Triton II Bulkhead replacement

[poolboy69]

I have a Triton II 140 sand filter. Since winter, it has been leaking at the bulkhead where the multi-valve connects. I initially replaced the outer O rings, thinking that was the problem. But it still leaked, leading me to believe it is the inner o rings.

So today I was going to tackle this, as part of getting the pool ready for the season--and to stop the drip drip drip of leaking water. Of course, it is the lower one, requiring me to dig a bunch of sand out of the way to get to it. Now that I have it exposed, I cannot figure out how to get the nut on the inside loose. There is not enough room to maneuver a wrench or pliers inside the cavity to get a good grip on this thing.

Anyone ever done this and have any hints?

Thanks in advance

Paul

[poolboy69]

OK, did some checking and searching and found that there is a special tool to remove the inside retaining nut--looks like a slip and lock nut wrench but with an off-set handle--sold online for between $150 and $250!!! OUCH!!! But rather than adjustable, the tool from pentair is one solid piece of metal sized for the nut. Here is a link to a picture of it:

http://www.poolsupplyworld.com/wimag.../4600-1602.jpg

For that cost for something I probably will not need again, I should probably just pay someone to fix this. It pains me to do so, because with the right tool, it is an easy fix of probably less than an hour. But if it costs me $150 or less plus parts to pay a pro that has this wrench to do it, I might as well spend my time doing something else.

I have an adjustable slip and lock nut wrench, but because you have to do this blind (unless you have REALLY skinny arms), it is near impossible to set it at the correct size. Even if I could, it might not work because it does not have an offset to it.

Hopefully one of you knowledgeable guys (or gals) might have some input on the best way to handle this. I figure if I haven't come up with an alternative by Monday, I will just call a service company and let them handle it.

Thanks in advance for any advice...

Paul

[Poconos]

Ouch. Roughly how big of a nut is it? Can't tell by the pic.
Al

[poolboy69]

It is the slipnut that holds the 2" bulkhead to the filter body--maybe somewhere between 2.5" and 3" in diameter.

Yes, talk about highway robbery!!! It hurts my pride to turn something over to a pro that I know I could do with ease, but when it will cost more to do it yourself vs. paying to have it done, I guess it is a no-brainer!!!

Thanks.

Paul

[Poconos]

I don't have one of that type but there are oil filter wrenches that are cup shaped to fit around the end of a spin-on filter. If it's the right diameter and nut pattern maybe you could cut it down. Also, how about a large socket. When you get to that size they get expensive but still a heck of a lot cheaper than what they want. Don't know if you would have the depth for clearance though or if it has to fit around a pipe or something. Have you tried Ebay? Can find almost anything there. Just a few ideas that come to mind. I'll keep thinking.
Al

[waste]

Any chance of an external pic of the bulkhead? I've got a trick that might work, but I haven't played with a Trition sand filter in over 15 years (they were made by Pac Fab back then)

If you can get me a pic, I might just be able to save you some $$