Archived broke a connector inside the VP44

[Mactruck]

I'm screwed.

I'm installing my FASS system and the O-ring bolt that attaches to the VP44 snapped off inside the threads.



How the heck do I get it out without damaging my vp44???

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

Won't a screw extractor/easyout work?

 

[Mactruck]

To do that I have to pull the Whole pump out don't I???

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

I though the securing bolts attaching the banjos were hollow, and you could carefully tap the appropriate sized extractor into place and remove it - all with the VP-44 in place - but never had the banjos off mine, so can't say for sure - anyone else out there have help?



In any case, be EXTREMELY careful to remove all traces of metal scrapings or debris, to avoid entry into the VP-44 and disaster...

 

[fox]

I broke a banjo bolt and thought the same.

Pulle dthe line out of the way and unscrewed it with my fingers.

if it is too tight, tap on it gently and it will turn.

 

[John - K5AWO]

Originally posted by Mactruck

I'm screwed.

I'm installing my FASS system and the O-ring bolt that attaches to the VP44 snapped off inside the threads.



How the heck do I get it out without damaging my vp44???

MacTruck,



Go down to the autoparts store and purchase one of their extra strong magnetic parts retrievers. The ones that will hold a minimum of 5# dead weight. usually they are extensible like a radio antenna.



Place it very close to the drill/easy-out so it will tend to keep the chips out of the hole.



Matter of fact, why not try this:



Take the drill bit or the Eazy-Out and wrap about 20 turns of #18 or #20 THHN wire around it. Use two pairs of Visegrips to clip onto the bared ends of the wired (insulation removed about 1/2 inch).



Put on a pair of leather gloves, wear long sleeves and get a face shield of some sort. Place the visegrips across a 12 V battery. for about 10 seconds, -or- until the wire burns up. That usually happens first.



Now you have a magnetized tool to use. Works great on screwdrivers that need to hold a screw down into small, deep places.

 

[ToolManTimTaylor]

Kev, Is everything good yet?

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

Actually. if there IS a need to drill, you can buy reverse-twist drill bits that will often unscrew the part you are drilling before you even get it drilled enough to use the easyout...

 

[Sticks]

Since the banjo bolt already has a hole in the center, he will not have to drill if he get's a small enough easy out. I bought a kit from Harbor Freight for $10 that has 6 different sizes from 1/8" to 1/2".

 

[Mactruck]

Got all the stuff I need to do it.



I'm at work right now. I'm going to do it tonight if the rain holds off.



I have one of those magnets as well as an easy out bit and reversible drill bits. I'll tell you which one works best.



Thanks for the input. Sorry about the 911. When it happened I FREAKED



I actually talked to Brad at DPP as well. He had some of the same suggestions. He really cooled me off and is sending me a new one.

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

"Got all the stuff I need to do it. "



I betcha when you actually start working on it, you'll be thoroughly disgusted at how easy it comes out!

 

[RabidRam]

I did the EXACT same thing. An Easy Out worked for me. Hardest part was trying to find a replacement part. Ended up having to order another one from DPP.



Dave

 

[Mactruck]

ALL SET!

First of all I want to thank everyone.

Second is that the screw extractor with a wrench worked perfect to remove the snapped fitting.

The FASS is installed and running at a nice 20 PSI.



Gary - KJ6Q - I had to tug on her a little but it came out beautiful.



Thanks again