Repairing a burned out Laars EPC325 Pool Heater

[geoatk]

I have an older Laars EPC325 pool heater that caught fire due to leaves and rats in it. I found a guy selling all the parts I need on Craigslist to fix it for 250. Is it worth trying to fix?

[PoolDoc]

If it caught fire, how did the heat exchanger remain undamaged?

(If the heat exchanger is damaged . . . you probably should dump the heater. The cost of a new exchanger from one of the online parts suppliers is $1,000+, and a used exchanger is probably a really bad idea, unless you can do a full hands on inspection, INCLUDING visualizing the interior of the water tubes!)

Should you pursue it? If you are an HVAC tech, with experience chasing wires, circuits and controls inside of sharp-edged sheet metal boxes, maybe you should.

But, the thought of trying to repair a burned out Laars heater makes my hands hurt -- I don't think I've EVER opened one of those boxes up more than removing the front panel, without getting a cut.

(Welcome to the forum!)

[geoatk]

It looked like the fire started in the bottom of the heater and burned up the front of the melting the wires, control box and temp control knobs. The fire was caused by stuff rats had left in the bottom. But I am afraid you are correct, it might not be worth fixing. It is an old heater. Thanks for you input.