Water heater electric element replacement

[CSWolf]

I’m trying to remove the old element and it’s not cooperating. Using a 1 1/2 6 point deep socket with an 18 inch 1/2 inch drive breaker bar. The element has very little area for the socket to grab and it’s keeps slipping off the hex nut. I’ve been applying PB Blaster For two days and have been tapping the face of the hex with a flat tipped screwdriver and hammer. I’ve had help as well. One holding the socket onto the hex but the other using the breaker bar. Anyway, thoughts? 2003 Dutch Star.

[Old-Biscuit]

Is this an Atwood....rear mounted
OR Suburban...front mounted

1 1/2" 6 point is correct size but element flange is narrow so not much for socket to grip

Atwood is aluminum tank and threads can easily be stripped
Suburban is Steel tank (Glass-lined) and rust could be issue
... try to slightly tighten then unscrew
If access allows....short burst with impact wrench

[swduns]

I would suggest the impact hammer rachet would be most effective as opposed to steady force on it

[A1RVTraveler]

I used a belt sander and took the bevel off the socket so that the end of the socket was 100% flat.

[dadej]

Originally Posted by A1RVTraveler

I used a belt sander and took the bevel off the socket so that the end of the socket was 100% flat.

X 2 That is the only way to get it out the easy way.