Hayward Heater Leaking (H400FDN)

[Yeller989]

Earlier today I noticed my Hayward Heater (H400FDN) has a pretty steady leak, see video. I pulled the heat exchanger and plastic manifold (Series Front Header Assembly), but can't find any cracks in the manifold plastic. Also, if the exchanger is leaking then the leak would be deeper inside the heater. It appears the leak may be coming from the flow (oval) water redirector that basically takes water from one tube and shoves it back into another tube (see pics below). It doesn't have any bolts, and relies on pressure from the manifold to hold into place.

Has anyone seen a leak from this plastic water redirector before?

 

[ajw22]

What is the condition of the end of the tubes coming out from the heat exchanger?

 

[Yeller989]

What is the condition of the end of the tubes coming out from the heat exchanger?

On the opposite side of the heat exchanger, where tubes return? They look perfect.

I pulled everything apart, cleaned the black plastic, and lubed the o-rings (around tube connectors, between the plastic oval center piece, and the primary water connections). It no longer leaks.

Before


After