Water maker oil leak and seized membrane

[bec.chandler]

We just inherited an old Katadyn 40E watermaker, which I anticipate is going to be a headache from today until always....but it would be nice to be able to make a bit of water!

The unit has been sitting disconnected in a locker for an undetermined amount of time. So off the bat we have two challenges --

1. The end plug that holds the membrane in is seized in place. After removing the retaining ring, we have soaked it in hot water, banged on it, used liquid wrench, rinsed and repeated.... It's not budging. Any suggestions?

2. When we stand the unit up (so it looks like am upright T), there is a significant oil leak between the drive and the motor. When we lay it down, it seems to go away. We can't find this addressed in any Katadyn info anywhere, though it does seem to be one of the approved mounting positions. Should we be concerned about it? We will likely mount it "laying down" anyway (with the piston running horizontal, of course), so maybe we can just pretend it's not there?

[daletournier]

Regarding membrane, hold the the male fitting that is in the cap in a vise and use a mallet on the membrane housing. I used a piece of wood and hammer and worked around the housing until it came apart.
You can buy seal kits.