The heat exchanger is upside down from my very 1st post but the circle in Red is the original hole I posted and isn't leaking anymore. But the circle in blue is the new pin hole leak. You can see they did try to do a repair there.
View attachment 79939
if they pressure tested it, I'm not sure how they could of missed that
....unless reinstalled, then pressure and vibration opened it
(my original concern of stressed/weak areas due to a
hard freeze)
as Matt mentioned, you should be able to by-pass the unit with hi-pressure hose.
That allows you to limp thru jobs in the interim by using whatever hot water in available, as Matt said
Using hot water from custy is a big PITA though unless it's an empty...and water to the wand will be luke warm "at best'
Unless it's a big job....then you use up what's in hot water tank and run cold
(and it's SUCKS to rinse pre-spray with cold water)
Little doubt you could retro a propane heater
but if you have to buy a Little Giant, I'd bite the bullet and just get another HX'er
consider this;
add the price of 4ht, hardware to plumb and propane tank(s) it might be worth spending a little more to eliminate all the PITA factor (and lose of van floor space) to convert .
an propane heat is a PITA in general with tank filling and wind flame-outs
When a direct replacement HX will have you up an running again in an hour or two
You have a "real" job...and a good paying one .
No need to hillbilly yo-chit
Take that HX back to the shop that soldered it.
Ask if pressure tested and at what PSI.
Make them aware of what PSI they're run at
go from there
and start rolling your change for a new HX
Trust me
Uncle Larry
..L.T.A.
