Does this immersion cylinder need replacing?

[ReganAndCarter]

Looks like that element has been in since the 70s. May be fun to remove. Sometimes some heat can help to remove ones that are stuck. Be prepared to replace the cylinder, because some elements can be impossibly tight and may damage the flange and tear copper around it.

 

[ReganAndCarter]

If you want to try to remove the element yourself, this is the only tool that will give you a chance (Monument 361t). Gently tap the end of the handle with a hammer. There are cheaper tools out there - all of them hopeless.

https://www.uktoolcentre.co.uk/prod...MI06-KwqfG2QIVip3tCh1NjQT-EAQYASABEgKV-vD_BwE

 

[Nige F]

No element can resist me and my blowlamp and 36" stillsons. I never creased a cylinder. Those old ones without lagging are good because you can heat the top of the immersion till the washer goes bang ! without the spray lagging catching fire.

 

[HERTS P&D]

I had one last week where I have to drill out the centre, then use a hack saw blade to cut through to the side of the element. Then push in the side to remove the element. It took time but it came out in the end.

Andy

 

[ReganAndCarter]

I had one last week where I have to drill out the centre, then use a hack saw blade to cut through to the side of the element. Then push in the side to remove the element. It took time but it came out in the end.

Andy

What size hole did you drill, Andy? Did the blade cut into the threaded flange on cyl a bit?

May use this method as a last ditch on the odd one that fights you all the way.

That monument tool is the best though. Great grip on element, and it seems to transmit the shock from the hammer to where it needs to be enough to crack the element loose.

 

[HERTS P&D]

I used a 6mm drill bit and a junior hack saw blade, I cut from the hole to the edge of the element. I kept checking that I was not cutting into the thread and then from the hole to the other side. Then kept tapping the thread with a hammer and screw driver until I could get it out.

Andy

 

[ReganAndCarter]

OK, thamks for the description. Will try that next time I get a bad one.

 

[JohnD]

couple of old photos from Seco of an immersion heater being cut

 

[bmouthboyo]

OK so it was stiff, but with a few knocks of hammer and a strong right arm she came loose.

Turns out the thermostat was adjustable but from the body of the stat!

Anyway replaced with new and swapped the on//off switch with timer / boost switch. Thanks for help everyone