Old Style Filler Cap Issue

[burnt bacon]

Just picked up a very nice 413F, 1 64 You can hear the cap leaking air after pumping a bit. The screw is not fully screwed in, and even with the cap tightened down as much as possible, the screw will not tighten/untighten...it's stuck. When able to turn the screw it appears the disc is rotating. What to do?

My thoughts are: soak in WD-40 and try again in a week, if successful maybe get a new disc from OCP; throw it out and buy the new style replacement, try and find an old style replacement that functions, preferably in red, or green and call it a Christmas stove... I'm sure heat would ruin the red paint.

I doubt this issue is unheard of, any thoughts appreciated, thanks...

[SteveRetherford]

slap a gasket on fuel bung and put your cap on , the gasket will fill the void so you have enough friction to undo the screw .

[burnt bacon]

slap a gasket on fuel bung and put your cap on , the gasket will fill the void so you have enough friction to undo the screw .

Thanks, would that be the same as adding an additional gasket to he underside of the cap?

[bngreenchev]

Like Steve said get some gaskets put one over the fuel bung put the cap back on and should be able to unscrew the assembly, make sure the old gasket is gone if it's not burn it out with a torch and pick out the charred remains and install a new gasket. I usually order 10 or so at a time, and if you want you could try some penetrating oil while you wait for the new gaskets.
https://www.oldcolemanparts.com/product ... =23&page=1

[JimL]

>> What to do?

Be nice to your other lanterns and stoves and maybe one of them will loan you a fuel cap to use in the meantime.

Just because the insert isn't coming out and making it a simple replacement, you can always dig out the old gasket and get a new one in there. You can be concerned about it in 40 or so years when it may again need replacing.

[Tgarner01]

[zoomkat]

"The screw is not fully screwed in, and even with the cap tightened down as much as possible, the screw will not tighten/untighten...it's stuck. When able to turn the screw it appears the disc is rotating. What to do?"

The screw only needs to be tight in the cap gasket insert and is probably not intended to snug the insert up with the cap. The screw is probably bottomed out in the insert, which is not an issue. The cap should be free to rotate while the insert is stationary.

[JimL]

Folks, unless I'm reading it wrong, he can't remove the screw to remove the insert and change the gasket.

To the OP, get and try some penetrating oil if you can. Although anything's possible, I suggest keeping expectations very low for using WD-40 as a penetrating oil.

[SteveRetherford]

ya , it doesnt really need to be TIGHT............. BUT if when trying to tighten your screw you have other issues , a tight screw in this condition wont help anything this cap will leak preassure as fast as you put it in , take the cap off n start over . lets see

[zoomkat]

To remove the stuck screw, I'd tighten the cap down tight enough so the insert does not turn, possibly gently with a pair of plyers or similar, then use an appropriately sized screwdriver with a pair of vice grips similar to below, to *carefully* apply controlled loosening torque to the screw without damaging the screw head.

[burnt bacon]

Like Steve said get some gaskets put one over the fuel bung put the cap back on and should be able to unscrew the assembly, make sure the old gasket is gone if it's not burn it out with a torch and pick out the charred remains and install a new gasket. I usually order 10 or so at a time, and if you want you could try some penetrating oil while you wait for the new gaskets.
https://www.oldcolemanparts.com/product ... =23&page=1

Thanks, will try this...I do have some spares because I do like to retain the old style caps.

[burnt bacon]

>> What to do?

Be nice to your other lanterns and stoves and maybe one of them will loan you a fuel cap to use in the meantime.

Just because the insert isn't coming out and making it a simple replacement, you can always dig out the old gasket and get a new one in there. You can be concerned about it in 40 or so years when it may again need replacing.

Yup, but the stuck screw bugs me.

[burnt bacon]

Great pic...look forward to doing this.

[burnt bacon]

"The screw is not fully screwed in, and even with the cap tightened down as much as possible, the screw will not tighten/untighten...it's stuck. When able to turn the screw it appears the disc is rotating. What to do?"

The screw only needs to be tight in the cap gasket insert and is probably not intended to snug the insert up with the cap. The screw is probably bottomed out in the insert, which is not an issue. The cap should be free to rotate while the insert is stationary.

