Lehman Diesel - Oil filler issue - Urgent help needed

[DCatSea]

Does anyone know how to remove the oil filler cap on an '84 Lehman 61hp diesel?

I have had my Lehman-powered 27FC for a couple of months now, and all seems to be well. or at least nothing that some hard-core TLC and a multi-meter can't fix, EXCEPT for one newly-discovered irritant:

I need to top off the engine oil, and the oil filler cap is on top of the rocker arm cover. Problem - I assume that in order to put oil in the engine I need to remove the oil filler cap, BUT, I don't know how to do that (I know - this seems stupid, but I have an English degree, and although I can read the operator's manual I don't seem to be able to execute the removal of said oil filler cap).

The cap seems to be made of plastic (or some such soft material) and although it turns it won't come off. Am I missing a trick, or is there a secret to removing the oil filler cap on these engines? Anyone willing to share this knowledge?

The manual says "Another fill cap which leads directly to the sump is located on the sump near the front of the engine". Really! If you know where this, is I would love to hear from you.

Thanks to all at AOG

[Jay Knoll]

Does this help?

http://trawler-beach-house.blogspot.com ... hange.html

[DCatSea]

Thanks for your rapid reply Jay; I really appreciate it.

Unfortunately, as far as I can see, the blog covers everything but physically removing the oil filler cap (I did get a couple of very good ideas from it regarding keeping stray oil under control when working on the engine, though).

My problem is actually getting the filler cap off without destroying anything else.

Thanks again.

[DCatSea]

Absolutely red-faced now - brought in a diesel mechanic who quickly pushed and twisted and had the filler cap out in about 5 seconds. He understood, and didn't comment on my uselessness, and had the good grace to not laugh his ass off, at least until he got back to his workshop

How's that for penance!!!

Thanks to all who posted the "push and twist" advice (I put my inability to "push and twist" down to arthritis in my thumbs)

[Jay Knoll]

I feel your pain! Well, at least you're now well prepared to help the next hapless soul. Just remember, in the land of the blind the one eyed man is king!
On to new challenges.................

[DCatSea]

Thanks Jay,

Have just found appropriate filters as well - NAPA 1340s in place of the existing Frams.

I'll be clamping a cut hose around the manifold to try and prevent the chafing of the filter that caused the problem in the first place.