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Zigzag03 · 05-22-2023, 01:37 PM

I have my hot water heater out of the coach to do some floor repair underneath it, so thought I'd change out the electric element and thermostats since they're buried with the unit installed. Can NOT break the element loose. Going to get my big breaker bar involved shortly. Has anyone ever put any heat to that collar to persuade the element to loosen? It's not any different than a home domestic water heater except that it's an aluminum tank. Going back with antiseize compound for sure. Thanks.

Ray,IN · 05-22-2023, 05:50 PM

Have you sprayed it with PB Blaster or a similar corrosion penetrant? I know the factory torques them very tight.
The heating element is nothing special, merely the short type 120V element, any big box store will have one.

Old-Biscuit · 05-22-2023, 08:46 PM

On Atwood you can use heat......might melt the gasket but you'll be replacing that with new element

Just remember ...tank threads are aluminum and element threads are steel so they can be 'welded' together due to age & dissimilar metals

With Water Heater removed you will need to strap it down to get good leverage

120VAC 1400W element

Zigzag03 · 05-23-2023, 05:59 AM

Thanks, I think it will take some heat to move this thing, and I'll enlist some help to hold the thing down. Appreciate the input from all.

shootist · 05-27-2023, 06:57 PM

A light rapping with an impact will be a lot easier on things, you and the tank.

Zigzag03 · 05-29-2023, 07:48 AM

@shootist You are probably right, and if I can find my 11/2" socket I may just try that. After Ian, most of my tools have succumbed to loss or rust. I have one of those cheap tools sold for home water heaters and as you say, it's a challenge to get leverage and hold the heater at the same time. I haven't gotten back to this project with the holiday weekend going down, but it's time to get back on it! Thanks!

stinger608 · 05-29-2023, 09:52 AM

If you have a 1/2" breaker bar, just run to a local auto parts store or a Harbor Freight and grab a 1 1/2" socket.

Short extension, if you have one, otherwise grab a 2" or so one from the box store as well.

Probably, all said and done with, under a $20 spot.

I had to do that on our old trailer and it wasn't much money.

Old-Biscuit · 05-29-2023, 09:06 PM

1 1/2" socket

But biggest issue with water heater removed is strapping that tank down so you can get leverage w/o tank rotating on you

Those element wrench/sockets are useless even with an installed water heater

Zigzag03 · 05-30-2023, 07:41 AM

Thanks guys, I'm a retired career mechanic, and have lots of friends who have tools available to me, and a friend is bringing me a socket and air gun. I've replaced my compressor since the storm, so hopefully I can gently tap this thing out without further drama. I'll let you all know how it ends up!