Suggestions Needed

[PresTx82]

I've taken apart my gas tank assembly on my Coleman stove for cleaning and cannot get the gas cap off the tank. It's on tight. I've soaked it with liquid wrench, WD-40, etc. I don't want to use my pliers with brute force as I don't want to put deep gouges in the gas cap. It's in prestine condition. I started to do it and made little "teeth marks" in the cap already.

Is there any little tricks I've overlooked before I engage in brute force?

[rainjer]

Take the center screw out of the cap. The outer part should come off then. You will then need pry of the center piece. You will need to replace the gasket or get a replacement cap.

Jeremy

[PresTx82]

I tried that and its still stuck on real good.



I've used pliers and vise grips and put some good teeth marks in the gas cap. It "was" in good shape. I turned it upside down and put more liquid wrench on it. I'll go out and use brute force next. It's the only thing left.

[Mark72]

If the threads are rusted and it won't turn even with the center screw out of the cap spray some PB Blaster down the screw hole and wait a couple of days spraying periodically. that should soften the corrosion and let you take it off.

Mark

[doug hodder]

You might try padding the jaws of whatever tool you are using with some gasket rubber, can pick it up at about any hardware store. I broke a new screw driver doing what you are trying there....did put a 1/4" open end wrench on the driver shank though...one tough screw...crappy HD 20 piece set of screwdrivers. Doug

[Juneaudave]

These simple things always start so innocently.........

[PresTx82]

Thanks for the suggestions.

I got it off with a pair of visegrips and put the death grip on it. Nice teeth marks in it now. I did try wrapping it in a piece of leather and some rubber, but it kept slipping marking up the cap anyway. Oh well.

I got all the brass soaking in white vinegar for the night.

I got chunks of crap in the gas tank. Besides filling it up with some BBs and shaking it it around loosening up the "chunks of crap", anyone find an alternative method of cleaning the inside of the tank? I just don't have the BBs at this time!

[doug hodder]

Mark...I wouldn't sweat the cap thing... That cap is the older style, and the newer ones are a safer alternative. No one will hold your feet to the fire on some marks on the cap....and the new ones can be painted to match. I know...it's just not the same thing and you like it to be all original.

On the BB's....I'd do it dry, no liquid in the tank and if it's damp from fuel, blow it out and get it dry before you dump them in. Run a lot of air through it to get out all the loose crud afterwards. I blow out the tank with the air hose and it's amazing at how much junk can come out of one. I haven't had to do much tank interior cleaning so don't really know of any other trick other than the BB's. Just thinking...if you think it might be a problem to get them all out due to the shape of the tank at the openings, might use a steel BB...you can fish them out with a magnet if there are some that are difficult to get out. Doug

[PresTx82]

All I need now is a .85 cent "Filler Cap Insert Gasket" to do the function test! It just seems so wrong to send away for it and pay $5.00 for postage and handling.

[rainjer]

Order from Fred Kuntz. They are $.25 each. His catalog id in the links sticky at the top of the Vintage Camping Equipment forum. Just make a list of what you want & send him a check. He ships very fast.

(You could use the cap of your lantern)

Jeremy

[PresTx82]

Good idea on using the lantern cap.

I don't see a link for a "Fred Kuntz" parts list. Just this one:

http://www.oldtownyucca.com/coleman/

[PresTx82]

I did a search and found it on the forum.

http://www.mikenchell.com/images/Fred_Kuntz_Catalog.pdf

Its not in the sticky. Someone might want to update the sticky, I found several good links on the forum not posted up there.

[rainjer]

Right here.

http://tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?t=27073

Last item in Doug's first post.

Jeremy

[doug hodder]

Mark, if you have some links go ahead and post them up there in the sticky. They don't need to be tagged onto my first post. Doug

[PresTx82]

I cleaned her up, used pellets for a pellet gun instead of BBs to clean out the gas tank and temporarily used my lantern's gas cap for the gas tank for the light test. I got her running now to get the air bubbles and/or anything else in the line burned off.



I'm not going to paint the stove as it wasn't in that bad of shape. I did rub her down with a little car wax. She'll be going with me to the woods the next time I go out. I'm also sending for my gas tank gasket from Fred Kuntz. he has the best prices. his shipping is .50 cents compared to "oldtown" Coleman which was $5.00.