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imikeh
Samba Member
Joined: June 21, 2013
Posts: 56
Location: Midwestern USA
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 Posted: Mon Sep 08, 2014 6:24 pm Post subject: How to remove broken coolant sensor thread from tank |
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Got a new coolant tank from GW old one was leaking. Put old coolant level sensor in. light torque with socket. Test drove around block and boom. Coolant level sensor shot out like cork. part is still screwed in tank like a black ring. any ideas on how to remove?
Oh yea 91 auto westy multi
Last edited by imikeh on Tue Sep 09, 2014 6:20 am; edited 1 time in total |
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imikeh
Samba Member
Joined: June 21, 2013
Posts: 56
Location: Midwestern USA
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| Posted: Tue Sep 09, 2014 6:19 am Post subject: How to remove broken coolant sensor thread from tank |
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Hoping I don't have to buy new tank.
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JudoJeff
Samba Member
Joined: May 24, 2013
Posts: 1179
Location: Near Springfield, MA
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| Posted: Tue Sep 09, 2014 6:56 am Post subject: |
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Can you push it into tank? Or thread it all the way into the tank? Photo isn't clear, so I'm just putting out thoughts. If what's stuck is plastic, try heating up a screwdriver and inserting it, then unthread it. Good luck.
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1987 Vanagon GL Westfalia Camper, Bostig & Rebuilt, sold
1986 Vanagon GL Westfalia Camper, Bostig Sold May 10, 2021
1999 Ford GTRV Westfalia camper (30% bigger Westy layout) |
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blackglasspirate
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Joined: June 24, 2006
Posts: 1612
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| Posted: Tue Sep 09, 2014 7:12 am Post subject: |
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I had that happen once on a trip and used a potato (cut to size) to screw into the hole and bump the threads to loosen them up. I also used it to plug the hole till I got home. Then again, that was an emergency road trip fix, so your options are more varied than mine.
You could also use some epoxy or something to glue something of a similar diameter to the top lip of those stuck threads so you can get a grip on it. Maybe some PVC that's about the same size that's long enough to stick out of the top of the tank so you can turn it.
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hdenter
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Joined: October 14, 2008
Posts: 2754
Location: San Luis Obispo, CA
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| Posted: Tue Sep 09, 2014 8:39 am Post subject: |
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Go to a hardware store and get a tool for removing broken plumbing nipples. I thing they are called EZ Outs. They come in different sizes and I think a larger one will work. I would not use the hot tool method for fear of accidently melting something adjacent and then ruining the tank.
Good Luck!
Hans
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'79 triple white convertible bug
'84 sunroof vanagon
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atomatom
Samba Member
Joined: May 15, 2012
Posts: 1867
Location: in an 84 Westy or Bowen Island, BC
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| Posted: Tue Sep 09, 2014 9:03 am Post subject: |
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before you extract it, make sure that is not actually the threads the sensor screws into!
i had this happen too. if there was anything left, it moved pretty easily with my thumb. it is a good thing those sensors are cheap, readily available and blow up easily. saves having to find a replacement for an obscure NLA hose.
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vanis13
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Joined: August 15, 2010
Posts: 3100
Location: ABQ NM USA.... Except when not
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| Posted: Tue Sep 09, 2014 9:12 am Post subject: |
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| hdenter wrote: |
| I thing they are called EZ Outs. |
Lots of time those are for smaller diameter applications. The logic is the same though, get something in there to dig into the part needing to be moved to create the friction.
A sprinkler head remover tends to be a bigger dia but not sure if this big.
What comes to mind for me is a tapered putty knife. push it in until the edges cut into the edges and twist.
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Terry Kay
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Joined: June 22, 2003
Posts: 13331
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| Posted: Tue Sep 09, 2014 11:44 am Post subject: |
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Dental pick will grab it and back it out.
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imikeh
Samba Member
Joined: June 21, 2013
Posts: 56
Location: Midwestern USA
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| Posted: Tue Sep 09, 2014 3:54 pm Post subject: |
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Thanks all!
Ez out was 12.00 bucks.
Dental pick I had and will try. I just bit the bullet and threw another part at it.Waiting for a new GW tank and sensor to show. |
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vanagonjr
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Joined: October 07, 2010
Posts: 3431
Location: Dartmouth, Mass.
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| Posted: Tue Sep 09, 2014 5:38 pm Post subject: |
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| imikeh wrote: |
Thanks all!
Ez out was 12.00 bucks.
Dental pick I had and will try. I just bit the bullet and threw another part at it.Waiting for a new GW tank and sensor to show. |
That's fine. I'd work on the old one and keep it in the van as a spare, along with a new coolant level sensor. Both these items are less than optimal build quality. My $0.02
PS - if you drop the glovebox, they will fit behind it, along with a fuel filter.
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