removing fittings from head

4x4M38 · Post by **4x4M38** » Thu Mar 24, 2016 2:27 pm

My head has what looks to be a galvanized nipple threaded into the hole where the temperature sender goes. PO used it to tee off and install a CJ type hot water heater fitting as well as retain the sender.

Before I get horsey and just grab a pipe wrench does someone have some advice on how to best get it out without twisting it off in the head?

Tks,

Post by **wesk** » Thu Mar 24, 2016 3:49 pm

As you would with any dissimilar metals pairs of parts penetrant and heat first.

4x4M38 · Post by **4x4M38** » Thu Mar 24, 2016 6:11 pm

So plenty of Liquid Wrench, then heat on the fitting only if
possible? Allow to cool, then give it a try?

MODIFIED · Post by **MODIFIED** » Thu Mar 24, 2016 7:50 pm

I doubt Liquid Wrench will help much. Get a can of PB Blaster or Kroll and have the fitting remain saturated for a couple nights before taking a wrench to it. Thereafter, throw some heat on the fitting as Wes suggested. As the fitting cools, attempt to wrench the fitting forth and back- slightly tightening first then loosening. Continue this rocking process until the fitting gives little to no resistance.

Personally, I prefer a flare nut wrench with a cheater bar (if warranted). A pipe wrench in such tight quarters can get clumsy if not precarious.

Good luck.

4x4M38 · Post by **4x4M38** » Thu Mar 24, 2016 7:54 pm

Thanks.

I'll get some PB tomorrow. It's a pipe nipple so nothing to grab
with a wrench.

Take care,

MODIFIED · Post by **MODIFIED** » Thu Mar 24, 2016 8:00 pm

Right, I suggest you place a rod or bolt that will fit the I.D. of the nipple. A precaution should the nipple want to collapse during extraction.

4x4M38 · Post by **4x4M38** » Thu Mar 24, 2016 8:11 pm

Ah. Got it. Makes sense. Thanks.

danrothe2001 · Post by **danrothe2001** » Thu Mar 24, 2016 8:30 pm

Heat the fitting with an acetylene torch. Use lots of heat and heat it fast. Get it red hot. DO NOT HEAT THE HEAD!! Let it cool. This is the important part. The heat expands the fitting but trapped in the head it cannot get bigger, only longer. When it cools it gets smaller in all directions and shrinks. I have removed hundreds if not thousands of pipe plugs this way. Sometimes they will come out with your fingers. A little penetrant before you turn it will keep it from seizing since you have now burned all the lube out. Dan

4x4M38 · Post by **4x4M38** » Thu Mar 24, 2016 9:09 pm

Thanks Dan.