thanks guys for all the info, we changed all lines and plumbing inside the tank and put a new stopper in. so will be fireing it up today and hope it has solved the issue. as for the foam rubber around the tank. its something that i would like to do, but the heck if ther is any room to get any rubber around that tank. it is such a tight fit we werent able to get any around it and still get the tank in. but it never came with any so hopefully things will be alright.