Air Tank Ooops!

[dabtl]

While trying to remove the air tank drain valve, it broke off in the tank.

David apparently tried to remove it. Apparently, after drilling the hole, it appears to be very close to the threads.

Any suggestions on how to remove the remaining bronze?-

 

[pa.rich]

If you can remove the tank it would be easier to see and work on. If it broke off it is probalbly corroded on the threads. Soak it in p.b. blaster penetrating oil and then get a set of "E.Zee " outs and try that. It doesnt always work. The threads may get scraped. You could always buy a used tank and replace it. Sometimes a sharp small screw driver and lightly tapping the broken piece counter clockwise will start to move it. Hope this helps.

 

[dabtl]

I thought that would be the case. I have one coming this week from JNT Murray.

The PB Blaster works great, I wish he had used some first.

 

[ygmir]

If you've drilled it close to the tank threads, you might be able to run a pipe fitting, threading die in and cut the brass out......or push it ahead of the die......

 

[mhb285]

would a dental pic work?

 

[zak187]

Id try a tap.

 

[dabtl]

Id try a tap.

I had thought of that. I suppose buying a tap is much easier and cheaper than buying another and a lot easier to fix than changing it out.

I think I will try that as a last resort. If it works, OK, and if not I am not in worse shape than now.

 

[yellobronc]

If you have not already fixed it. Remember not to run the tap too deep or your fitting may not seat correctly.. The taps can be run in too deep if not careful...Run it in a little, check it with a fitting...repeat.

 

[WillWagner]

Id try a tap.

A cape chisel will work. There are "e-z outs" that are made just for brass fittings.

 

[dabtl]

I had planned on using a tap yesterday. But, however, I was also working on the M135 replacing the tail gate steps. Two bolts had to be ground out. I used the four inch cutting blade. On looking down I noticed that I had set my shirt on fire. My wife decided that was enough for the day! I will try again this next week.

 

[rosco]

Sounds like it might be dangerous for the truck, to have you working on it!

If you ever get the tank out, inspect it. If its still serviceable, heat that immediate area, with the broken fitting. The heat will loosen the broken part in the threads, then you can pick it out/with the easy out or chisel, etc, as required.

Lee in Alaska

 

[dabtl]

OK, got it fixed. Used yellobronc's suggestion. Worked out fine. I used the 7/16 drill to remove most of the material and the tap with anti-seize on it. It took a dozen or more in and outs to get it cleaned.

I am taking the hammer away from David tonight!

 

[devilman96]

Next time... Heat the fitting first.. Brass into steel doesnt like to move after a while, even with PB Blaster heat it will save a lot of greef.

 

[dabtl]

Next time... Heat the fitting first.. Brass into steel doesnt like to move after a while, even with PB Blaster heat it will save a lot of greef.

Had I been doing the job, I would have used heat. However, my novice mechanic son was active in the matter.

I got the clean up job, he finished installing the pull cable release system quite nicely. You have to learn somewhere, this was his time.