Paloma Water Heater Leak

[Kurrawong_Kid]

The heater on my boat has developed a steady drip from a hole, which used to be covered by a metal cover that has rusted away, on the connection between the temperature control and the on/off/lighter switch. Does anyone know what the cover was there for; for example to hold in a filter or a spring? I propose to try and block the hole with a suitable plug to try to stop the leak but am interested to know whether this would result in any operational problems

 

[Paloma Bob]

Its a weep hole and the plate is just [was] a dust cover. The activating rod seal is allowing water to pass through from the water control valve. If you can live with it then let it drip. Please do NOT block the weep hole as the water can then get drawn though to the gas side and cause havoc.
Regards Bob

 

[Spike water heater]

Its a weep hole and the plate is just [was] a dust cover. The activating rod seal is allowing water to pass through from the water control valve. If you can live with it then let it drip. Please do NOT block the weep hole as the water can then get drawn though to the gas side and cause havoc.
Regards Bob

Hi.
Is this the real Bob?
Spike Rinnia.