Having trouble loosening gas manifold nut

[easydoesit]

Any suggestions for loosening the gas manifold nut without breaking the thermostat? PB Blaster hasn't helped, yet. I'm afraid to torque it any more than I have, and there doesn't seem to be any place to put an opposing wrench to counter the torque. I'm trying to remove the burner assembly in order to replace the pilot assembly on a Rheem XP29T06EC30U1

 

[MicEd69]

It is a feel thing learned by experience about how much stress one can put on a fitting like that. The brass nut should not be so tight as to not being able to remove it with an adjustable wrench or a wrench of the proper size. If you have a line wrench, that would be better, but not really required.

 

[easydoesit]

Thanks for your reply. I don't have a line wrench, am using a small adjustable wrench, and briefly tried a larger adjustable. The body of the thermostat twists slightly with the force I've applied so far. My 'spider sense' says I'm pushing the limit of what the thermostat body or its mount into the tank can take, but then I can't really see how it's mounted.

The adjustable allows me to basically pull forward (wrench on right) or push left (wrench at 90 degrees to tank). Perhaps a line wrench or open end wrench would allow me to direct force toward the tank (wrench positioned to left) - not sure if that angle would make any difference in how much force could be safely applied. And maybe I can remove the thermostat plastic housing and find purchase for an opposing wrench. Will try again tomorrow...

 

[BlueSkyHigh]

I am not sure if it is possible, but can the plastic cover be safely removed thereby exposing some solid metalwork that you can grab with another tool, etc., to provide a force counter to the twisting force of the wrench you are using to undo the brass nut?

 

[Geofd]

If your trying to hold back on that round piece just below the plastic is the enough room for a basin wrench?????

 

[easydoesit]

Success! And a surprise.

The penetrating oil may have had a chance to work overnight. I was able to get just a little movement, but it wasn't loosening.

For the record, I had briefly tried turning "the wrong way" yesterday to no avail. And there weren't enough threads showing to be sure of their direction or I didn't look carefully enough. Also, I had watched a very clear video where all the fittings were threaded the same direction, AND I had just removed the thermocouple tube by turning the normal way (lefty loosey). You see where this is going...

Yup, the damn thing is reverse threaded. I hope I haven't damaged the threads or flare fitting by overtightening.

Anyway, I greatly appreciate your ideas and suggestions!

 

[havasu]

One of my security cameras fell of my wall during our windstorms last week. After spending 30 minutes trying to thread that darn thing back on, I also realized it was reverse threaded. Boy was I pissed!

I'm glad to hear you got this figured out!

 

[TomFOhio]

Is it propane??

 

[easydoesit]

Yes. Does that relate to the type of threading?

 

[MicEd69]

Yes. Does that relate to the type of threading?

Yep.

 

[TomFOhio]

Yes it does. If you would ever have to change your gas control valve then you can't accidentally put on a natural gas one that
has regular right hand threads.

 

[easydoesit]

Good to know. Thanks MicEd69 and TomFOhio.

 

[Twowaxhack]

Check all your connections with a weak soap solution.

Propang is dangerous stuff, it pools when it leaks. Yes, Propang.

 

[easydoesit]

I will be careful to leak test. The pilot assembly arrived last night, hope to replace this afternoon.

Your caution is spot on. I heard a loud bang from across the house when my wife tried to relight the pilot recently, I think because she wasn't quick with pressing the igniter while pressing the pilot switch. She was fine, but it served to emphasize the point you are making. Propang indeed, probang even...

 

[Twowaxhack]

here what I did once.

Lit a water heater then turned the thermostat to “ on “ and the heater fired up.

I immediately turned the thermostats to “ OFF “.

Then I immediately turned the thermostat to “ on “ and paused about 10 seconds.

Then I pushed the igniter……

PANG !!!!!!!!!!

that’s all I could hear for a minute. Old lady asked if I blew myself up