Cascade Rapide Water Heater Leaking (Immersion/Electric End)

[GaryGavlaar]

Just out of interest, what year is the motorhome your water heater is in Spriddler ?

 

[Spriddler]

1985. The heater is still the original one.
Ooops!
Edit - it's 1995

 

[GaryGavlaar]

Right..... Now im all leak free after a weekend away over easter, the next thing i want to sort is the burner. It looks like its seen better days, so thinking i should just buy a new burner unit which I've seen on ebay for ok ish money. Seems better than trying to clean this coroded mess up.

Question though .... I've not seen many vids that show the burner box being replaced. Am I right in thinking it doesn't involve messing with the actual gas supply? It looks like it just bolts in place with two bolts. Spriddler did you replace your burner box, or just clean it up?

Cheers!

 

[Spriddler]

Well done!
Not easy to offer an opinion on the burner without a pic. I've not done anything to mine except a superficial clean. Cosmetic corrosion of the burner assembly isn't likely to cause any issues so long as it's intact, the jet is clear and the burner lights along its length. The actual burner isn't connected to the gas supply. The gas exits the jet and 'spills' along the underside of the perforated burner.
If it's working O.K. I'd just clean out any dust and general detritus as from past experience once one starts fiddling unnecessarily one can end with sheared screws, new gas leaks etc. and a lot more work than intended.

 

[GaryGavlaar]

Well done!
Not easy to offer an opinion on the burner without a pic. I've not done anything to mine except a superficial clean. Cosmetic corrosion of the burner assembly isn't likely to cause any issues so long as it's intact, the jet is clear and the burner lights along its length. The actual burner isn't connected to the gas supply. The gas exits the jet and 'spills' along the underside of the perforated burner.
If it's working O.K. I'd just clean out any dust and general detritus as from past experience once one starts fiddling unnecessarily one can end with sheared screws, new gas leaks etc. and a lot more work than inteneded.

It's not... its completely corroded away at the end where the gas jet injects into the burner box. The tube inside the box is just flapping about. I'll get a picture.

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[GaryGavlaar]

 

[TheBig1]

I thought that there is a gas connection to the burner, but it's not difficult to replace

 

[TheBig1]

That burner may be saveable. Take it out and wipe the worst off then soak for 24 hours in a container of white vinegar to dissolve the rust. The gas connection is to the right where the gas jet is housed by the solenoid valve

 

[GaryGavlaar]

I thought that there is a gas connection to the burner, but it's not difficult to replace

No it seems the gap is normal, but it looks like there should be a wall with a hole in it on the side of the box closest to the gas jet. That's corroded away on mine, and that tube seems to be just flapping about inside the box.

 

[TheBig1]

The replacements are stainless so less prone to rotting

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[Spriddler]

Ah, (our posts crossed) I've not had my burner box off so no idea about the 'tube inside' (maybe the design changed over time?) but the box itself looks reasonably serviceable - maybe a light wire brush off. However, since it's a potentially dangerous gas component and it seems there should be a secure internal tube I would replace the burner box.

 

[GaryGavlaar]

Ah, (our posts crossed) I've not had my burner box off so no idea about the 'tube inside' (maybe the design changed over time?) but the box itself looks reasonably serviceable - maybe a light wire brush off. However, since it's a potentially dangerous gas component and it seems there should be a secure internal tube I would replace the burner box.
View attachment 744476

O ring was the first thing I did. Burner box ordered now. I think it's for the best.

 

[GaryGavlaar]

Yeah that's well and truly effed

New one in and lit first time. Lovely job.

 

[GaryGavlaar]

View attachment 744441View attachment 744442View attachment 744443

The thin metal internal plate that covered the burner and is removed in these pictures, unfortunately the screws sheered off when removing it. For now I have just pushed it back into place. Does this pose any issue? Is there I way I could maybe create a new way to fix it back into place. Has anyone else had a similar issue?