Stuck deckplate..holding tank pumpout!

[D. Stump, Hanalei]

The bronze deckplate in the forward starboard cockpit sole on Hanalei is stuck! I haven't been able to free it with an application of WD-40. Does anyone know of an easy way to free it? Sure would like to be able to pump out the holding tank instead of trapsing way out to sea to overboard discharge the stuff!! Thanks for any help....

Dave Stump
Captain Commanding
s/v Hanalei CD-30

[Ed Haley]

I resorted to the following method to free a stuck diesel deckplate when just about out of fuel.

I used a pair of needle-nosed pliers and an adjustable crescent wrench to free the recalcitrant plate. After I sprayed the plate with WD-40, I put the tips of the needle-nosed pliers in the two small holes in the deckplate and used the crescent wrench to turn the pliers while pushing down on the pliers. The knack is to keep the tips of the pliers from coming out of theholes while turning. A helping hand may prove invaluable. Good luck!



eghaley@dreamscape.com

[Richard Feffer]

You might try tapping the plate with a hammer. The shock from the hammer blows will most likely break the seizure which is holding the two pieces together. This method had worked wonders in the past in freeing frozen parts.

The bronze deckplate in the forward starboard cockpit sole on analei is stuck! I haven't been able to free it with an application of WD-40. Does anyone know of an easy way to free it? Sure would like to be able to pump out the holding tank instead of trapsing way out to sea to overboard discharge the stuff!! Thanks for any help....

Dave Stump
Captain Commanding
s/v Hanalei CD-30

RichFef@prodigy.net

[Tony Raymond]

Dave, same thing happened to me. I have the slotted type and I bent the cap wrench (1/8" stainless) with vise grips trying to unscrew it.
Then, after pondering a while, I remembered an old trick. I put the wrench in and tapped the end to turn the cap Clockwise, as if to tighten. There was just enough room on the thread to break it free and it then unscrewed easily. It appeared to have been frozen by some of that nasty white calcification crud that grows in head systems. I now lube it good with grease and never tighten it to tight so I always have a little bit left if I have to use my trick again. I hope it works for you.

Tony



tony.raymond@worldnet.att.net

[Ed Haley]

The method with the needle-nosed pliers and adjustable crescent wrench works as well with the slotted deck plates. Just be sure the pliers are sturdy enough to take the stress.



eghaley@dreamscape.com