Water tank filler cap

[John Rousch]

A new challenge has developed as the filler cap on the water tank seems to be fused on the pipe going into the trailer. I have applied WD-40 and a pipe wrench and it will not budge to the point that the outside aluminum would start to bend.

Any ideas how to get this thing unstuck?

Thanks,

John

[BambiTex]

1. Try spraying it with a product called PB Blaster (available at AutoZone, Home Depot, etc). Best product I have found for freeing corroded parts.
2. If that fails, you can try using a torch to carefully heat the metal which should break the corrosive bond.

[mimiandrews]

Word of advice about that water filler cap...
When you do get it loose, make it a habit to put it in your pocket (and nowhere else) every time you remove it from the filler neck. Inland RV stocks replacements in case you do what I did before I made this rule.

[John Rousch]

Thanks, on my way to HD to get the solvent later today

[eubank]

Those things can be a pain on ours, too. Wondering if a coating of bee's wax might help in the future.
Lynn

[TomKirk]

PB Blaster works great. But I wouldn't want it in my drinking water.

I'll bet the gasket has rusted to the filler neck. Boiling water has a way of loosening things like that.

To prevent future seizing, and as a measure of routine maintenance, the cap needs to be removed periodically. A light coating of vegie oil wouldn't hurt either.

Tom

[eubank]

You know, another simple lubricant we have used is plain, unscented hand soap.

[wvstreamer]

Plumber's grease.

[switz]

White food grade grease.

[John Rousch]

Well it is still stuck, and the PB Blast didn't have any effect, I'll try the torch later today, very frustrating.

I may wind up cutting it off, re-threading the pipe and get a new cap.

Thanks for the ideas.

John

[eubank]

No fret. You can buy a new water fill neck with cap. I think that VTS may stock them, but shop around, including on ebay. And put some non-toxic lubricant on the new one.
Lynn