I finally got my 10 year old HD 1500 watt heater element out of my mash tun. I am replacing it with a SS 4500 watt element. The 1 inch welded coupler is in very rough shape. I can't even screw in the new element. How should I clean it? I have BKF, ss scrubby pads. When I do get it clean, should I use plumbers tape? I have keg lube too if that might help. I knew this would be a challenge though.
Rusty Element Coupler
- Thread starter Conehead
- Start date
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Yes BKF, yes thread tape, no keg lube. You might need a wire brush of some sort to clean the threads. Use one with brass wire (plastic might work just as well, depending on the corrosion).
Stainless wire brush would be fine too
Every hardware store in the world has brass brushes. That'll work fine. What you don't want to do is use a brush with iron in it. That will absolutely embed iron in the surface of your SS, and it'll cause more rust. Brass is copper and zinc.
augiedoggy
Well-Known Member
Harbor Freight has a pack of brushes including a brass stainless and plastic bristle brush.. I use them in my work bag and they do work well. They are small just over tooth brush sized.
Ok, I guess I'll bring it up. 4500 watt element directly in a mash tun. I'm not so sure this is going to end well.
Haha, yea, true. I tend to stick to the exact question asked by the OP.
Maybe it's a 240VAC element and he's running at 120VAC?
The reason I brought it up is that it is highly unconventional to put an element in direct contact with thick mash. Maybe it is going under a false bottom but you didn't mention it.
Update:
I had a leak around the flat O ring. I used a pipe wrench to tighten the element and in my opinion I didn't want to give any more turns. I bought a tube of food grade silicone sealant and after 3 applications the leak is gone. I do regret even starting this project, but now that it is done, it will definitely shorten my brew day by 2 hours. I will turn it on tomorrow to see how long it takes to heat up. Thanks for all the replies.
I had a leak around the flat O ring. I used a pipe wrench to tighten the element and in my opinion I didn't want to give any more turns. I bought a tube of food grade silicone sealant and after 3 applications the leak is gone. I do regret even starting this project, but now that it is done, it will definitely shorten my brew day by 2 hours. I will turn it on tomorrow to see how long it takes to heat up. Thanks for all the replies.
SleepyCreekBrews
Well-Known Member
Are you talking about heating water to strike temp ( so it’s the proper temp to mash) ?
... you don’t really turn that element on when your grain is in there, do ya?
... you don’t really turn that element on when your grain is in there, do ya?
Yes, that is correct. My March pump is old and only rated for 180 F. I hated waiting for the mash tun to cool when I over shot the temp. So, back then I decided to install an element in the mash tun. Been doing that for 10 years now.
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