heating element change

[Franzcat]

The heating element in my Atwood EHN6 water heater is dead. I opened the water heater up (after making sure the power was disconnected) and took out the four bolts around the element, but there is a metal retention plate outside the element that the bolts pass through that holds the element in. It will not budge, even after removing the bolts. Before I bend the plate down and possibly break the darned thing I wonder if anyone has advice on this element change and on this plate in particular? I also intend to replace the anode...probably more fun waiting there.
Any suggestions would be appreciated.

 

[Bob4203]

See my other post following your inquiry. Bob

 

[Franzcat]

Found the post about cutting the case in two places. Thanks, I will try that

 

[Franzcat]

See my other post following your inquiry. Bob

Used a dremmel tool and it worked fine. The element then came right out and I was able to clean up the surrounding area. NEW Problem. I have ordered and tried two elements and they are too large to go back in the hole. One WAY too large and one just a bit too large (still the same result). Does anyone have a source for elements to fit an older Atwood EHM6-sm heater?