Removing paddlewheel

[KenMcCulloch]

My log paddlewheel (originally came with an ST50 unit) is not keen to come out of the fitting. I should say that it's a plastic fitting through a 5/8 mahogany strake, and yes I know bronze would be better. I first tried to remove it with the boat dried out alongside after about 4 months afloat but was unable to get any movement at all. Now the boat has been ashore for a month I tried again the other day and it's still very stiff, I have only managed to move it up the tube about 5mm by pulling and wiggling from inside. If I was to use a suitable piece of wood as a drift and tap gently from outside the hull, taking care not to damage the paddlewheel itself, would that be a very bad idea or would I be better just screwing the retaining ring back on and saving up for a bronze transducer?

 

[earlybird]

A gentle tap, perhaps to and fro, may well work wonders, you can only try. It is probable however that the transducer is now rather more firmly stuck after being out of the water for some time, with the "crud" well dried out, compared with the situation immediately after being lifted out. I suggest that you try to thoroughly wet the sliding parts beforehand, or perhaps spray in plenty of WD40. The O-ring seals might also be slightly damaged in the removal process and replacement might be needed .

 

[AdrianPetts]

If you can make a seal on the underside of the wheel holder and pour in some Coke Cola and leave for 24hrs. Its worked wonders for me with metal to matal seizures. It might well work with plastic to plastic. Its worth a try before using force.

 

[Thistle]

I think I would try to avoid using any oil-based product as some plastics absorb oil and expand - this would hold the transducer in even more tightly. Have you tried lubricating it with a little water (perhaps with a drop of detergent to aid wetting)? Work it in and out, carefully cleaning the exposed surfaces each time.

 

[billcowan]

Boiling water is what plumbers use to dismantle plastic plumbing that wont come apart.

 

[simonfraser]

i'd not force it out until you have a replacement available either the money or preferably physically by the boat.
if you don't it is bound to break !

 

[KenMcCulloch]

[ QUOTE ]

i'd not force it out until you have a replacement available either the money or preferably physically by the boat.
if you don't it is bound to break !

[/ QUOTE ]
Indeed, that is the essence of my dilemma. I have to confess I hadn't thought of lubricating it, I might just give that a try before getting the big (or even a tiny wee) hammer out. Thanks for all the helpful suggestions.

 

[Slow_boat]

I second boiling water. When you refit it, smear it with silicone grease. Works wonders!