Stuck bulkhead on a Sta-Rite System 3 Cartridge filter

[DennisP]

I decided to soak the threads with a high pressure water spray, waited about 15 minutes, then used a drift and hammer to tap the nuts around... It worked beautifully...

So, my System 3 cartridge filter is totally rebuilt at this point. I put on a new pressure gauge, all new o-rings throughout, tested the air bleeder and it works as it should and with the new connecting unions I am all set to put it into service... I also added a complete waste valve to it and have it connected via hose to drainage so servicing it should result in minimal mess at the equipment pad. I am also placing the filter so I can get at the cartridges without having to step over piping and other equipment...

Long story short is that it is a filter that was used for 1 year and then not used for 10 before the previous owner pulled his in-ground pool. I got a great deal on it for $100 and the cartridges are just fine, just caked with a light layer of brown dirt gunk. I honestly don't think they used it for more than a couple months before they closed their pool. It was also kept inside because there isn't a bit of sun-damage to any of the labels and there is no corrosion or sun-damage on anything. The original cord ring is in perfect shape as well, even though I have found a place that has them for like $12, so they aren't very expensive to replace in the future. I will probably order one just to have on hand here shortly.

I had to soak the cartridges and then use an acid-bath to get the majority of the caked-in debris off of them. They aren't 100% clean, but they are good enough for the next couple months, since once I get my pool up and running it won't be too long before I have to close it for winter and I will then do another acid bath on them to get them totally clean (I used a really weak acid bath before, with 1/3 gal of muriatic acid to about 20 gallons of water so this next time I will use a whole gallon of acid for 20 gallons). So I have about $160 in the filter including the drain piping and valve, so I am pretty happy with such a good deal.

[Watermom]

Thanks for coming back and sharing what worked. It may help someone else someday.