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Old 12-04-2014, 22:28   #1
JWT
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Deck Plate seized up.

We are having a tough time opening up one of the deck plates. Simple fixes have not been successful. WD-40, heat, hammer tapping - key is bending and a stronger tool can not seem to get enough purchase in the holes to work. . Now the holes are even more worn preventing getting much purchase. Have considered drilling the holes all the way through and running two rods - nails - something that I could then try to turn with a pipe wrench - something large enough to grasp both pieces. Any other suggestions?
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Old 12-04-2014, 22:47   #2
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Re: Deck Plate seized up.

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We are having a tough time opening up one of the deck plates. Simple fixes have not been successful. WD-40, heat, hammer tapping - key is bending and a stronger tool can not seem to get enough purchase in the holes to work. . Now the holes are even more worn preventing getting much purchase. Have considered drilling the holes all the way through and running two rods - nails - something that I could then try to turn with a pipe wrench - something large enough to grasp both pieces. Any other suggestions?

Try drilling the holes deeper and cut a thread, insert 2 screws and try to open with a vice grip. If successful you can sink the holes and use counter sink screws for the future opening.
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Old 12-04-2014, 22:49   #3
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Re: Deck Plate seized up.

Have been able to use vise grip pliers on the key, and with the extra leverage move small ones, like the caps on water fillers. If you're meaning one of the 3 or 4 inch deck plates, I guess I don't understand what kind of "key" you have. But the wallered out holes are a problem in any event. So yes, go ahead and get it out, your method should work. If I were you, I'd buy a replacement deck plate first on account of eliminating water intrusion from the holes.

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Old 13-04-2014, 00:01   #4
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Re: Deck Plate seized up.

How important is it to save the deck plate?

On our diesel fill cap we eventually had to just unbolt it from the deck thanks to Beneteau using a stainless ring and aluminium fitting. We took the fuel line off, unbolted it from the back, and threw it away.

Not an ideal solution if you still need it however.
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Old 13-04-2014, 00:28   #5
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Re: Deck Plate seized up.

I suggest un bolting the thing and soaking it in PB Blaster. I'm assuming its bronze or stainless..?
My fuel intake deck plate froze. I I worked on it for a while, then got my friend to work on it (stronger). Never got it unstuck, two or three weeks later the stress cracks started to appear I had crazing all around the deck plate from all the beating and torquing. It was at that moment that it occurred to me to just unbolt the think and soak it or buy a new one.

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Old 13-04-2014, 00:49   #6
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Re: Deck Plate seized up.

Place the tip of a centre or pin punch in a key hole at the appropriate angle and tap it with a hammer in the lefty loosey direction. If you need to get brutal, use a small cold chisel instead.
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Old 13-04-2014, 06:17   #7
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Re: Deck Plate seized up.

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Originally Posted by Stumble View Post
How important is it to save the deck plate?

On our diesel fill cap we eventually had to just unbolt it from the deck thanks to Beneteau using a stainless ring and aluminium fitting. We took the fuel line off, unbolted it from the back, and threw it away.

Not an ideal solution if you still need it however.
Did the same with a deck fitting a few years ago. Replaced with a better grade all stainless, but have had stainless ones sieze too. Now, I always try to remember to grease them at least once a season.
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Old 13-04-2014, 13:52   #8
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Re: Deck Plate seized up.

G'day, Mate. I have occasionally had success pouring a jug of boiling hot water on the deck plate, give it a few minutes, and then try giving it a turn. All the best. Cheers.
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Old 13-04-2014, 18:02   #9
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Re: Deck Plate seized up.

Just remember, if you do find a way to deliver tremendous torque, you may just rip the fitting out of the deck and be worse off.

If you have already damaged the key slot, just replace the fitting rather than risk the FRP.
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