Joe, I think what's happening is ...., when you try to put water in the top, 
the displaced air is trying to come out the same hole you are trying to put 
the water into.  Try hooking the water hose onto the ball valve and let the 
upper pipe act as a vent.  As far as the leak goes, you'll probably have to 
solder the seam.  Depending on where the tank was stored, some critters may 
have made a nest inside the water jacket.  By hooking up the hose to the 
ball valve, you should be able to flush out the inner jacket pretty easily. 
Water should also come out the heating element hole too.  You might try 
forcing water in that way also.

Good luck

TxBeeFarmer
West Texas Zone 7b 

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