illin8
Well-Known Member
I installed a 5,500 watt element in each of two keggles, to be used for HLT and BK last night. I'm using the 1" locknut and silicone washer from bargainfittings.com and I also used a 1" to 1.5" washer as Brewmoor has to ground the elements. The configuration goes like this (looking from outside of the keggle, following the power wire in): 1" to 1.5" washer up against element base, element stock rubber washer, keggle wall, silicone washer, and 1" locknut. I did a leak test last night and both keggles leak slightly. I get a drip every 5 seconds or so from the outside of the 1" to 1.5" washer.
I tightened the elements down with a wrench slightly, not completely tight as I heard you can overtighten and roll the rubber/silicone washer. Anyone have any ideas? Are you supposed to use plumbers tape on the element threads? I had intended to but hadn't seen or heard of anyone else doing it...it appears the water is coming down the threads as it doesn't appear to be leaking from around the rubber gasket.
Also, I had one hell of a time trying to thread the damn washer on one of the keggles, there ain't much room for the threads to catch with the washers/gaskets in place. Friggin thing was driving me nuts.
I tightened the elements down with a wrench slightly, not completely tight as I heard you can overtighten and roll the rubber/silicone washer. Anyone have any ideas? Are you supposed to use plumbers tape on the element threads? I had intended to but hadn't seen or heard of anyone else doing it...it appears the water is coming down the threads as it doesn't appear to be leaking from around the rubber gasket.
Also, I had one hell of a time trying to thread the damn washer on one of the keggles, there ain't much room for the threads to catch with the washers/gaskets in place. Friggin thing was driving me nuts.