Need help with locked aluminium fuel cap
Submitted by BradG on Sun, 2013-09-22 19:53
Hi guys,
I've got a bit of a dilemma on my hands. I am trying to get an aluminium fuel cap off a welded aluminium fuel tank inside my boat. The cap is so tight that you cannot loosen it with a pipe wrench... I think it might have loctite on the thread. I wouldn't like to cut it or heat it for obvious reasons. The cap is roughly 2" in diameter and on an angle. Any input would be appreciated.
Best Regards,
Brad.
Starbug
Posts: 563
Date Joined: 27/08/09
Pour boiling water over it
Pour boiling water over it and the give it a try again, or an electric hot air gun, but only if you have no fuel or vapour leaks.
BradG
Posts: 25
Date Joined: 22/09/13
Do you reckon boiling water
Do you reckon boiling water is hot enough to loosen the bond? I'm not too sure about vapour leaks but the boat hasn't been used in over 6 years. Cheers.
Starbug
Posts: 563
Date Joined: 27/08/09
Maybe!!! At least with
Maybe!!! At least with boiling water you are not going to create an ignition source.
carnarvonite
Posts: 8687
Date Joined: 24/07/07
Fumes
You can guarantee there will be fumes still in the tank even after all that time so don't go anywhere near it with anything that may create a spark.
If its accessible get a hammer and a dolly / gimpy on the other side of the cap and work your way round it hitting it every 1/2 inch or so to expand it enough to break the seal.
BradG
Posts: 25
Date Joined: 22/09/13
Yeah, I'll use a dolly if
Yeah, I'll use a dolly if there are no other ways to remove it without damaging the cap. Do you know if I would be able to get a replacement cap without paying for it to be specially machined? Cheers.
carnarvonite
Posts: 8687
Date Joined: 24/07/07
Loosened
Once its loosened you should be able to still use the same cap. There will be a seal that sits right down in the bottom of it and all you are doing is expanding it a few mm at most.
It will be a standard thread so getting a replacement won't be a hassle.
Gently, gently does it.
BradG
Posts: 25
Date Joined: 22/09/13
Thank you. I'll try that
Thank you. I'll try that tomorrow and post my results. Also, what would be the best way to remove the old fuel out of the tank? Should I try and siphon it or run it and replace the old fuel filter?
meglodon
Posts: 5981
Date Joined: 17/06/10
Replace filter
I would recommend that you replace the fuel filter and remove the old fuel from the tank, not by running it through the motor though.
A good idea would be to flush the fuel tank and all the fuel lines as well if they have not had any use for a good number of years.