Removing water heater element

I have a problem trying to remove the electric element from my Surburban gas/electric water heater model SW6DE. It's frozen in place, have tried both 1-1/2" 6 point hex wrenches purchased from Ace & Sears Hardware Stores along with dosing it with WD-40 but it won't budge. The anode rod comes out with no problem but this little baby would make a preacher swear. Has anyone else had this experience? Any help out there short of taking it into the dealership which seems unnecssary.

John & Margaret
2002 / 2027SD
2003 5.9L Durango

[Bill]

I haven't had to do this (thank goodness), but the people who have done it generally say that you need a socket wrerch and an extension handle (breaker bar) to get it to come loose.

Let us know how it ends up for you. Others can benefit from your experience.

Bill

I had that problem. We used a socket ground down on the end so it would get a better bite on it. Then a long breaker bar and a pipe. I took it back to the dealer because it was so hard, he called them and they said if it broke they would replace the tank. I pushed in while he turned it also. There was no corrosion, so I think the paint or finish was wet when it was put in and dried like glue.