Pump lid stuck

[Newmanium]

Greetings,

I have a Hayward 3100d pump lid that is beyond stuck. I’ve read everything I can find on how to unstick it but it won’t budge even with the correct tool. The pump isn’t bolted to the concrete which makes it much harder. I’m afraid I’m going to destroy the plumbing if I use any more leverage.
I have a new lid on order because I know I’m going to have to break it. Is it best to bust it with a hammer or try to cut it?

 

[wgipe]

Greetings,

I have a Hayward 3100d pump lid that is beyond stuck. I’ve read everything I can find on how to unstick it but it won’t budge even with the correct tool. The pump isn’t bolted to the concrete which makes it much harder. I’m afraid I’m going to destroy the plumbing if I use any more leverage.
I have a new lid on order because I know I’m going to have to break it. Is it best to bust it with a hammer or try to cut it?

As crazy as it sounds, have you tried running a hairdryer on it? Sometimes if the wrong o-ring lubricant is used, it can get super sticky. The heat helps to soften it and will sometimes allow you to break it free. You’ll want to be a little careful - hot is good. Too hot is broke.
EDIT: Just noticed you are in TX. Heat likely won’t help you….

 

[Rancho Cost-a-Lotta]

Make sure you relieve the pressure from the plumbing system by opening the air relief valve on the filter. You might want to try to construct a tool that fits in the slot of the cover to provide you with some leverage.

 

[Texas Splash]

I was going to say pour hot water over it. If the lid had tabs (ears) tap them with a rubber mallet. Definitely release the pressure at the filter.

 

[Newmanium]

I’ve tried the hair dryer and hot water. I’ve tried with pump running and pressure relieved as well. I’ve used a mallet, the wire tool, the Hayward tool. I think the lube has ‘welded’ it. I can’t break it free. I’ll try it all again tomorrow, but I am certain it’s going to have to be broken. I just don’t know the best way to do it.

 

[Texas Splash]

Tricks from other threads that finally worked:
- Strap wrench
- Keep tapping around the lid (top-down and bottom-up edging) to try and release the seal (careful; take your time)
- Use of a long breaker bar for leverage
- Tapping the "ears" counterclockwise with a mallet and piece of wood; some have used two mallets at the same time.
- Some have luck trying to remove with the system ON while there is pressure on the O-ring
- Alternate hit & cold water

 

[JamesW]

Use the tool to put some torque on the lid as someone turns the pump on and off.

Use your foot to stabilize the pump so that you can use more force without damaging the plumbing.

 

[ferretbone]

Dude your not going to break that lid. You will break the top of the pump first. If it gets down to the last option you will want to cut the lid not hammer it.

Someone told me to use spray silicon, spraying in between the lid and pump housing. Do that first. I have had lots of luck using a 2 foot long 4x4 to hammer the wrench handle on sand filter lids that would not move. Use the 4x4 like a battering ram on the wrench handle. After you spray silicon or penetrating oil under the lid.

 

[Newmanium]

Victory!
I was finally able to break it free. It took a whole lot of muscle, the wrench, a mallet, and my wife. I had to hold and pull while she hammered away, but it finally broke loose!

 

[Newdude]

 

[Texas Splash]