Installing thermostat on Seaward Water Heater

[chesapeakedan]

I'm installing the new thermostat to the side of the Seaward F1100 11-gallon tank. When I removed the old one there appears to be a small amount of white sealant of some type between the thermostat and the tank wall. Anyone know what this is? Is it necessary or should I just apply the thermostat using the bracket and nut assembly.

Thanks
Dan

 

[starfishkiller]

Dan;
I don't know for sure, but I wonder if the sealant you are describing is in fact thermal grease. Is the sealant cured and hard, or is it like a grease consistency?
It sounds to me like the thermostat mounts to the outside of the tank. The heat from the water goes through the tank to the thermostat, and the thermostat reads the temperature of the water through the tank wall. If that is the case thermal grease is applied to the surface where the heat transfers between the wall of the tank and the thermostat. The grease provides a better interface for heat transfer. Do a google search for "thermal grease", and you will get a bunch of information.

Eric

 

[Vic Willman]

It's a thermal transfer compound of some sort. You'd be best advised to call Seaward's Customer Service Department to see if it is absolutely necessary, and whether or not they can send you some.

 

[chesapeakedan]

Eric, I recall when I removed the old thermostat that the white material was hard and held the old thermostat to the side of the tank.
Vic, I'll call Seaward tomorrow.

Thanks
Dan