Is the anode suppose to be such a PITA? I've tried for over an hour and cant catch a thread. It's not only the new one either, I tried putting the original in and it wont thread as well. Taking a break before I throw a wrench at it. I'm going to try a brush on the heater threads to see if there is something clogging them up.... Then the hammer is next...
Tricky to catch the threads properly. There is a part that makes it awkward to engage the threads. Gravity wants to " pull" the anode down. Just take a deep breath and be patient. You can do this!!
Time for a little humor maybe?
What did the Missile Technician say when he threw a hammer at the missile?
"BOOM!"
Seriously though, hope you get it sorted.
It's not you, it's a major PITA.
Whoofit... nah... we always said get a bigger hammer. :-) Too dark to try again. SO I'll tackle it again in the morning.
Does a little Teflon tape on the first thread help or hurt?
I ask because with tape, mine seemed to go in with just a tiny bit of judicious jiggling.
Turn it around and try the other end in first.
Try the following: Locate the leading edge of the male thread and the leading edge of the female thread. line up the threads just before they begin to engage. Use a Sharpie and put a witness mark on the anode and the water heater. In effect, this will keep you from endlessly spinning the anode. Start, go a half turn or so, you'll know if it engaged or not. If not realign the witness marks and try again. Try holding the anode with a shallow six point socket and a long non pivoting extension. Bear down on the extension to counter balance the weight of the anode as you turn it. If the anode fits too loose, take a section of a plastic shopping bag, fold it using 1,2, or more thicknesses and put it over the head of the anode and insert it into the socket. I hope this helps.
[font size="3"]Stand the trailer on its end and work from a tall step ladder? :P
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[quote source="/post/8045/thread" timestamp="1426686131" author="@charliem"][font size="3"]Stand the trailer on its end and work from a tall step ladder? :P
[/font][/quote]Those meds are great arent they Charlie?
Que the "Rocky Theme Song"......... The anode rod is in it's place. After trying different suggestions, it seems mine requires a heavy wrapping of Teflon tape and a 1 1/16 shallow socket rather then trying with fingers. Thanks for the support... Charlies' suggestion was starting to sound logical.