Truma Ultrastore Leak

[Paul542]

Hi All,

After some advice I bought a Elddis Furestorm 524 (2004) last year. The element was faulty and tripping the RCD.

Anyway I attempted to remove it but one of the nuts was seized to the bolt built onto the tank. I sprayed it to loosen it but no joy on removal it snapped the bolt.

I managed to get the other off and refit the element broke and sealed it up with flomaster leak seal. I then ran on gas without any issues or leaks.

I recently bought a new element for 130 and fitted it which worked a treat, followed same procedure as last time but this time its weeping when hot and under pressure. I have added more sealant with no success.

I was thinking I could try and glue the element in place, it has a brand new rubber seal so that isn't the issue.

Other option I thought was to remove the tank drill a hole where original bolt went and feed one through the tank with a washer to get the element tight on both sides.

Or I just try again with flomaster leak seal and hope I manage to seal it completely this time and no leaks.

Any advice appreciated.

 

[Damian]

The only way of trying to repair what you have damaged is to remove the tank and have a specialist firm weld a new stud to the tank.

Using glue will only possibly work until the first time you tow the van anywhere, then the vibration and length of element inside the tank will break any glued "fix".

As for drilling the tank , how do you propose getting to the inside of the tank as the top is fitted by a machine that exerts pressure on the sealing ring.

Other than that the other way is to get a new tank.

 

[Paul542]

I could pass the boot through the element hole with my fingers. I will try the flomaster leak repair again as have been successful with that in the past.

Thanks

 

[Paul542]

 

[Paul542]

Will let you know if it holds out, this time applying pressure to it with the seal hopefully it will stick against both surfaces.

 

[Paul542]

I managed to replace element without leaking, I had to install it the opposite way, so the element points towards the top rather than the bottom. I know this not ideal. I also removed the rubber seal and just used flomaster leak seal, tightened the one bolt/nut as much as I could without risking breaking it and then left to dry for 24 hours.

Its all sorted though now, no leaks and hot water.

 

[Dustydog]

Well done trying Paul. When you see the price of a new tank all diy attempts are worth a go. Long term who knows. But I am sure there are some specialist who could weld a new stud as said by Damian.
or a wild card . Could you drill,out the whole stud and try a SS self tapper bolt? Not sure how strong the tank wall is but maybe a future option?

 

[Paul542]

Well done trying Paul. When you see the price of a new tank all diy attempts are worth a go. Long term who knows. But I am sure there are some specialist who could weld a new stud as said by Damian.
or a wild card . Could you drill,out the whole stud and try a SS self tapper bolt? Not sure how strong the tank wall is but maybe a future option?

Hi yeah I did this repair with the old element and it held for for 6 months no leaks, I just removed it to replace the burnt out element I tested.

If it leaks my next plan will be to drill out the sud and use a self tapper bolt or a standard bolt through the tank with a rubber washer on both sides.

Any option better than a new tank.