Does anyone know if there is a special tool for opening the water tank? I just purchased a 2006 Beneteau 373 and can't get the thing open. It's the opening on the actual tank (not the deck fill). I'd like to take a look inside and check out the cleanliness! Thanks!
Tool for opening water tank?
- Thread starter FirstSummer
- Start date
- Status
If the cap is extended enough, you could use a strap-wrench to get the extra leverage you need to open it. FWIW, I found a good strap-wrench at my local NAPA store.
I had the same problem. I used a pair of Channel-Lock Pliers that have a rubber coated handle, basically normal slip ring pliers, and placed the tips of the handle into the ends of the slot of the plastic molded cap. Basically it acts like a spanner wrench. It forms an upright triangle.
Then it was easy to use another wrench or screwdriver to provide torque to twist it open while pressing downward so the handle tips remain in the cap. I guess the handle does not have to be rubber coated but mine were.
Since you need to press down on the jaw end of the pliers, I used a rag as padding to protect my hand.
Good luck.
Then it was easy to use another wrench or screwdriver to provide torque to twist it open while pressing downward so the handle tips remain in the cap. I guess the handle does not have to be rubber coated but mine were.
Since you need to press down on the jaw end of the pliers, I used a rag as padding to protect my hand.
Good luck.
The caps on neither tank had ever been taken off our 1996 OC 351 when we bought it in 2010. I ended up taking a piece of 1"x2" oak and tapping the oak with a hammer against the cap recessed lugs. Did not take more than a couple of firm taps. I coated the threads and gaskets good with silicone grease before replacing. Have not had any problem opening since.
Perhaps you have what my 2006 B323 has? It's like a recessed "X" in a plastic plate? Looks like the port in the holding tank, also? I took a 1 x 2 about 14 inches long, and cut some of the length away from both ends about 1/2 of the 2" width to make the remainder as long as would fit in one of the "X" cross-slots. Longer than 14 inches increases the force applied. Yeah, the sucker's really stuck in there. Also, lub the o ring and tighten it well or it will leak!
I used a piece of plywood slightly thinner than the groove. Gave me a lot of purchase to torque it open.
Make sure you tighten it enough when you close it else mvp will spill when you heel. I did smear the threads and seal with Vaseline to help seal.
Make sure you tighten it enough when you close it else mvp will spill when you heel. I did smear the threads and seal with Vaseline to help seal.
- Status