I can't unscrew my eyeball return

[richierich]

I removed the 2 pieces (I think they are called the directional and the eyeball) but I can't unscrew the other seated part. I even used the hayward seat removal tool. I want to plug this for winter so water doesn't get in there since I use a mesh cover. Couple of questions

1) Would a rubber expandable plug even work? If so, what # to get?
2) Any tips on how to unscrew the seat thing?
3) If I did get water damage in there is that a difficult thing to replace. Note I have on the aquadar so everything is fine with the skimmer.

 

[Catanzaro]

I would not use the black plug as you will still leak air and water will slowly siphon back in the lines. You will have to get a good grip. Try slight pressure with large pliers and turn counter clockwise slowly. We had the same issue at a home and this worked. Assuming I am understanding your post. You could also try a little bit of hot water. This is one of the underlying reasons why my eyeball returns are not tightened all the way. No need to have any water damage as you will get this removed.

 

[Chemnut]

A small putty knife can help if you don't have a removal tool.

 

[richierich]

Thanks I'll try the plyers thing. Regarding the putty knife, mine is slightly too big to fit in the hole

 

[PoolguyinCT]

Sp1419 removal tool.. Catanzaro large plyers will likely remove it, but you may also end up with half stuck in the wall-- real peal pain the rear. Order the appropriate tool or buy a smaller putty knife

 

[richierich]

Sp1419 removal tool.. Catanzaro large plyers will likely remove it, but you may also end up with half stuck in the wall-- real peal pain the rear. Order the appropriate tool or buy a smaller putty knife

I have that removal tool, couldn't get it to turn. I'll look for a smaller putty knife

 

[Plastered]

Assuming you're talking about the threaded part of the fitting being stuck, I had this problem. I drilled a hole through the sides of my eyeball wrench so I could push a screwdriver through. This let me turn it like a tire wrench and it did the trick easily.

 

[Catanzaro]

Assuming you're talking about the threaded part of the fitting being stuck, I had this problem. I drilled a hole through the sides of my eyeball wrench so I could push a screwdriver through. This let me turn it like a tire wrench and it did the trick easily.

I like it! Did you try the removal tool and other methods before drilling the holes?

 

[richierich]

Assuming you're talking about the threaded part of the fitting being stuck, I had this problem. I drilled a hole through the sides of my eyeball wrench so I could push a screwdriver through. This let me turn it like a tire wrench and it did the trick easily.

oh interesting........ did you have to replace that piece though after you drilled the holes?

 

[JamesW]

You can use an adjustable wrench on the eyeball removal tool.

 

[Plastered]

All my jets use an eyeball wrench either on the outer collar or the inner threaded piece under the eyeball, so I assumed you have the same. No damage to the wrench (a $5 plastic piece) or the jet return parts. My pool is old, the couplings tend to seize, so a screwdriver or small rod gives just enough extra leverage to loosen them. I couldn't use an adjustable wrench on mine since some are recessed.

 

[dw9000]

I had the same problem a few years back. I ended up getting the channel locks out and twisting it off. I have no idea how it got so tight.

The past few springs, I applied a little anti seeze before installing and I haven't had issues.

https://cloudfront.zoro.com/product/full/Z063uwfo5oy.JPG

 

[richierich]

You can use an adjustable wrench on the eyeball removal tool.

Boom! That was it. As soon as I twisted the removal tool with a pair of pliers it unscrewed. Thanks to all who responded!

 

[JamesW]

 

[richierich]

I'm back here a year later, same problem. I tried the pliers with the seat removal tool and I can't get it out. Any other ideas? Would WD 40 work? I drained to below the return

Also in the future would that loctite anti seize that someone posted be ok for the plastic connections? I'm going to buy that for when I put the eyeball back on in April

 

[richierich]

got it out, had to go back in the pool. I used the removal tool and the biggest pliers I had and gripped as much of the tool as I could with the pliers and twisted hard. The piece bent and cracked a bit. Will have to buy a new piece, no biggie. I'm going to look into that locktite anti seize stuff for next year

 

[JamesW]

A little bit of silicone lubricant on the threads can make a big difference.

 

[richierich]

A little bit of silicone lubricant on the threads can make a big difference.

Should I put that on at the beginning of the season so it can come off easier in the fall? Like a WD40 makes a silicon lubricant

 

[JamesW]

Magic lube II is good. Get red label silicone not regular Magic lube in the blue label with teflon.

 

[Catanzaro]

About every 2 weeks with the filter off, I remove the eyeball returns to inspect and make sure that nothing is wrong. Never do I tighten all the way (always leave a little gap) as I have had friends tighten them like they were going to fall out. Leaving room is fine as well. Follow advice from James with silicone lubricant.