Fresh Water tank filter/screen clogged unable to reattach

[pcmentor29]

My fresh water tank screen was clogged with sand. I got the screen and T out and cleaned it but now I can't get it to go back in. I have included photos. This is for a 1985 Toyota Dolphin. I tried to get what looks like a rubber ring out of the tank fitting but am so far unable to get it out, it is too tight for the screen to fit up through. Any suggestions are appreciated. Thanks, Pete

[pcmentor29]

SOLVED
Thanks for all your great input. I hand twisted a 1/2" drill bit a couple times and the screen(also 1/2") slid in. Now no leaks and my pump works. It was having problems pulling water through the clogged screen. I am glad I didn't just discard the screen. Pete

[Alfred622]

Take a hairdryer to the plastic... it might soften just enough to slide together. Some petroleum jelly might help too.

[Dusty_R]

TUCQUALA wrote:
Looks like in the first photo, that the hole isn't large enough for the filter. Notice the crimped down area near the threads. Probably came out hard, but since it was being pulled versus pushed it made it's way out.

It looks like you could drill out the tank and/or fitting to match the outside diameter of the screen. Wouldn't recommend drilling out any threads. Or, get rid of screen and add an external filter in the pump pickup line.

Maybe even add a valve between the tank and filter. Then the filter can be changed/cleaned without draining the tank.

Dusty

[TUCQUALA]

Looks like in the first photo, that the hole isn't large enough for the filter. Notice the crimped down area near the threads. Probably came out hard, but since it was being pulled versus pushed it made it's way out.

It looks like you could drill out the tank and/or fitting to match the outside diameter of the screen. Wouldn't recommend drilling out any threads. Or, get rid of screen and add an external filter in the pump pickup line.

[Shadow_Catcher]

This is likely spin welded and what you are seeing is melted plastic. I would take an Xacto knife and trim it.

[pcmentor29]

I was thinking the plastic ring might come out. I tried a little but it looks like it's glued. Should I try to get the ring out? This pic shows the side of the ring. Thanks, Pete



This pic shows the flange does not come off. I was thinking of using a drill bit to widen the hole.

[pcmentor29]

camperpaul wrote:
Your photos didn't come through.

Sorry, I put them in now. Pete

[camperpaul]

Your photos didn't come through.