How to undo the plastic securing nut of a Whale Flipper pump?

[dutyhog]

I intend to put a service kit of washers etc into a Mk 4 Whale Flipper pump. But it's very difficult to undo the plastic securing nut. Partly because of access - not much room under the sink between bowl and bulkhead to turn a 2.25" AF spanner (and I only have an adjustable one which loves to slip off), and a fabric filter-wrench is too wide - but mainly because it is so very tight on the plastic threaded body of the pump. I've got it down about 2/3 of the way, 1/4 turn at a time, but it's getting tougher as it goes on down.

Are there any tricks? Heat, cold, oil ??? Cut/drill it off and get a new one?

And then are there any tricks for refitting so it doesn't stick so much again in 10-20 years?

Gordon

 

[sarabande]

I suspect that the thread has bits of debris in it, and this is contributing to a process known as galling, where the thread and the nut become almost welded together. At the low melting point of plastic, it is all to easy to do this.

A new one sounds like your best option.


Sorry....

 

[VicS]

I intend to put a service kit of washers etc into a Mk 4 Whale Flipper pump. But it's very difficult to undo the plastic securing nut. Partly because of access - not much room under the sink between bowl and bulkhead to turn a 2.25" AF spanner (and I only have an adjustable one which loves to slip off), and a fabric filter-wrench is too wide - but mainly because it is so very tight on the plastic threaded body of the pump. I've got it down about 2/3 of the way, 1/4 turn at a time, but it's getting tougher as it goes on down.

Are there any tricks? Heat, cold, oil ??? Cut/drill it off and get a new one?

And then are there any tricks for refitting so it doesn't stick so much again in 10-20 years?

Gordon

Maybe cut it off as there is a new one is included in AS0406 http://www.whalepumps.com/marine/si...oduct-accessories-spares/MGP_Flipper3and4.pdf

Maybe a basin wrench will fit the nut. Perhaps an adjustable one

 

[srm]

Could try screwing it back up its own length, clean the threads and apply silicone grease to them, then see if it comes off any more easily. Also, silicone grease on the threads after service may help next time you have to remove it - however lubricated threads may cause the nut to slacken off in use.

 

[Neil]

I replaced my Mk(4-n) flipper pump with a new Mk4. I had to cut the securing nut off with a chisel