Getting Rinehart endcaps off???
Road Master
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1,005
Likes: 4
From: Alabama
Yeah, they are a pain in the azz to get off. They use red RTV around the cap and it glues it in place.
I ran a piece of 2" wide painter's tape twice around the cap to protect it, and then used a rubber strap wrench to twist the cap. Once you get it broke loose you still have to work at it a bit to get it off.
I ran a piece of 2" wide painter's tape twice around the cap to protect it, and then used a rubber strap wrench to twist the cap. Once you get it broke loose you still have to work at it a bit to get it off.
I use anti-seize when I install the end caps, it helps when it comes time to pull them off. The strap wrench is a good tool. Spray some PB blaster in the joint and let it work. Then try the strap wrench, and/or hit the end cap on opposite sides with a rubber mallet. Then more PB blaster, let it work for a bit and try some more. Eventually they'll come loose for you.
Road Master
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1,005
Likes: 4
From: Alabama
It seemed to fit tight enough without it. I thought it would only make it harder to get out next time.
I did put a very thin layer around the end cap. I thought it might keep exhaust soot from from leaking around the cap.
Club Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,678
Likes: 3
Go to harbor freight and buy a slide hammer. If you can get it hooked to the inside edge then a couple of taps should get it moving.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 25,310
Likes: 2,446
From: Eastern NE
I did the same w/tape, but beat the snot out of the caps (top/bottom/Left/Right) with a rubber mallet to break loose. Don't worry about damaging the cap - they're pretty stout & if the tape starts coming apart...add more layers.
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