Sorry, I knew that and forgot, thanks for reminding me.

[burnt bacon]

Folks, unless I'm reading it wrong, he can't remove the screw to remove the insert and change the gasket.

To the OP, get and try some penetrating oil if you can. Although anything's possible, I suggest keeping expectations very low for using WD-40 as a penetrating oil.

+1

Years ago, I bought a can of Kroil because I was working on some firearms, used very little of it. It's billed as a substance that 'creeps'. They can say that again. Checked it after a long while and the darn thing emptied half of itself onto the shelf...LOL

[burnt bacon]

To remove the stuck screw, I'd tighten the cap down tight enough so the insert does not turn, possibly gently with a pair of plyers or similar, then use an appropriately sized screwdriver with a pair of vice grips similar to below, to *carefully* apply controlled loosening torque to the screw without damaging the screw head.

Thanks for the idea, but I already buggered it up a little bit, not too bad though.

[burnt bacon]

Very much appreciate all the comments.

[mcdugal2]

Roland, has a little clamp he made that will immobilize the insert so the screw can be broken free..

[pagrey]

I use an impact screw driver. It gets them out with very little damage to the screw. Using slow deliberate force almost always buggers the slot for me but impact just pops them loose. Next time maybe.

[Gunhippie]

I have one three-piece cap that the screw has become one with the insert. I've tried everything suggested and then some to no avail.

Mind you, this is out of at least 100 that I've taken down and replaced the gasket.

Sometimes you're the windowshield, sometimes you're the bug.

[zoomkat]

"I have one three-piece cap that the screw has become one with the insert. I've tried everything suggested and then some to no avail."

Which parts of the processes you have tried failed?

[Gunhippie]

All of them. Heat. Penetrating oil and heat. Impact driver. Impact driver, penetrating oil and heat. I filed teeth on the filler bung of a cracked fount and tightened the cap down with a pair of Channel Locs and leather belt. More heat, oil and impact. I tried it all, and it's still one piece.

Fortunately, I find real beaters that I sometimes buy just for parts--globe and three-piece filler cap being high on the list, so I have spares.

[SteveRetherford]

in part , when i screw a 3 piece cap together i sure dont make it TIGHT , just tight is good enough if you know what i mean , i put stuff together so its comes apart easy next time .

[Gunhippie]

As a Boy Scout, i was taught that once the cap was on and finger-tight, I had to grab a screwdriver and tighten the screw to make a seal. Of course, not being a good, obedient Boy Scout, I took a look at the way the cap worked and decided this was BS....

[zoomkat]

"All of them. Heat. Penetrating oil and heat. Impact driver. Impact driver, penetrating oil and heat. I filed teeth on the filler bung of a cracked fount and tightened the cap down with a pair of Channel Locs and leather belt. More heat, oil and impact. I tried it all, and it's still one piece."

Is the head of the screw still intact to where torque can be applied via a screwdriver? If so, I'd quickly heat the cap insert with a torch, then using leather gloves and plyers, screw the cap on the tank. Then apply torque using a screwdriver/vice grip similar to the picture I posted. Worse case, the head might wring off. Even then, the cap and insert probably can still can be used with a little tinkering. All the screw does is keep the insert with the cap.

[rob_pontius]

I agree with paul above. Get one of those impact drivers that you push in and it clicks once pressed in. The quick jolt should break the screw loose without causing damage if the cap is still on the tank.

[burnt bacon]

I took a look at the way the cap worked and decided this was BS....

yup

[burnt bacon]

If I have to ruin the assembly, defeats the whole effort, at least for me.

[Gunhippie]

"All of them. Heat. Penetrating oil and heat. Impact driver. Impact driver, penetrating oil and heat. I filed teeth on the filler bung of a cracked fount and tightened the cap down with a pair of Channel Locs and leather belt. More heat, oil and impact. I tried it all, and it's still one piece."

