Vetus sea water strainer lid stuck - tips and techniques pls

[PhillM]

Was playing around with engine winterizing stuff today. In previous years, I have opened the sea water strainer, cleared it (only necessary once) and then filled the sea water side of the engine with antifreeze.

Today I could not budge the lid. I am trying to unscrew using my hands. When I applied force by griping the X on top with a wide mouthed grip tool, I head a "crack" so that's when I stopped. Anyone got at tips and tricks?

Not sure of the exact model, but it looks like this one:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/i/3022985907...=9045796&device=c&campaignid=857333700&crdt=0

 

[Billba]

I have had success in the past using rubber handled pliers and a large screwdriver. Open the pliers and place them handle side down to engage the plastic cross. Using a gloved hand to apply downward pressure to maintain engagement pass the screwdriver between the handles and apply unscrewing pressure. It does rather depend on the space available of course. Cheers Bill

 

[sailaboutvic]

Ok I had one of these on my other boat , YES right pig to undo , I ended cutting a X in a piece of ply wood , then putting a few screws in here and there ,
All I had to do was to place the ply wood X on to the lid then use a long screw driver between two of the screw to lever the top open .
Have I explained that properly so you can understand ?
Properly not

 

[PCUK]

Have you tried pouring boiling water over it to make it expand?

 

[alancollins]

Vetus sell a plastic wrench to fit over the mouldings on the top of the lid. I made one out of plywood.

 

[Robin]

Vetus sell a plastic wrench to fit over the mouldings on the top of the lid. I made one out of plywood.

Good idea. I used to use one of those handy adjustable rubber strap wrench do hickies on one boat and another which had a moulded nut on the strainee lid, used mole grips swathed in soft rag. After thsat used silicone grease on the threads every time and had no more problems.

 

[jwilson]

My original one became so stuck I broke the mounting lugs on the body trying to undo it. Now (new one) I use plenty of silicone grease on the rubber ring and threads, and it doesn't seem to stick. Hold the body when undoing it if stuck ..... new ones aren't cheap.

 

[johnalison]

My Vetus strainer is of an older and different design but I have a similar problem with the shower strainer. Although not the same exactly, a plastic wrench such as described is really essential, though a strap wrench should also work. I normally lubricate with PTFE gel before returning the lid.

 

[PhillM]

Thanks chaps a good set of ideas there. I shall go hunting for that tool and see if that fixes my issue.

Edit: Found it:

https://www.vetus-shop.com/filter-lid-removal-wrench-for-vetus-ftr330-series-p-3252.html

Not cheap for what it is, but I guess worth having aboard in case of a blocked filter at sea.

Thanks again everyone.

 

[Skylark]

A Pound Shop oil filter wrench will remove the lid, without damage, in a matter of seconds. Mine has an orange, plastic grip/handle with a long, about 20mm wide, soft rubber strap.

 

[ghostlymoron]

I've read previous accounts of breaking the lid when trying to remove it. The tips given should solve the problem. When I fitted one recently, I lubricated the plastic thread with Vaseline (I know silicone grease is recommended but I didn't have any). Although I no longer have that yacht, I had no problems during the time I had it.

 

[NormanS]

Thanks chaps a good set of ideas there. I shall go hunting for that tool and see if that fixes my issue.

Edit: Found it:

https://www.vetus-shop.com/filter-lid-removal-wrench-for-vetus-ftr330-series-p-3252.html

Not cheap for what it is, but I guess worth having aboard in case of a blocked filter at sea.

Thanks again everyone.

My piece of wood, shaped to fit, works perfectly and cost nothing.

 

[RichardS]

I keep a strap wrench on board as it's useful for water strainers, oil filters, fresh water filter, fuel filters, etc

Richard

 

[pandos]

Thanks chaps a good set of ideas there. I shall go hunting for that tool and see if that fixes my issue.

Edit: Found it:

https://www.vetus-shop.com/filter-lid-removal-wrench-for-vetus-ftr330-series-p-3252.html

Not cheap for what it is, but I guess worth having aboard in case of a blocked filter at sea.

Thanks again everyone.

I used a piece of flat fan belt /timing belt pinched in a vice grips, acts as a simple filter wrench, have the top very clean so you get some friction....

 

[NormanS]

I used a piece of flat fan belt /timing belt pinched in a vice grips, acts as a simple filter wrench, have the top very clean so you get some friction....

PBO

 

[Robin]

PBO

PBO or Blue peter it does the job with available materials and the commercial strap wrenches are merely a patented version of that idea.

MERcan TV ads currently have a robot lid opener

$19.99 and on Amazon even and buy one get one free currently. of course a bulkhead mounted filter would make it hard to use as the robot would jam on it. see video in link below

https://www.buyrobotwist.com/?gclid...YZcBBIzSikQUkUTHoatyLWhOUmzvmdPBoC4HgQAvD_BwE

 

[Pasarell]

A Pound Shop oil filter wrench will remove the lid, without damage, in a matter of seconds. Mine has an orange, plastic grip/handle with a long, about 20mm wide, soft rubber strap.

+1 and then use silicone grease to make it really easy. On last boat used a pair of adjustable pliers one time and then had to buy a new lid!

 

[PhillM]

+1 and then use silicone grease to make it really easy. On last boat used a pair of adjustable pliers one time and then had to buy a new lid!

Ah yes, ditto, I suspect that was the result of today’s misadventure, lesson learned.

 

[John 32i]

Thanks Phill, having done exactly the same thing on a Saturday I will be ordering a replacement top and a wrench today!!

 

[ghostlymoron]

I can't see the point of doing this when you can get one from poundland.

I used a piece of flat fan belt /timing belt pinched in a vice grips, acts as a simple filter wrench, have the top very clean so you get some friction....