1989 sundancer water cap stuck Australia

Ernie Symes

Ernie Symes

New Member
Nov 17, 2019
11
Bribie Island Queensland Australia
Boat Info
1989 Sundancer 268 Navman Tracker 5507 gps 2x 4.3 v6 Mercruisers
Engines
2 x 4.3Lt v6 Mercruiser inboards
Hi new second hand boat owner in Australia, I can’t remove water fill cap located port side rear ( stainless) I’ve lubricated , hammered and screwdriver/ hammered with no success. Tried both directions, HELP THANKS
 
Maybe consider heating with a "Heat Gun", no flame to see if that helps break it loose. here is a rubber O ring on the cap that will most likely need replaced after. Be careful not to get it too hot where it scorches the fiberglass. Other option if you can - take it off and work on it. If it is that stubborn, may just need replaced anyway.
 
Ernie Symes said:
Hi new second hand boat owner in Australia, I can’t remove water fill cap located port side rear ( stainless) I’ve lubricated , hammered and screwdriver/ hammered with no success. Tried both directions, HELP THANKS
Click to expand...

If you can get at it replace the hole fill cap
 
Korkie said:
Maybe consider heating with a "Heat Gun", no flame to see if that helps break it loose. here is a rubber O ring on the cap that will most likely need replaced after. Be careful not to get it too hot where it scorches the fiberglass. Other option if you can - take it off and work on it. If it is that stubborn, may just need replaced anyway.
Click to expand...
Great idea , didn’t think of heat gun . As I said to express , have to remove blower pipes etc to undo nuts will give it a go thank you kindly. Ernie
 
Another thing to try is dripping some CLR around the perimeter of the cap, and let it soak for an hour or so. If it is corroded, lubricant won't do anything for you. Just be careful not to get it on your gelcoat.
 
You could also try alternating applications of heat and cold. Heat then apply ice, or spray something cold like a compressed air dusting spray for rapid cooling.

You could also try getting the entire fitting warm with a long-ish heat application so, then hit only the cap with a cold spray. That might shrink the cap enough to break it free.

I'm sure you thought of this, but be careful how you apply heat. Even a no-flame electric heat gun can get very very hot. Hot enough to scorch / burn the gelcoat around the fitting. A safer (but longer) way would be to use a standard hair dryer.
 
Gee all you people think outside the box , it’s fantastic help , just had an eye operation so in the next few days I’ll try the methods. Clr nice suggestion , I TrueDepth lefty rightly, fuel cap is lefty undo thanks all Ern
 
Another thing worth mentioning is that whatever liquid you use, whether it be CLR or some kind of lubricant, has to make it past the rubber O-ring in order to reach the threads. You might consider sacrificing that O-ring by cutting it up with a thin blade, like an exacto knife so that the penetrant makes it where it can actually do some good.
 
b_arrington said:
You could also try alternating applications of heat and cold. Heat then apply ice, or spray something cold like a compressed air dusting spray for rapid cooling.

You could also try getting the entire fitting warm with a long-ish heat application so, then hit only the cap with a cold spray. That might shrink the cap enough to break it free.

I'm sure you thought of this, but be careful how you apply heat. Even a no-flame electric heat gun can get very very hot. Hot enough to scorch / burn the gelcoat around the fitting. A safer (but longer) way would be to use a standard hair dryer.
Click to expand...
Nice suggestions, try on weekend
Korkie said:
Maybe consider heating with a "Heat Gun", no flame to see if that helps break it loose. here is a rubber O ring on the cap that will most likely need replaced after. Be careful not to get it too hot where it scorches the fiberglass. Other option if you can - take it off and work on it. If it is that stubborn, may just need replaced anyway.
Click to expand...
ill give it a go ta
 
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