Could Camco heating elements have different threads?

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Vapor_Hunter
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Could Camco heating elements have different threads?

Post by Vapor_Hunter »

I am preparing to solder a half coupling into a keg like Bellybuster shows here: viewtopic.php?t=36347. I did this previously on a slim quarter keg and it worked great.

I have 2 Camco heating elements - a Camco 02929 (https://shop.theelectricbrewery.com/pro ... re-element) 4500 watt straight unit that I use on the quarter keg, and a Camco 02965 (https://shop.theelectricbrewery.com/pro ... re-element" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow) 5500 watt ripple element I hope to use on the half keg. Funny thing is the half coupler I bought fits the 02929 fine, but not the 02965 unit. I posted a short video https://youtu.be/4JJ7ogPd_1M to demonstrate. (In case you are wondering - I guarantee that the 2 half couplings shown in the video are the same as I bought them in a pack of 3 and I have switched them back and forth with the same results.)

Question - is it at all possible the 2 Camco unit have different threads? This doesn’t seem possible to me, but it is the only explanation I am left with.
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Expat
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Re: Could Camco heating elements have different threads?

Post by Expat »

My understanding is that all Camco threaded elements are NPS type. I'd guess that there is damage or debris on the threads which is why you're having trouble.
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bluefish_dist
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Re: Could Camco heating elements have different threads?

Post by bluefish_dist »

I believe the camco elements are a straight pipe thread and most fittings are tapered. Could be causing some of your issue.
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acfixer69
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Re: Could Camco heating elements have different threads?

Post by acfixer69 »

Those half couplings are 1"NPT thread. As Expat said the elements are 1" NPS. The China quality control is a bit sloppy and can be loose that is why some snug up and some do not. I ran a tap thru mine but have just Teflon taped them with no issues.
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shadylane
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Re: Could Camco heating elements have different threads?

Post by shadylane »

Here's what I've welded on the keg for the heating element.
The threads are an exact match and an Oring will make a perfect seal.
https://www.amazon.com/Dernord-Fitting- ... dpSrc=srch" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow
hellbilly007
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Re: Could Camco heating elements have different threads?

Post by hellbilly007 »

I have yet to get my heating element, but this is what I've got https://www.supplyhouse.com/Merit-Brass ... QtEALw_wcB" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow It is a NPT (tapered), but many home brew guys using these on their HLT and kettles.
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acfixer69
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Re: Could Camco heating elements have different threads?

Post by acfixer69 »

hellbilly007 wrote:I have yet to get my heating element, but this is what I've got https://www.supplyhouse.com/Merit-Brass ... QtEALw_wcB" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow It is a NPT (tapered), but many home brew guys using these on their HLT and kettles.
Same story the thread per inch is the same but it is tapered. You can file down the element ( take off the points of the first few threads) and make it fit to the oring gasket or Teflon tape it and check it for leaks
Vapor_Hunter
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Re: Could Camco heating elements have different threads?

Post by Vapor_Hunter »

I think the issue is as acfixer described it - poor quality control. The way i fixed this was to “worry” the coupling - twist it back and forth. I noticed each time, it would turn a slight bit more. Since i have 3 couplings, i then took a sanding drum on my cordless drill to the coupling threads to smooth them out a bit. Fits fine now. I know the “lots of PTFE” tape trick for the different thread types, and i will leak test in a few days.

Thank you for all your help.
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Re: Could Camco heating elements have different threads?

Post by ShineonCrazyDiamond »

Im with AC. Triple up on the teflon tape, goes right in. Easy fix. KISS.
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Re: Could Camco heating elements have different threads?

Post by Vapor_Hunter »

Yup. Everything is assembled and the boiler is filled with water. We’ll see if there are any leaks in the morning!
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