Hot water heater element install question

[jsmcclure]

I'm using Kal's instructions. The holes are cut and the box is assembled but I'm having a hard time getting the threads to extend far enough for the nut to grab inside the pot. It's like the threads on the element are too short. I'm wondering if the fact that I'm using a smaller pot (7.5 gallon) is the problem - the radius of curvature is too small. Any tips that anyone can think of? I suppose I could try to flatten it right around the hole.

 

[hot_carl]

What heating element are you using, also what is the pot thickness and the washer thickness (if you are using kal's method for weldless)?

 

[naamanf]

Also make sure you take off the stock gasket that comes with the element.

 

[jsmcclure]

Ohhhhhhhhh, the old stock gasket trick - that sounds like a big prize. THANKS!

 

[naamanf]

No problem

 

[Psych]

Or puuuuuuush and flatten that bit of the kettle side. Mine has both the silicon washer on the inside and the black washer on the outside.

 

[jsmcclure]

Magic - took off the black washer and it fits perfectly! Water tight and sturdy.