Croci Strainer

[Jaqun]

I have a group raw water strainer for my engine. It has the brass cover. I have the proper spammer vwrench but the top is stuck on there good. I am scared of ripping the whole thing out if I apply more pressure. Any tricks for removing it?

[parkstone bay]

Can you do a picture? Fully agree you don't want to Just pile on foot-pounds!
What is frightening to me, as a power boat owner, is the implication that this strainer (one of only 2 active units between the sea and your donk) hasn't been even looked at, let alone serviced, for, what, 10 years?
When did you last cycle the seacock?
Cheers
Andrew

[Jaqun]

The strainer basket was replaced at the beginning of last season. I screwed the cap on but now can’t get it off.

[sailormed]

If you have the proper wrench and the lid is in place for only 1 year you can try the "shock therapy". Put and hold the wrench in place, then give it a quick blow with a hammer. The shock wil probably overcome the corrosion holding the lid in place. If you apply slower and stronger torque by hand if will be holding tight for much longer.

[parkstone bay]

it's a screw-on cap? In what material? if it's brass, you might try a freezing it with a cold pack (ice block) followed by a kettlefull of boiling water. Try tightening it - yeah, it's counter intuitive, but, if you can move it even the least miniscule amount just a touch - even in the wrong direction, you may have solved it.
Good to hear that the strainer was serviced last season. When you do get it off, you may need to have the thread re-machined by an engineering shop.

[Jaqun]

Sorry should be Groco strainer

[Compass790]

If you get it off use threadlocker on bolts when you re-install. I know this sounds wrong but it stops the corrosion. Use a mild one. Learnt this on Jap motorbikes in my youth, also outboards.

[HopCar]

Groco makes two styles of strainers. The older style had a big wing nut on top of the cover. The newer style has threads on the cover and it screws into the strainer body.

I’m going to assume you have the newer style as I’ve rarely heard of a problem with the wing nut style.

Is the cap bronze or plastic?

If bronze, remove the clear plastic cylinder and warm the body around the threads with a propane torch. When you get it out, replace the o-ring and grease the threads with never seez.

If it’s one of the newer plastic caps you’re probably going to break the cap.

[Jaqun]

It’s bronze screwing into bronze.

[HopCar]

The mounting brackets on those things aren’t really robust so I wouldn’t try brute force without taking it apart and clamping it in a vice.
If you decide to use heat, well you know to not set the boat on ��