[Richard]

I think your logic is sound and your communication is just fine.

All of us who went down the rebuild path had the luxury of time, space, and tooling. We weren't living in the coach facing winter in the desert.

I agree with your assessment that a rebuilt unit may be the way to go for quickest install.

I want to emphasize again that there is a huge difference in the decision tree between a fresh water leak in the coil and a coolant leak from the tank. If you have a coolant leak from the tank, you do not have many good options other than tank/unit replacement.

There are less expensive alternatives that involve replacing the tank with flat plate heat exchangers so that the hot water and heat are more ON DEMAND. It would take some time and plumbing skill to accomplish. You would lose the 220V heat if you go this route.

My first thought in this process is How bad is the leak? Is it something I can catch and live with until warm weather? Of course that is weighed against the potential of the leak developing into a catastrophic leak leaving you with no heat.

Reach out to Rudy. He is a great dude and willing to help you.