water heater electric element

[hrandy]

Has anyone else tried to access the electric element in the 10 gallon propane/elec Dometic water heater? It appears to me that the inspection hole in the plastic box that encloses the water heater is too small to work through.
I think it may be neccessary to cut a hole in the bottom of the box and fab a removeable cover of some kind Anyway, my electric element is not heating so I need to try something soon.

Thanks for any thoughts you may have.


2019 Seneca 37ts

[Robbbyr]

Originally Posted by hrandy

Has anyone else tried to access the electric element in the 10 gallon propane/elec Dometic water heater? It appears to me that the inspection hole in the plastic box that encloses the water heater is too small to work through.
I think it may be neccessary to cut a hole in the bottom of the box and fab a removeable cover of some kind Anyway, my electric element is not heating so I need to try something soon.

Thanks for any thoughts you may have.


2019 Seneca 37ts

It might be easier to actually disconnect and pull the entire heater out. Usually the element is so tight in there that you may not be able to get enough leverage in the confines of the compartment.

But have you actually been able to put an ohmmeter on the element's terminals to verify it is truly fried? The relay that actually allows the 120-volts to connect has failed on a number of folks rigs I have corresponded with.

[norty1]

Before cutting holes, I would remove wires and check for an open element.

[repeach]

On my old 2006 Seneca I had to use a 24" breaker bar with a 36" cheater bar to get the element out.

[EA37TS]

Be extremely careful. When Jayco factory service tried replacing my electric element in Aug 2020 they damaged the water heater and had to replace the entire water heater.

Good luck.

[hrandy]

thanks for the replies. I am not sure I trust myself to remove the entire unit. Concerned about paint damage, etc. I am not able to get to the wiring to check the relay or element without doing some major change. I will let you know later how I decide to tackle it. Maybe by the weekend. Thanks again