Seized swirl pot filler plug

Seized swirl pot filler plug

Author
Discussion

skiver.

Original Poster:

656 posts

192 months

Tuesday 28th June 2016
quotequote all
As it says; I have tried to unscrew it but the top of the swirl pot began to distort with the pressure.I thought about applying heat to the area but would this just make the aluminium softer and easier to twist out of shape?
Or should I just leave it and bleed the system through the hose at the top of the pot?
Thanks for any advice.

Pupp

12,205 posts

271 months

Tuesday 28th June 2016
quotequote all
Rather than try to turn it harder, you need to turn it sharper (to break the hold) - difficult with the slotted top but if you can get something in place with enough security to do so, clout 'through' it with a good heavy mallet - the shock should release it without distorting the pot

WinstonWolf

72,857 posts

238 months

Tuesday 28th June 2016
quotequote all
I use a flat pickaxe, it's perfect for the job.

ukdj

1,004 posts

183 months

Tuesday 28th June 2016
quotequote all
Two beefy flatblade screwdrivers from opposite ends of the slot to make a T-Bar, try tightening a fraction first to help brake the lock

nawarne

3,088 posts

259 months

Tuesday 28th June 2016
quotequote all
IIRC, when I had similar problems, I used an electricians bolster (blade) in the slot and then got an adjustable spanner on the hex 'shank' of the bolster...Maybe even used a bit of tube over the shifter handle for extra leverage.

It did come off!

Nick

SamR380

725 posts

119 months

Tuesday 28th June 2016
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I have heard of people using the side edge of a spade for this. Not done it myself but it sounds like a good way to get leverage.

Belle427

8,857 posts

232 months

Tuesday 28th June 2016
quotequote all
I had to heat mine to get it out, i just went carefully as there was a sealing rubber on it which luckily didn't melt or leak afterwards. I put some anti seize on it to try and stop it happening again.
May pay to order a new one beforehand though.

skiver.

Original Poster:

656 posts

192 months

Tuesday 28th June 2016
quotequote all
I should have pointed out that the original brass slotted plug has been replaced with a hexagon socket plug so grip is not a problem. Maybe this non brass plug is more prone to corrosion with the aluminium. I have tried the 'shock' treatment but don't want to split the pot or break any welds so I'll try a little heat on it. Thanks for the info so far.

bobfather

11,171 posts

254 months

Tuesday 28th June 2016
quotequote all
Not in my experience, I had awful trouble every time I had to remove the slotted brass plug. Swapped it for an Allen-key version 8 years ago, never had as problem since then. Where did you get the replacement plug from?

Chimp871

837 posts

116 months

Tuesday 28th June 2016
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A few squirts of plusgas and wait an hour? Should help break deal with above said Sharp shock turn.

phillpot

17,105 posts

182 months

Tuesday 28th June 2016
quotequote all
skiver. said:
I'll try a little heat on it.
Worth a try, could do less damage? ...... Freeze Spray

skiver.

Original Poster:

656 posts

192 months

Tuesday 28th June 2016
quotequote all
bobfather said:
Not in my experience, I had awful trouble every time I had to remove the slotted brass plug. Swapped it for an Allen-key version 8 years ago, never had as problem since then. Where did you get the replacement plug from?
The plug was fitted during a service a few years ago as the brass one was damaged.
I've tried heating it and 'shocking'it again but reached the point where I felt something was going to give, and it wasn't going to be the plug, so I'll play safe and wait until the next service.
I'm going to Le Mans next week and can't risk breaking anything!

bobfather

11,171 posts

254 months

Tuesday 28th June 2016
quotequote all
As said above, force is not the way to go, you could end up damaging the tank. It needs a sudden jolt to fracture the galvanic corrosion.

s p a c e m a n

10,752 posts

147 months

Tuesday 28th June 2016
quotequote all
Tried doing it with the engine hot and the system pressurised??

mickh32

118 posts

114 months

Wednesday 29th June 2016
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Have you got an impact gun you could use if not try a friendly tyre fitter maybe.

ChimpOnGas

9,637 posts

178 months

Friday 1st July 2016
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Heat is the answer, heat is always the answer in such cases, if heat isn't working... quite simply you haven't got it hot enough.