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Hot water electrical element removal

Yahoo Message Number: 94047
The heating element in my 2000 Intrigue has quit working even though it has voltage to the element so I am assuming it is burned out. I tried removing the element but after 14 years it appears to be "welded" due to corrosion. Has anyone removed an element and had difficulty removing it, if so how did you break it loose? Trying to keep this one going as long as possible, Atwood tech support says the water heater should last 20 years or so. Cost of a new water heater is $869 at list and around $600 through several online stores, the element is only around $20 so a considerable savings if I can figure out how to remove the old element.

Ray

2000 Intrigue 11040

Re: Hot water electrical element removal

Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 94057
I had the same problem. The element is very tight and the space you have to work in is too tight to be able to make one of the cheap element sockets work. It's compounded by the fact that the "shoulders" that your wrench have to grip are very thin making it hard to do anything at all. I wound up taking a conventional 3/4 inch drive, 1 1/2 inch socket and having the face ground exactly square. With that I was able to use a couple of long extensions and a pull-handle to get the old one out. It still was about all I could do because as I said earlier it's hard to keep the socket on the element. That's more than age holding that thing in... when they manufactured those heaters they seriously cranked down on the elements.

Re: Hot water electrical element removal

Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 94058
I believe atwood or someone makes a special tool for removing the element. Rich 2002 Magna

Re: Hot water electrical element removal

Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 94059
We had to replace the element on our 99 Magna. We did used tool made for it but had to modify it to get it out. On the tool there is a hole for a rod to go through to turn it. The rod they give you is too small so we drilled out the hole to fit a larger rod (~1/2" x 18"). That way you can get some leverage but still have room for it to turn. I highly recommend you use some towels or some sort of padding under your arm/elbow to pad it because when Rick did it he thought he broke his elbow when it did let loose. After the wailing quieted I asked if the element broke loose....he said "let me see".....it had and his elbow suddenly felt better!

Tammy

Affinity 6611
 

Re: Hot water electrical element removal

Reply #4 –
Yahoo Message Number: 94303
Tammy & Rick,

I believe my 110 V element needs to be replaced, also. It appears that the entire unit must be removed to accomplish this. Is it necessary to purchase a special socket to remove the old one element? Can I use a deep socket on my ratchet wrench? I have not removed the water heater yet, but I just want to be prepared.
Daron Hairabedian, 98 Allure 30226