Blanking plug depth sensor does not come out (Airmar DST810)
Posted by Wurfgurke@reddit | sailing | View on Reddit | 7 comments
Hello everyone,
I had to clean my DST800 (speed/sounder/temp).
It's working perfectly again now, but I can't get the blanking plug out.
Since I'm on a long voyage in the Mediterranean, the boat is in the water, and I'd rather not cause damage by using unnecessary force... I'd rather go without it for now.
The thread is open, the union nut is loose and wobbly, it turns relatively easily, can be wiggled slightly left/right, but it stubbornly refuses to give in when I pull on it. The DST sensor normally came out of the hole/housing easily. It almost seems as if the two O-rings are preventing it from being pulled out.
I'm glad it's sealed, etc., but does anyone have any idea how I can get this thing out without damaging anything?
Can I use a hairdryer to expand the hole/housing?
I'm grateful for any tips.
Tri4Realz@reddit
I just had this happen also, and found that the flap unit had come apart and the broken parts jammed the plug. No amount of force is going to get that out. You just need to replace the thruhull.
Kibbles_n_Bombs@reddit
How did you find out that the flap unit had gotten jammed? I’m debating trying some more force to get the plug out but don’t want to break anything.
Tri4Realz@reddit
Only after I removed it and could take it apart. Changing through hulls was fairly easy and only took about an hour on the hard.
Wurfgurke@reddit (OP)
Okay, thanks for the comments.
I will try to turn and pull a little bit. I need much more force to pull now than I needed to get the DST sensor out. So I would rather look closely on my plotter before watching my boat sink :D
Thanks for the input!
Kibbles_n_Bombs@reddit
Let me know if you were able to figure it out!
vanalden@reddit
Try rotating the plug while pulling on it. If the flaps are the problem, this might help wriggle the plug out.
vanalden@reddit
Hello Wurf. I’ve used the Airmar DST 810, both the insert and blanking plug. It would take a good, steady pull to get them to come out, but not Hulk-like strength. I’ve read the instructions again. There’s nothing to it really. Just pull. You could try a lever to get some controlled force. Tie a cord around the head of the plug, going up to a lever held above.
You’re probably aware that the housing has flaps that fold out when the insert or plug is removed. These slow down the ingress of water (though it sometimes doesn’t seem like it). If these are impeding the removal of the plug you have two options: break them by using a lot of force to remove the plug, then replace the housing at the next lift out, or; leave the plug in place until next lift out.
My approach would be to try a little leverage for assistance to get the plug moving. If it doesn’t move with a prudent amount of force, leave it where it is and watch your chart plotter closely for depths. Good luck. :-)