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McLindy · 06-28-2020, 05:21 PM

Have an Atwood hot water heater gc10a-4e.
Installed a new heating element 2 weeks ago but It was a short one. Bought a new longer one. When I installed the short one I hand tightened it and then just gave it a little snug up. Now I can’t get it out. It won’t budge. Any help would be appreciated.

Skip426 · 06-28-2020, 06:44 PM

Are you using the RV store “ tool “? To install the element.
If so got to an auto parts store and tell them you want a 1/2” drive 1 1/2” six point socket . That socket and your 1/2” drive ratchet you should be able to remove the element.
Question though , both long and short elements are the same watts, do you think the long one will give more hot water?

McLindy · 06-29-2020, 02:16 PM

Yes have tried 1 1/2” 6 point socket with a breaker bar, won’t budge. Yes I think the longer element would heat faster. I believe the tank is aluminum & the threads in the element are steel, could that be the problem? I know the propane side really heats that water to a high degree.

Skip426 · 06-29-2020, 03:23 PM

Distribution of the heat over the length of the element is the difference , being the same # watts , the water won't get any hotter .
I believe the Atwood W/H, t'stats are available in different temps , might be worth looking into.

Jkwilson1989 · 06-30-2020, 07:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by McLindy

Yes have tried 1 1/2” 6 point socket with a breaker bar, won’t budge. Yes I think the longer element would heat faster. I believe the tank is aluminum & the threads in the element are steel, could that be the problem? I know the propane side really heats that water to a high degree.

I’d probably try heating a tank of water, then shutting off power, shutting off the water source and draining a little hot water from a faucet. The slightly expanded hot tank may make it easier to remove the element.

Gary RVRoamer · 06-30-2020, 09:41 AM

Watts are watts, so both electric element sizes produce the same amount of heat. The propane burner produces more btus of heat while running, but the water doesn't get any hotter because the thermostat just shuts the gas burner off sooner. The max water temperature is controlled by the thermostat and is the same whether electric or propane.

To remove the element, I'd try jkwilson's suggestion.

hohenwald48 · 06-30-2020, 10:21 AM

I agree with Gary. The length of the heating element is irrelevant. Watts is watts. I wouldn't worry about changing it but might be concerned with the difficulty of removing it. If you get it out you might want to try a little anti seizing compound on the threads.