yihua 936 iron ceramic element falling apart

[McGoober]

i was changing out the tip one day and noticed the ceramic of some sort inside the element is cracked. i flipped it upside down like an idiot and dumped bits of the coke all over the floor. its pretty much contaminated from not cleaning the floor 
the element assembly is a metal tube 5mm in diameter packed with ceramic, the temperature sensor i think in center. i really dont want to spend another week or two to get a replacement, what are my choices? could i sacrifice a ceramic bowl, crush into sand and pack it into the element?

[Armadillo]

The element will be enclosed by your solder bit. The whole piece of soldering iron plus new handle is cheap.
There is no other choice except to buy a new one.
Imagination leads to learning experience which is good.
But heat transfer is essential and centrality of the element, expansion and keeping in shape are factors which will deny your desired result.
Save and enjoy the time while waiting would be the best advice for you.

[beanflying]

Be a little careful buying elements for these or Aoyue, Hanba etc. They vary from model to model so check feedback and reviews as to suitability. One of my Stations (secondhand buy) came with the wrong elements fitted to the iron and I suspect is why it was sold by it's former owner 

Yes they do crack or burnout occasionally so buy two when you sort out the correct model and a supplier they are cheap and no use to not have one on the shelf.

Non Repairable BTW.