Remove rusted expansion tank
#1
01-02-20, 03:48 PM
Remove rusted expansion tank
Today I started the process of removing my old expansion tank and the damn tank appears to be rusted. Not having any luck getting that tank to budge when trying to remove from air separator. Any suggestions on how to get the tank off? I'm afraid I'm going to break something. Thanks for any help!
#2
01-02-20, 04:55 PM
Try two pipe wrenches, torqueing in opposite directions.
Why are you replacing the tank? Because of rust? Can you provide a better pix of the rust? A bit of rust on the shell of the tank probably wouldn't be a significant problem.
Why are you replacing the tank? Because of rust? Can you provide a better pix of the rust? A bit of rust on the shell of the tank probably wouldn't be a significant problem.
#3
01-02-20, 05:39 PM
Oh, I mean the threads are rusted in the air separator so it isn't breaking loose when trying to spin it off. When someone installed it they didn't use thread tape.
#4
01-02-20, 10:11 PM
Ah, think maybe I should have asked is there any tricks or tips on loosening pipes with rusted threads. I can't believe they didn't use thread tape or pipe dope. And just to add to my misery, I see my fill valve threads are all rusted too and that fill valve I just determined is not holding steady 12 psi. Damn.
#5
01-03-20, 07:43 AM
Assuming that the first expansion tank is not leaking, you can leave it there and install a second expansion tank, space permitting, and that will fix pressure problems associated with expansion tanks.
Then remove the first expansion tank at your leisure.
Then remove the first expansion tank at your leisure.
#6
01-03-20, 08:05 AM
Get some liquid wrench.
Squirt some up onto the threads.
Then take a strip of cloth tie it around the pipe push it up to the threads and soak it with liquid wrench.
You could also tie/tape a plastic bag around the pipe and tank fitting to keep it from dripping and keep moist etc.
Give it a couple days and try again to remove the tank.
Squirt some up onto the threads.
Then take a strip of cloth tie it around the pipe push it up to the threads and soak it with liquid wrench.
You could also tie/tape a plastic bag around the pipe and tank fitting to keep it from dripping and keep moist etc.
Give it a couple days and try again to remove the tank.
#7
01-03-20, 12:19 PM
Thanks for the cloth/liquid wrench suggestion! Going to try that and give another attempt to remove it in a couple of days.
#9
01-03-20, 04:23 PM
If you cannot get it off using 2 wrenches, try applying some heat (with water drained of course).
If someone used thread sealant that hardens, it acts like adhesive making removal difficult.
If someone used thread sealant that hardens, it acts like adhesive making removal difficult.
#10
01-06-20, 10:21 AM
Success! was able to remove it. Think the penetrating oil was just enough to get that unstuck!
