Pump basket lid stuck...am I crazy to....

[kchacker]

I'm a new pool owner and have been diligently cleaning, lubing o-rings, etc. Two weeks ago I cleaned out all of the baskets, cleaned off the o-ring, applied new lube, put the lid back on hand tight only.

Now the **** thing won't come off. I've used two channel locks on each side wrenching away, hit it with a hammer, tried everything I could that I wasn't going to damage the pump. Won't move. Been trying for a week.

My lid and o-ring were already in poor shape and I had already ordered them. Lid is here, o-ring should be here today or tomorrow. I don't want to beat on the pump any more, I'm afraid of breaking something. Would I be crazy to cut the lid off with a RotoZip?

 

[Richard320]

What kind of lid? Does it have ears on the side, or a handle across the top? There was a picture here somewhere showing how someone used a spading fork as a wrench on the handle.

 

[kchacker]

This is the lid. I've thought about putting something together specifically to open it but haven't gotten around to it. I'm not sure if I could generate enough torque with something directly above the lid. A garden tiller I used to have may have done the trick but given the current stuckedness, I doubt it. Something to think about for the future, though.

 

[Richard320]

If something like that won't do it, then you probably will have to cut.

 

[kchacker]

If something like that won't do it, then you probably will have to cut.

I did some digging through other "lid stuck" threads but don't recall seeing that. It's perfect. I'm not sure if I'll have the room to maneuver because of the plumbing but I'm certainly going to give that a try.

Thanks for digging the pic up for me.

 

[duraleigh]

I have never had to loosen one but I would tap it pretty solid with a rubber mallet while applying the twisting motion needed to turn it.

 

[blakeusa]

I just un-stuck a very frozen or stuck on cover just like that last week.

1. I used large channel lock pliers on one side with cloth covering the plastic

and

2. A rubber maillot on the other side

So I was twisting and pounding at the same time on opposite ends if that makes sense.... and off it came slowly.

 

[kchacker]

I didn't check back in to see the last two responses prior to taking the angle grinder to it. blakeusa - your solution may have worked but I'm not sure. I used channel locks on both sides and couldn't get it to budge. I found out the pump also isn't anchored to the pad - this new house is full of lovely surprises.

It was a serious pain to get off, even after grinding some pie wedges out of the top of the lid. Because the threads run down into the pump housing I couldn't cut that, but I managed to break a chunk off and get it out. I did damage the steel ring that runs on the inside of the o-ring, but the seal appears to be solid.

AND I DIDN'T OVERTIGHTEN IT!!!!

Now about finding a 30 year old pitch fork....I'm hoping the new lid doesn't give me as much trouble. I'll find out in a week.

 

[MSpitz]

I have the lid pictured on my 1hp pump basket. Sometimes I use a plastic tipped wood clamp to remove lid.

 

[mknauss]

Welcome!

Be careful responding to really old threads. You might start a new one if you have a specific issue.

Be sure you keep your gasket on the pump lid well lubed with Pool Lube.

Take care.

 

[MSpitz]

I do have a specific issue, Stuck lid. It may be an old thread but it's same issue.

 

[chiefwej]

If it's the same lid, it's a Hayward, and they make a tool for opening the lid.