[C320-list] Cannot Open Water Tank Inspection Port

[Joel Krauska via C320-list]

I cannot seem to open my rear water tank inspection port.

Photo here with Sharpie for scale:
https://c320.org/mediagallery/media.php?f=0&sort=0&s=20250420042815753

I've tried wrenches and other clamps and it won't budge.

It's plastic, so I'm not sure what to spray on it to possibly loosen it,
and I don't really want to contaminate the water anyway.

My next idea was to chisel out a 2x4 with notches to line up with the cover.

Maybe use some heat?

Does anyone else have this same port and problem?

Thanks,

Joel Krauska
Grace #802

[Ferris Wills via C320-list]

Hi,

I used a hammer and wide screwdriver to tap carefully on the lid nibs at an angle that got it moving.

Ferris

Typos by iPhone

> On Apr 19, 2025, at 9:37 PM, Joel Krauska via C320-list <c320...@lists.catalina320.com> wrote:
>
> I cannot seem to open my rear water tank inspection port.

[ART HARDEN via C320-list]

If you’re going to use a hammer, I would use something a little softer than a metal screwdriver. A hard piece of wood with a square edge might work a little better. Also, you can try oil filter pliers. I keep some on Tortuga and they have come in handy for a number of things. You could even use the pliers and tap them with a hammer to give it that vibration and sudden impact. Another option is a strap wrench.

Sent from my iPhone

Art Harden
Catalina 320 "Tortuga" 243
E-42
937.885.9380 (o)
937.477.5544 (m)

> On Apr 20, 2025, at 1:16 AM, Ferris Wills via C320-list <c320...@lists.catalina320.com> wrote:
>
> Hi,

[Dave Hupe via C320-list]

I would try a hair dryer.
Dave Hupe 
1994 C320 #32

Yahoo Mail: Search, Organize, Conquer

On Sun, Apr 20, 2025 at 12:37 AM, Joel Krauska via C320-list<c320...@lists.catalina320.com> wrote: I cannot seem to open my rear water tank inspection port.

[Brian McLamb via C320-list]

Yes!! In 19 years I have never been able to open it. Looks like it was
molded to look like it should open , but was not cut to actually open

Serenity #1075

Brian McLamb

[jackbrennan via C320-list]

A related challenge. I recently discovered the aft inspection port was the source of a small but irratin leak into the bilge.When the valves for both tanks are open, there is just enough downhill pressure for rhe after tank to overflow a bit.The o ring on the port was the culprit. I couldn't find a quick replacement before going cruising, so I removed it and used potable thread sealant. Problem solved.Jack BrennanSonas, 1998 Catalina 320Tierra Verde, Fl.Sent via the Samsung Galaxy A32 5G, an AT&T 5G smartphone
-------- Original message --------From: Dave Hupe via C320-list <c320...@lists.catalina320.com> Date: 4/20/25 7:51 AM (GMT-05:00) To: C320...@Catalina320.com Cc: Dave Hupe <hoop...@yahoo.com> Subject: Re: [C320-list] Cannot Open Water Tank Inspection Port I would try a hair dryer.Dave Hupe 1994 C320 #32Yahoo Mail: Search, Organize, Conquer   On Sun, Apr 20, 2025 at 12:37 AM, Joel Krauska via C320-list<c320...@lists.catalina320.com> wrote:   I cannot seem to open my rear water tank inspection port.Photo here with Sharpie for scale:https://c320.org/mediagallery/media.php?f=0&sort=0&s=20250420042815753I've tried wrenches and other clamps and it won't budge.It's plastic, so I'm not sure what to spray on it to possibly loosen it,and I don't really want to contaminate the water anyway.My next idea was to chisel out a 2x4 with notches to line up with the cover.Maybe use some heat?Does anyone else have this same port and problem?Thanks,Joel KrauskaGrace #802 

[Troy Dunn via C320-list]

Howdy-

The inspection/cleanout most definitely should open. The original cap was
the same material as the tank. It appears yours may have been replaced
and then who knows what else (hopefully not sealed with sealant). If you
can't get it off with a large pipe wrench, I’d recommend trying a strap
wrench. Not sure why, but strap wrenches seem to work in a variety of
circumstances where other wrenches do not.

As for the bow tank draining through the aft tank clean out and other
interesting inspection port leak phenomena (overfilling and pressurizing
the tank by sticking the hose into the deck fill plate). There is
supposed to be an oring underneath the cap. Don’t bother with that…it
won’t seal the tank either, and neither does adding and stacking a second
oring. What does seem to work fairly well is the yellow colored teflon
tape normally reserved for gas line pipe thread. Don’t know why this
works but it is effective “enough”.

