Best tool to get (hard to get at) Mayfair pump top off

[Hugh Farbetween]

This is livewell pump is mounted sideways behind the gas tank. It's blowing fuses. Earlier I had to replace the same looking bilge pump. I can just get my fingers on the top. I couldn't turn it using my finger. I tried grabbing one of the two grips with regular pliers and couldn't get it to twist. It's really awkward to get at. By the way I just used a sideways picture of the Mayfair bilge pump I had. Any tools work better or tips. I guess its been down there 17 years. Thanks

[cattoon]

Is the black latch released?

[Hugh Farbetween]

Is the black latch released?

That picture on the first post was from the bilge pump. I could just barely see the livewell pump behind the gas tank but from what I could see it looked pretty much the same. Here's some pretty poor pictures. I stuck my phone down there. I can't make out that much but am assuming the latch is still closed because the whole pump didn't turn as I tried to twist the top counter-clockwise . It's a 2003 Tracker Panfish and the super cramped to get at because of the seat base and battery door being in the way aside from being behind the gas tank. I figure I have a little chance if I can get the top off. I'm not that strong so wonder if there's a tool I'm not thinking of that maybe others have used in such a tight space that gets both of those grab things. Thanks

[Hugh Farbetween]

Can only get at this head on. No room to it's sides.

[MikeF]

cattoon has the right idea.

First pic shows a black tab on left side.

Push tab away from pump body and pull up towards pump top release locking tab.

Twist out cartridge.

17 yrs might require a shot of lube spray at seam and let it sit awhile.

Rubber oring probably stuck or hard from age.

Good Luck

[Barnacle Bill]

Can't tell from the pictures but can you cut a notch in a piece of pvc and turn it with that?

[Hugh Farbetween]

Appreciate these replies. That first pic was one I already had from the bilge pump. The other two pics are pretty bad. I'll feel around for a clip that's locking the top. I don't remember there being one on the 28552 Johnson Cartridge that I put in the bilge. It had a clip around the middle holding it in place on the boat. I haven't found a pic yet of this pump showing where that locking tab is so I could get a better idea of what I'm trying to do. That PVC idea sounds like it might work. I'll give it a try. Thanks

[cattoon]

In the 2nd set of pictures. On the top picture the latch is shown. It’s on left side of picture between the hex head bolt/screw and the pump body. It will possibly take both hands to manipulate the latch and then twist the pump counter clockwise to line the notch up into the slot and then pull straight out.

[Hugh Farbetween]

In the 2nd set of pictures. On the top picture the latch is shown. It’s on left side of picture between the hex head bolt/screw and the pump body. It will possibly take both hands to manipulate the latch and then twist the pump counter clockwise to line the notch up into the slot and then pull straight out.

Ok, so to see if I'm following. I move the latch first and then twist? I want the pump body to stay where it is and just pull the cartridge out. Thanks

[cattoon]

Yes sir. You are welcome. Let us know the outcome. Be careful with the latch, it could be brittle and if it breaks then you have to change base.