Water tank screw cap

[Fred G]

I have an 81 H30 and the Fresh water tank, and waste tank deck screw caps will not come off. The Diesel cap was easy. All caps are plastic. I tried the "Key" they make for them (A flat piece of metal with different sizeed pins for different cap sizes), and it wouldn't budge. I tried tapping it with a screwdriver and happer, but I stopped after I felt like I was cracking one of the caps. I can always break it out, but I was wondering if I was doing something wrong. ALso, can I buy just the caps instead of the whole deck fitting?

 

[Ray Bowles]

Fred, With most old or unused threaded..

fittings (including the wheel lugs on your car) if you insert the removal tool and apply steady presure and even very strong pressure the part will not budge period! You will end up ruining the part in the process. The best way to break his initial lock is with an impact. This is done by installing the removal tool, then carefully backing it up to remove all the play that occures because of the clearence between the tool and part. Now while holding firm downward and back pressure on the tool very rapidly drive the tool in the direction required to remove the plug. Use a wrench on the tool if required to get leaverage. The impact created by just this small ammount of clearence is usually enough to break it free. This is why impact tools that mechanics use always remove stuck parts. IMPACT. If you practice this move most things will come loose although you might buy a few fittings learning this move. But what do you have to lose. Ask a experenced mechanic to show you this. Ray

 

[Peggie Hall/Head Mistress]

Yes, you can buy just replacement caps

Since "water," "waste" etc is etched in the flange on the fitting, all the caps are the same. You can prevent the problem in the future by lubricating the threads occasionally.