http://www.adventurerv.net/atwood-water-heater-gas-control-valve-thermostat-91602-p-1189.html

Good luck and regards,
Fredrik

I do not have specific answer for this problem
Open following link to identify product, download service guide, parts list and other resources:
http://waterheatertimer.org/pdf/Atwood-Water-Heater-Service-manual.pdf
http://waterheatertimer.org/Atwood-water-heater-resources.html

The Atwood temperature adjustment is on the gas valve.
There is a metal lever sticking out.
http://waterheatertimer.org/gas-water-heater-timer.html#Atwood
Move the lever one direction, and if burner turns on, then move lever other direction to lower temperature.

If your gas valve is different, you might find answer on following page:
http://waterheatertimer.org/How-to-adjust-temperature-on-water-heater.html

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Your 2 separate thermostats are pre-set so adjustment isn't possible although you can purchase a hotter thermostat. Normally the complaints I get are that propane is not hot enough, but electric is too hot, so I'm wondering if perhaps you haven't got a valve at by-pass in wrong position, or defective that may be allowing cold to mix with the hot. Make sure any valve in between hot (top line) and cold line (bottom) are all the way in off position. You want flow in to bottom open, and out the top open, and anything else in between, shut off. Have you actually tested a cup of hot water from tap to see what temperature it is? I just don't see both thermostats as being faulty at same time, but?

That is not a model number that sounds familiar. Should be a tag on side of water heater behind cover, outside. If it has the little arm adjustment for temperature on top of gas valve, simply move it over a little to the left to increase water temperature, and try it until temperature is what you are happy with.
I'm assuming when you say it goes out completely that the pilot remains on and water heater re-lights when called for? If you adjust that temperature lever over, and water still doesn't get hot, you need to replace gas control, as thermostat is built in to it.

There should be a temperature setting on the gas valve. It should be on top or front and have several settings normally vacation, warm and hot. Rotate dial towards hot setting to increase water temperature. Hope this helps. Thanks

If it's manual light, then only dial or lever on gas control is adjustable, and you can try turning it up a little at a time. It will increase water temperature so be careful, but that should also make it kick back in sooner as well. If it's electronic ignition, there is 2 or 3 heat settings available in thermostats ( little disc behind foam cover under pressure relief valve) . Obviously on those, if you choose higher temperature, it cuts back in sooner as well. If you have electric element, they have a thermostat on rear of water heater as well, behind electrical connection box. If your not 100% sure what I'm saying here, get back with model number of heater inside cover and I'll tell you your options. Please remember to be careful of scalding when you turn up the temperature.

NO. ITS FACTORY PRESET. YOU CAN INSTALL ANOTHER HOTTER T-STAT OR BUY A KIT THAT YOU CAN INSTALL TO ADJUST THE TEMP.