Is the head of the screw still intact to where torque can be applied via a screwdriver? If so, I'd quickly heat the cap insert with a torch, then using leather gloves and plyers, screw the cap on the tank. Then apply torque using a screwdriver/vice grip similar to the picture I posted. Worse case, the head might wring off. Even then, the cap and insert probably can still can be used with a little tinkering. All the screw does is keep the insert with the cap.

It's a three-piece cap. I can find another. I keep it around to remind me to be humble.

[Tgarner01]

"All of them. Heat. Penetrating oil and heat. Impact driver. Impact driver, penetrating oil and heat. I filed teeth on the filler bung of a cracked fount and tightened the cap down with a pair of Channel Locs and leather belt. More heat, oil and impact. I tried it all, and it's still one piece."

Is the head of the screw still intact to where torque can be applied via a screwdriver? If so, I'd quickly heat the cap insert with a torch, then using leather gloves and plyers, screw the cap on the tank. Then apply torque using a screwdriver/vice grip similar to the picture I posted. Worse case, the head might wring off. Even then, the cap and insert probably can still can be used with a little tinkering. All the screw does is keep the insert with the cap.

It's a three-piece cap. I can find another. I keep it around to remind me to be humble.

this is one of those projects I would spend 2 days on and many man hours "fixing" a $2 fuel cap... But I'm humble

[Smudge]

I've encountered replacement gaskets that were too thin to seal (or maybe it was the insert). I guess I could have added a second gasket, but instead, I used an o-ring.

[brokenmantle]

get some dollar general penetrating oil. this has yet to let me down.

[Brassngas]

Make sure your cap is as tight as possible. Find or grind a screwdriver that fits snug to the screw slot, preferably a bit that is all steel so as to transfer all of it's energy. Then tap sharp and lightly a few times and retry the screw. Most times this will nock the corrosion loose in the threads. Just a little penetrating oil will help as well. Works very well. Good luck.

[MYN927]

If the stuck screw is really bothering you, just forget paint and execute the aggressive heat and quench treatment.
Heat it to dull red and plunge in cold water.
That should loosen up everything and burn out the old gasket well.

[Rustytank]

I have a tool made by member GeorgiaBoy that clamps the insert and cap assembly that makes disassembly of the 3 piece cap a breeze.
You can either see about getting one from him, or send me your cap with return postage and I'll take yours apart for you. PM me if you'd like me to do it.

[burnt bacon]

I have a tool made by member GeorgiaBoy that clamps the insert and cap assembly that makes disassembly of the 3 piece cap a breeze.
You can either see about getting one from him, or send me your cap with return postage and I'll take yours apart for you. PM me if you'd like me to do it.

Thank you, will send a PM...

[zoomkat]

If you want to lock the cap and insert together, you probably can use small curved jaw vice grips to do that with a little tinkering.

[rob_pontius]

I have one of his cap tools also. It works really well.

[Rustytank]

Success! The GeorgiaBoy tool is the best thing for these type caps. burnt bacon I'll drop it in the mail tomorrow.

I'll extend my offer to anyone who needs a cap taken apart.

[burnt bacon]

Success! The GeorgiaBoy tool is the best thing for these type caps. burnt bacon I'll drop it in the mail tomorrow.

I'll extend my offer to anyone who needs a cap taken apart.

[MartyJ]

Success! The GeorgiaBoy tool is the best thing for these type caps. burnt bacon I'll drop it in the mail tomorrow.

I'll extend my offer to anyone who needs a cap taken apart.

I’d buy one of those. It’s like the NRV tool, simple but necessary.

[Taco912]

Success! The GeorgiaBoy tool is the best thing for these type caps. burnt bacon I'll drop it in the mail tomorrow.

I'll extend my offer to anyone who needs a cap taken apart.

GeorgiaBoy's tool is the great to haven the Coleman tool box! He is very generous and I'm glad to have his tool!

[Rustytank]

Success! The GeorgiaBoy tool is the best thing for these type caps. burnt bacon I'll drop it in the mail tomorrow.

I'll extend my offer to anyone who needs a cap taken apart.

GeorgiaBoy's tool is the great to haven the Coleman tool box! He is very generous and I'm glad to have his tool!

Yep GeorgiaBoy is good people.