Heater not working - Pentair MasterTemp 400

[JamesW]

Mice will usually build nests in the blower, so check that.

 

[ajw22]

I may try to find some stainless steel mesh to line the inside of the panels for the future while I’m in there.

MK Rat Proofing Products

We Keep Rodents Out Of Your Pool Heater

mkratproofing.com

Rat Proofing the Heater​

Over the winter, rats climb through the air vents and nest in the heaters. They make a mess inside the heater and damage it by chewing on the wiring and corroding it with their urine.

Rats and mice often make their home in the electrical box and chew up the wiring. You can repair the wire harness from any chewed damage.

You should check that the blower rotates freely. You may need to remove the blower motor and clean it out.

You may need to take the heater apart and clean the combustion chamber, which is a huge job. You may find the mice have made nests inside the heater, which messes up the ignition and the airflow.

MK Rat Proofing sells wire mesh kits to cover the vents, or you can fabricate your own using 1/4" mesh wire screen, simple chicken wire, and some sheet metal.

Some people put mothballs inside the unit to keep mice out.

 

[DrewLG]

I may try to find some stainless steel mesh to line the inside of the panels for the future while I’m in there.

If you don't mind spending $60 for it, MK sells a kit with pre-cut mesh: Rat Proof 201

 

[JamesW]

 

[JamesW]

The Rat Proof 201 kit is compatible with the newer Pentair® MasterTemp®* Pool Heater.

Included: pre-cut and shaped screen pieces that cover the known access entry points for compatible heater. Instructions and self-tapping screws are included. Electric screwdriver not necessary for installation.

Note: The RP-201 is for the new version MasterTemp® (we reference it as model B). There are fewer vent openings on this model compared to the previous MasterTemp® (we reference it as model A). Check the comparison image below to determine which one matches the vents on your heater.

Previous version MasterTemp® (our model A) can be purchased here: https://mkratproofing.com/products/rat-proof-200

 

[JamesW]

 

[Drbiii]

I was thinking of doing something similar, but on the inside and with one solid piece. I figured I’d use rivets and washers to make sure.

 

[Drbiii]

Just closing the loop on this.

I used to 18 ga tinned copper wire and some heat shrink crimp connectors to fix all the sensor wires.

I also added some wire loom around each set of wires as additional insurance (still need to also add some wire/mesh around the larger vents to prevent the critters from getting in there.

Tested the heater and it’s up and running again!

Thanks all for the help!

 

[JamesW]

Is the loom high temp rated?

The wire rating is specified as 105° C (221° F).

I do not know exactly how hot it gets in that area, but you want high temp, fire resistant material.

If any original wiring supplied with this heater must be replaced, the installer must supply (No. 18 AWG, 600V, 105° C. U.L. approved AWM low-energy stranded) copper wire or its equivalent.

 

[JamesW]

Just closing the loop on this.

Closing the loop.

I get it; very clever.

Like closing the loop on the control wires.