"Twayne" wrote in message
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"charlie" wrote in message

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On Fri, 02 Oct 2009 13:57:11 -0500, Jules
wrote:


I have one of those heater element sockets which have holes in the
end to take a 3/8" shaft - and I had no problems with the upper
element, but the lower one is jammed up solid; with some 3/8" metal
rod through the socket holes and a 4' thick-walled hollow bar on
that as a breaker, it just keeps on bending the 3/8" rod where it
meets the socket... Heating around the element nut with a torch hasn't
helped, nor has
leaving the whole lot to soak in penetrating oil for a few hours,
nor has thumping it with a big hammer to loosen the corrosion
(makes me nervous, that, though - tank looks to be cast iron, and I
don't want to crack it). Worst-case I might be about to drill the darn
thing out, I suppose,
although I was mainly interested in checking the element for
scaling, not outright replacing it (it's giving 13.8 ohms
consistent with the upper one, and nothing to ground on either
terminal), plus i don't want to risk trashing the tank threads.

Next attempt might be to drill the holes larger in the socket, as I
have a bit of 5/8" solid rod sitting up in the workshop - but
before I go modifying the tool, I was wondering if anyone had any
other bright ideas? Maybe leaving it to soak overnight in
penetrating oil is worth a shot? cheers

Jules


If it ain't broke DON'T FIX IT!

Worst case is you will be buying a new water heater and that "worst
case" could be right now if you keep screwing with that element.
You may not break the metal can but you can crack the glass lining.

they haven't made them with glass linings for a LONG time

My bet is the bottom of that water heater is slugged solid with scale
and you will be buying a new one soon enough. At least do it on your
own schedule.

Huh, saw glass lined in the local place just yesterday.

well, if it's glass lined, then why a: does it need an anode, and b: what
would rust to produce a hole in the casing?