Forum Discussion

chast's avatar
chast
Explorer II
Nov 28, 2022

Can’t remove AC cover for maintenance

The screws that hold the AC cover on—I can’t get one out. When I try to remove it, the female threads, which are under the AC cover, spin along with the screw. Tried penetrating oil, pulling up on the AC cover, and putting a piece of wire under the screw head and pulling up. Before I grind off the screw head to the the AC cover off to oil fan and general cleaning, does anyone have any better ideas to get that one screw out?
Class A
  • dougrainer's avatar
    dougrainer
    Nomad
    Nov 28, 2022
    Cut out the top of the shroud just enough to lift cover around the washer/screw. RVP makes a replacement metal fan cover that has BOTH rear nut inserts. But you can make and install your own bolt and screw kit. Once you remove you will see how to do it. You use an oversize metal plate or washer to cover the hole you cut in the shroud. If up front where the evap cover is, same procedure but it is easier to make a new nut insert kit. Doug
  • wa8yxm's avatar
    wa8yxm
    Explorer III
    Nov 28, 2022
    Make of A/C and where are these screws
    Top of Cover (Coleman does it that way)
    Or around the bottom edge.

    Suggestion is to drill
    Hold drill at an angle (Take extra bits) eventually you will drill the head off and then you can drill out or otherwise remove both the screw an nut.

    You can then either anchor the nuts using a product like locktite RED Or replace with Pop Nuts (Pop Rivit company) depending on what and where.

    NOTE Coleman ACs SUCK so you may be able to clean 'em without removing cover.

    Other makes blow so cover has to come off.
  • BB_TX's avatar
    BB_TX
    Nomad
    Nov 28, 2022
    With all the screws out but the one can you raise the cover enough to reach inside and hold the inside “nut” with pliers or vice grips? I’m guessing it is some kind of press nut.
  • chast's avatar
    chast
    Explorer II
    Nov 28, 2022
    Darned autocorrect!! Last comment was to Krusty NOT RUSTY!
  • chast's avatar
    chast
    Explorer II
    Nov 28, 2022
    Rusty—tried that. The screw turns, but it also turns the female threads which should be stationary in the AC body. No matter how much upward pressure I apply, both the screw and the threads both turn together.
  • midnightsadie's avatar
    midnightsadie
    Explorer II
    Nov 28, 2022
    maybe a pair of vise grips on the screw head ,pull an turn. small hacksaw and cut the thing off. p.s a idea for the future, drill the steel a bit bigger install plastic inserts for the new stainless screws.
  • Krusty's avatar
    Krusty
    Nomad II
    Nov 28, 2022
    Can you insert a screwdriver or small prybar between the two pieces and gently pry them apart as you are turning the screw?
  • chast's avatar
    chast
    Explorer II
    Nov 28, 2022
    PS—screws are stainless and the female thread is iron and are built in to the AC itself.

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