Question on bulkhead replacement inside the return

[lovemysps00]

Hello,

Trying to replace the bulkhead. I got a Lee Mar 60G cube used. Previous owner installed the center bulkhead incorrectly (not sure why as the other two bulkheads were installed correctly.) The nut and gasket were INSIDE the return, leaving minimum space for me to put in a wrench. I can't tell what's the size of the bulkhead, I guessed it's 1" bulkhead. The 2 holes left and right to it fit the 3/4 bulkhead. I used the 1" BRS bulkhead nut tool to remove it but it's too big. The 3/4" BRS bulkhead nut tool was too small. Any ideas on how to fix this? Much appreciated.

 

[ptrusk]

Oil filter wrench


or cut it off

9 inch is probably too big, I have one that’s around 5 inches. You get the idea.

 

[lovemysps00]

The oil filter wrench is too big inside my return / overflow. If I cut it off, I still need to unscrew the nut with something. Thx.

 

[ScottD]

Is the removal tool sitting all the way down on the nut portion or is the pipe stub that’s left keeping it from reaching it?

 

[Jason_MrFrags]

Use a dremel and cut through the nut.
Get an inside pvc cutter and trim that pipe down, looks like it is preventing the nut wrench from sitting down far enough. Could also probably be used to cut through the nut.

 

[PapaFishRocks]

Use a dremel and cut through the nut.
Get an inside pvc cutter and trim that pipe down, looks like it is preventing the nut wrench from sitting down far enough. Could also probably be used to cut through the nut.

Jason has a solid answer. I have had to utilize this method many times and it works. Dremel to the rescue!!!

 

[lovemysps00]

Is the removal tool sitting all the way down on the nut portion or is the pipe stub that’s left keeping it from reaching it?

The removal tool is sitting all the way down on the nut portion. There's only 3-3.5 inches of space from the bulkhead nut towards the edge.

 

[lovemysps00]

Use a dremel and cut through the nut.
Get an inside pvc cutter and trim that pipe down, looks like it is preventing the nut wrench from sitting down far enough. Could also probably be used to cut through the nut.

That's a great call, will use this method if there are no other options.

 

[lovemysps00]

My friend suggested me to try this tool to remove the nut. Hope this helps.

 

[ScottD]

The removal tool is sitting all the way down on the nut portion. There's only 3-3.5 inches of space from the bulkhead nut towards the edge.

You could try getting a piece of pvc pipe that’s close to the size of the nut and heat it up. While it’s soft, if you force it over the nut and let it cool that would make a custom socket for it and allow you to twist it off.

 

[lovemysps00]

I did it. Still don't understand why the previous owner installed the bulkhead the wrong way.

 

[ca1ore]

I always install bulkheads through the bottom of the tank ’backwards’. They seal just as well if you put the gasket with the flange and there’s no stem protruding through the bottom to get in the way or get broken. These days I use the reef octopus Sch80 bulkheads which have o rings seated into both the flange and nut. Idiot proof

 

[Blue Spot Octopus]

^^^^ I like idiot proof.

63mm Schedule 80 Bulkhead Slip to SlipCoralVuehttps://www.coralvue.com › 63mm-schedule-80-bulkh...

 

[lovemysps00]

^^^^ I like idiot proof.

63mm Schedule 80 Bulkhead Slip to SlipCoralVuehttps://www.coralvue.com › 63mm-schedule-80-bulkh...

Got to agree these were WAY more durable than ABS bulkhead.

 

[hhaase]

I put mine backwards too. Let’s me remove the downpipes without having to cut them. I 3D printed a tool for installing and removing the nut inside the overflow.

 

[keizo]

Glad to hear you were able to take it out! I had a similar issue once and found myself out of luck when I tried the wrench that you used in addition to other methods like the oil strap wrench (the positioning was difficult).

For me, the heating method somebody suggested above worked wonders. I used a steel rod to a heat gun until the rod was hot enough to radiate heat around it. I used the rod to then poke around the edges of the bulkhead until it softened up and was able to use some pliers to bend them out of their position (had both the rod and the heat gun from a quick trip to Home Depot, I think it cost me ~$50).

 

[Ironwill723]

^^^^ I like idiot proof.

63mm Schedule 80 Bulkhead Slip to SlipCoralVuehttps://www.coralvue.com › 63mm-schedule-80-bulkh...

So these will fit a 63mm hole? @ca1ore

 

[BZOFIQ]

I put mine backwards too. Let’s me remove the downpipes without having to cut them.

Very clever, especially when space is limited.

One can also add few inches of straight PVC after the slip bulkhead and before first fitting so that you can cut and re-glue another fitting in case of emergency or plumbing change.