Hi All, Having some issues trying to remove the tank spigot on an Aladdin 1A. I've tried soaking in WD40, Heat etc etc but just can't seem to get it to budge. Any advice greatly appreciated Thanks in advance.
I have had success with Coleman tanks by putting the whole assembly in a vice and then using a strap wrench to twist the tank. Go easy on it as the increase in diameter gives much more force/mechanical advantage
1st, WD40 is not a penetrating oil. Use Kroil, 50/50 mix of acetone and automatic transmission fluid, or any other commercial liquid that bills itself as a penetrating oil. Coleman founts used a hardening thread sealant. I occasionally have to heat the valve until the sealant bubbles before the valve will come loose. (strip the valve first, as you have already done). As above, clamp the valve in a padded vise then turn the fount. Sometimes just gripping the fount by hand is sufficient, other times a strap wrench is required. Be sure to keep the strap wrench at the rim of the fount where it is strongest and keep torque at right angles to the valve threads.
Just for info, there is a fitting with the pick up tube screwed and soldered into the tank. The assembly block is then screwed onto this fitting. Too much heat will melt the solder for this fitting and it could unscrew together with the assembly block.
Thanks Nils. I had the tank filled with water while I was heating the area so the solder around the pick up tube wouldn't melt. @reece williams The only Penetrating oil I can get here is the CRC brand, waiting for it to arrive.
Scott, the assembly block tightens down on an aluminium seal. It can be hard to undo. Penetrating fluid and time. I hold the block in a vice and turn the tank. Australian Aladdin 1A Fettle
I fit a lead washer here as they are much easier to replace and it shouldn't get hot enough to melt at that point.
@Fireexit1, @reeceWilliams, @JEFF JOHNSON, @ROBBO55, @Nils Stephenson Strap Wrench did the trick, Thanks for all your advise, really appreciated.
