Stripped 2nd stage connection

[Jake]

Hello all-

A friend inherited a Mares V16 1st stage with a proton 2nd stage presently attached. He wants to move the 2nd from its present port to a different port on the 1st. However, the nut is stripped quite nicely, making removal very difficult. Unfortunately, the V16 1st has a very small area to place tools into, making it even more difficult. We can always take it into the LDS, but I'm wondering if anyone has ever been in the same situation, and what you did to solve it. Are there any safe lubricants to apply to the area (a la WD-40, but without all the dangerous contaminants)? Anything else you can offer?

Thanks in advance.

 

[WarrenZ]

If it is the connector on the hose and you will probally be replacing the hose anyway because if it is so striped you cant remove it it will be just as hard to reinstall it. You might try to cut the hose and grip it from the inside of the connector with visegrips. But what do I know. If that dosent help you might try the LDS I am sure they have seen something similar

 

[spectrum]

To hold the first stage a port is opened and a regulator holding tool is threaded into the opening provifing a fixed handle with some leverage. That should slove the hard to hold regulator.

If the hose flats are rounded then use the tool of choice to wind it out and replace the hose.

Pete

 

[redacted]

I assume you are talking about an LP port plug that is stripped. If so, it is time for a dril and an easy out. If that is more than you want to tackle, you shouold seek professional help. And I think I would call one of the bigger service provider rather than trust the average LDS.

I'd also be quite worried about how a port plug got in that condition in the first place so take a hard look at the thread on the body after you get it out.

 

[Jake]

I'd also be quite worried about how a port plug got in that condition in the first place so take a hard look at the thread on the body after you get it out.

It seems as though someone dramatically overtightened the connection, and his uncle (who gave it to him) or someone else had tried to remove it. The problem is that the V16 has a plastic cover that makes getting a good grip on the nut incredibly hard (B in the photo); each port is also set into a depression that has a lip, which also makes accessing the nut portion very hard (demonstrated by both As in the photo). It looks like it has enough corners left on it to be able to unscrew it, but we can't get any tool onto it enough to get a proper grip. The cover blocks access on one side, and the lip of the depression prevents access on the other.

Maybe this will help with some other ideas. Thanks for the ones submitted so far. He'll probably end up getting it machined out, but maybe one of these others will work.

 

[terrasmak]

Perspnally i would probably cut the hose off close to the nut and get a box end on it . If that didnt work its already set up to put an easy out in it.

 

[spectrum]

Perspnally i would probably cut the hose off close to the nut and get a box end on it . If that didnt work its already set up to put an easy out in it.

Yea, or even grind the outside of a deep socket to get down in there. I'd also grind the opening of the socket back to remove the lead-ins. There is not much hex on that fining anyway you look at it but it's in fine condition. Make your first bite at the apple a good one or it may turn into applesauce.

Pete

 

[redacted]

Well, it is the hose rather than the port plug. That should make it somewhat easier. I think I would start with vise grips or robo-grips that should bite into the rounded brass on the hose end like a pipe wrench. If that works and the body threads are in good shape, you are probably good to go. Otherwise, try the socket idea cutting the rubber above the metal fitting and using a deep socket. If that failed, I'd cut that hose off at the crimped fitting and go with the easy out. No drilling required but you would need to disassemble and clean the 1st in case anything slipped in while cutting.