Cleaning fresh water tank on T5 cali

brompton2 · Feb 21, 2023

Hi there. On top of the fresh water tank there is a large opening for use when cleaning the tank. This should open when turned anti-clockwise (electrical sensor disconnected). I can't shift it. Is there a special tool or should it be just brute strength t0 turn this lid?

WelshGas · Feb 21, 2023

brompton2 said:
Hi there. On top of the fresh water tank there is a large opening for use when cleaning the tank. This should open when turned anti-clockwise (electrical sensor disconnected). I can't shift it. Is there a special tool or should it be just brute strength t0 turn this lid?

Brute strength, or use this tool or make something like it with a piece of wood and 2 bolts.

Water Tank Lid Opening Tool for VW California SE/Ocean - CampervanBits

Special tool for opening the water tank lid of the VW California Ocean and SE. Essential item if replacing water pump.

vwcaliforniaclub.com

MarkRubinstein · Feb 21, 2023

I found it easy to open after leaving the filler cap off (no vacuum) and then using a wrench and hammer handle suggested in this post:
https://vwcaliforniaclub.com/thread...r-pump-problem-and-solution.10211/post-575783

brompton2 · Feb 22, 2023

Thanks for this info!

brompton2 · Feb 22, 2023

MarkRubinstein said:
I found it easy to open after leaving the filler cap off (no vacuum) and then using a wrench and hammer handle suggested in this post:
https://vwcaliforniaclub.com/thread...r-pump-problem-and-solution.10211/post-575783

brompton2 · Feb 22, 2023

Thank you for the handy tips.

brompton2 · Feb 28, 2023

brompton2 said:
Hi there. On top of the fresh water tank there is a large opening for use when cleaning the tank. This should open when turned anti-clockwise (electrical sensor disconnected). I can't shift it. Is there a special tool or should it be just brute strength t0 turn this lid?

brompton2 · Feb 28, 2023

I’ve had a further go at unscrewing the lid of the fresh water tank. Tried using long-handled wrench + hammer handle as a lever with filler cap open to release any vacuum effect but can’t shift it. I don’t get how to work the water tank opening tool having found that as the lid is recessed 60mm below a circular opening in a steel bulkhead this prevents the application of effective leverage to the lid through the small opening.

My reason for wanting to open it is that the water sensor is malfunctioning. It was showing 2 bars full despite the tank having been drained and is now flashing indicating a fault. The pump is functioning normally.
I’ll be grateful for any further advice.

brompton2 · Feb 28, 2023

brompton2 said:
I’ve had a further go at unscrewing the lid of the fresh water tank. Tried using long-handled wrench + hammer handle as a lever with filler cap open to release any vacuum effect but can’t shift it. I don’t get how to work the water tank opening tool having found that as the lid is recessed 60mm below a circular opening in a steel bulkhead this prevents the application of effective leverage to the lid through the small opening.

My reason for wanting to open it is that the water sensor is malfunctioning. It was showing 2 bars full despite the tank having been drained and is now flashing indicating a fault. The pump is functioning normally.
I’ll be grateful for any further advice.

View attachment 105422

brompton2 · Feb 28, 2023

I think this tool is designed to be used from the direction of the gas bottle compartment but I still can’t turn it.

Herman · Feb 28, 2023

You could try something like this: it worked for me.
Access from the gas bottle cupboard.

Rich Mackie · Mar 1, 2023

I had trouble with the tool - a set of open pliers with the handles against the ridges and nose held in mole grips worked for me.

brompton2 · Mar 1, 2023

Thanks. A nice piece of joinery. I think my fresh water tank lid must have been put on by a machine or a very strong man. Should surely have just been hand tightened. I've had the van from new, have never opened it before and just can't budge it.

brompton2 · Mar 3, 2023

Rich Mackie said:
I had trouble with the tool - a set of open pliers with the handles against the ridges and nose held in mole grips worked for me.

Thank you. I'll give that a try.

brompton2 · Jun 2, 2023

The California had to go in for some work prior to its MoT and the VW workshop managed to loosen the freshwater tank lid for me. It's now on again hand-tightened and can be unscrewed if and when necessary. They said they used a 'special tool' - I suspect similar to those shown + brute force!