Troy Dunn
Hull #514

[Dave Rath via C320-list]

I screwed two large stainless steel screws about half way down so they were sticking out. I laid down and clamped two large screwdrivers in parallel position on either side of the screws to create leverage so I could turn to the left. I was able to break the seal and unscrew the cap. This of course destroyed the cap. I had already purchased a new cap from Catalina Direct though.

I replaced the mangled cap with the new cap. I screwed the new cap on with plumber’s tape on the threads, used non-adhesive sealant to make sure it was leak-proof and even put a little Flex Seal tape on top for good measure. I let it sit for a week. Filled the tank. And……..It still leaked.

I understand the new tanks don’t have inspection ports.

Dave
Hul#699

From: C320-list <c320-lis...@lists.catalina320.com> on behalf of Troy Dunn via C320-list <c320...@lists.catalina320.com>
Date: Sunday, April 20, 2025 at 8:28 AM
To: C320...@catalina320.com <C320...@catalina320.com>
Cc: Troy Dunn <troutw...@gmail.com>, Dave Hupe via C320-list <c320...@lists.catalina320.com>
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Cannot Open Water Tank Inspection Port

[Rich Allen via C320-list]

I have never had a problem with the tank leaking, but then again I do not
open the values to both tanks at the same time. I use up one tank, then
switch to the other knowing it is getting to be time to get water. I
access both of these ports each fall to shop-vac all residual water and
suck out the water lines from under the sink. This avoids the need to use
antifreeze, which is a topic of another thread.

Rich
SV Destiny, 1995 #265

[Troy Dunn via C320-list]

Dave-

Dang that's a bummer. It definitely is one of the most vexing thread seal
issue I’ve encountered. Give the yellow tape a try if you get around to
it, the white stuff simply doesn’t work with these polyethylene tanks. I
have no idea why.

FWIW

Troy

[Jeff Smith via C320-list]

You might also try pipe dope instead of teflon tape. Good luck!

Cheers,
Jeff

[bruceheyman via C320-list]

I'll second the pipe dope.   Has worked for us for the last 8 years.BruceSomerset San Pedro

[Richard Walker via C320-list]

The forward tank is higher than the rear tank so forces water up through the cap. Best practice is to only use one tank at a time start with a forward tank what it is empty switched to the air tank.
Dick Walker

> On Apr 20, 2025, at 16:05, Rich Allen via C320-list <c320...@lists.catalina320.com> wrote:
>
> I have never had a problem with the tank leaking, but then again I do not

[Mark Seyler via C320-list]

I’ve had good results with just wrapping 2 or 3 layers of Teflon tape around the threads before screwing the lid in.

Mark Seyler
Sent from my iPhone

> On Apr 20, 2025, at 12:25 PM, Richard Walker via C320-list <c320...@lists.catalina320.com> wrote:
>
> The forward tank is higher than the rear tank so forces water up through the cap. Best practice is to only use one tank at a time start with a forward tank what it is empty switched to the air tank.

[Tony Kalish via C320-list]

Hi Joel:

I use an adjustable strap wrench--something like you might use to remove
the engine oil filter. Harbor Freight has them. $4.99 for a set of 2
(large and small size) The rubber strap applies the torque evenly and won't
'bung-up' the plastic cover. I would NOT recommend heat for the plastic
cover.
Tony Kalish
Getting Away 617PITTSBURGH Rubber Strap Wrench Set, 2 Piece

[Joel Krauska via C320-list]

Thanks for all the info.

I had tried a rubber strap wrench and it hasn't been able to get much
purchase. I'll try again.

If anyone else has the same grey one and can get it off, can you measure
the diameter of the threads inside?

I'm willing to try a semi destructive removal, but only if I have a
replacement plug available.

There are beefier options on Amazon that look compelling.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0C9BZ2RPK/ref=ox_sc_act_title_6?smid=A8MNP250PQWWH&th=1
Curious if the threads are the same.

Catalina Direct has a $65 3" plug.
https://www.catalinadirect.com/shop-by-boat/catalina-30/interior/plumbing/plastic-tank-inspection-port-for-new-tank/?SearchResults=1
Spec'd for a C30. Unsure if this is the same as ours.

Will keep trying.

It's never leaked. :) Maybe I shouldn't touch it.

Best,

Joel

[Dave Hupe via C320-list]

I should come off. It doesn’t  make sense a water tank couldn't be opened for cleaning as desired / needed.

Dave Hupe 
1994  C320 #32

Yahoo Mail: Search, Organize, Conquer

On Mon, Apr 21, 2025 at 3:39 PM, Joel Krauska via C320-list<c320...@lists.catalina320.com> wrote: Thanks for all the info.