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Old 14-11-2014, 16:13   #1
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how to remove Lavac bowl??

I am converting the Lectrosan head to a composting head and am stymied in my attempt to remove the old English Lavac bowl (probably original to 1989) . There is no access under the unit (raised molding well above the floor). I was able to get 1 flat head bolt out (about 2" long) by turning while prying up with a second screwdriver so I think there are nuts on the undersize. Not enough room to do the same for the other 3 and 2 will not turn anyway. So next I tried to undo the 4 nuts holding the bowl to the base thinking maybe there was an access in the center of the base. The nuts and the bolts just turn - do not come up. Now I am thinking to take the Dremel and start cutting a slot on either side of the flat head screws and break it off. Any better suggestions?
thanks in advance...Ed
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Old 16-11-2014, 07:25   #2
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Re: how to remove Lavac bowl??

In the second photo it looks like there may be access from the floorboard if your arms are long enough or you have access to an ape? If not you could simply cut an access hole with a hole saw then install a plastic deck plate in the hole when done. After all, you are going to have to bolt the new head in as well as remove the old.
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Old 16-11-2014, 07:32   #3
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Re: how to remove Lavac bowl??

There might have been threaded inserts installed in the floor that are now spinning. You could cut the heads off the fasteners to remove the toilet. Or even cutoff the entire toilet base, using a Sawzall, and then drill out the fasteners to remove the rest.
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Old 16-11-2014, 07:36   #4
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Re: how to remove Lavac bowl??

Mikereed- I have access from outside the head area but there is no access from underneath and not enough room to use a hole saw even with a 90 degree adapter (even if I could get 2 arms in there to handle it)
Looks like I will destroy the base to get it out next weekend.
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Old 16-11-2014, 09:04   #5
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Re: how to remove Lavac bowl??

Would you prefer to save the old head if possible?

If not, then as mentioned a sawzall or even a jigsaw is the way to go. However, if you'd like to save it I'd second Mike Reeds suggestion for cutting an access hole which looks like it may be needed anyway when you have to deal with the plumbing after you remove the bowl.


At the same time, also as mike says if you lift that floor grate out, can you reach the bolts that way?
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Old 16-11-2014, 09:35   #6
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Re: how to remove Lavac bowl??

Quote:
Originally Posted by Sailorman Ed View Post
Mikereed- I have access from outside the head area but there is no access from underneath and not enough room to use a hole saw even with a 90 degree adapter (even if I could get 2 arms in there to handle it)
Looks like I will destroy the base to get it out next weekend.
No, no. I was suggesting cutting a hole in the top of the structure the toilet is sitting on, next to the base of the toilet. Looks like there is plenty of room (next to the blue pump handle in you photo). Then you could get an arm under the base of the head up to your elbow so you can get a wrench on the nuts. Shouldn't be difficult to get a 4" hole saw in there, but maybe I'm being deceived by the photo. If there is enough space you could even try putting it on the vertical surface in front of the head.
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Old 16-11-2014, 11:19   #7
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Re: how to remove Lavac bowl??

Mike - sorry, I misunderstood but you have a good suggestion. Taking hole saws and my sawsall with me next WE. Plumbing is all out the back and everything is already removed behind the bulkhead. It is tough trying to have all the tools I might need each weekend.
thanks again for all the suggestions.
Ed
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