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Tonykeys · 11-25-2015, 11:09 PM

So I purchased 2 after market Heating elements since 1 element was working and the other was dead.

I tried sliding up and twist old ones out but no luck.

So I installed a new element and used a SS hiose clamps to the assembly.
I purchased 3/8" gas pipe since it's the closest id available then attached to heating element with hose clamps.

?... Can the pipe that holds the element get red orange from the heat?
Is it safe ?
I read 800 degrees with IR gun.
The older element was 320 degrees....

The original tubing attached to assembley does reach 800 degrees.. What's the issue?

Is that normal? 800 degrees...? It's scary hot...
Maybe it's just me over reacting.

Please arise..

Old-Biscuit · 11-26-2015, 12:01 AM

With 2 good working elements they would be roughly 368*F

With only 1 good working element temp would be roughly 354*F

Elements should be 225W and on 120V AC would only pull 1.8A

Sounds like a short.
Surprised 5A fuse on control module hasn't blown

Removing old elements
Forcefully wiggle them back/forth as you lift up on them

Unless the temp you are measuring is the 'stack' temp (not element)
If stack temp then cooling unit is blocked and that is an overheat condition which the high-high temp sensor should have tripped (recall box) It is set for roughly 800*F

Tonykeys · 11-26-2015, 07:05 AM

Funny part is it works great on LP gas....

Guess I'm leaving and staying on LP gas this trip.....

I thought new element and I was good to go.

Now I have to check for short when we return.

Gotta figure this out soon.

paz · 11-26-2015, 07:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tonykeys

...So I installed a new element and used a SS hiose clamps to the assembly.
I purchased 3/8" gas pipe since it's the closest id available then attached to heating element with hose clamps...

Are you using a hose clamp to fasten a pipe containing the new heaters to the outside of the tube where the original heaters are inserted? If so, you won't get very good heat transfer to the coil. Poor heat transfer may be the reason your heaters are overheating. In addition, your new heaters may be too high wattage. If they don't start a fire first, they will burn out fairly quickly.

Tonykeys · 11-26-2015, 08:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by paz

Are you using a hose clamp to fasten a pipe containing the new heaters to the outside of the tube where the original heaters are inserted? If so, you won't get very good heat transfer to the coil. Poor heat transfer may be the reason your heaters are overheating. In addition, your new heaters may be too high wattage. If they don't start a fire first, they will burn out fairly quickly.

Thats exactly what Ive done.

Im not comfortable with the setup.

Its heating up well over temps needed.

On lp it heats fine.

Tonykeys · 11-26-2015, 06:52 PM

Ok so I want to update on this.

I needs to change my hearing elements.
I could not take the old elements out so I added some metal tubing to side of tube and attached them with SS clamps.

Well I found out that the metal tubing I used could not hold up to tempura and only raised the temp to 800 degrees.
Glad I monitored this before covering up because it would of been a fire.

I ended up cutting the tubes up and down to allow expansion for the elements to to slide out and new ones in.

The system is now well insulated and working better.

I'm testing unit this weekend as we are on the road.

I just want to share this in case anyone tries to adding metal tubing or replace elements like I did.