Replace heater cause manifold is cracked??

[zz28zz]

Got a quote from the local pool rpr guy. He's saying they don't attempt to replace heater manifold which has a big leak from freeze.
Heater is a Jandy JXI400P.

Tech says they will only sell me a whole new heater. Mine is only 1 year old. Been used maybe 5 times.

Trying to decide what to do. Try a manifold and hope the heat excahnger survived, or just ditch the 1 yr old heater and get a new one.

What are the chances the heater itself (heat exchanger) survived?

 

[ajw22]

How much will it cost you to give the manifold replacement a try?

You may win the bet or lose the bet. What is the gamble worth to you?

 

[zz28zz]

Manifold is $109. Back plate around $39 (don't know if I need it yet). Its on national backorder for who knows how long.

The gamble seems worth it but I don't have any idea if its common for manifold to crack and heat exchanger still be ok. Hoping someone thats been down this road before has some insight.

 

[ajw22]

Very few people have lived through what you folks have. Most heaters get properly winterized if in cold climates.