Getting bottom off Katadyn Pocket

C

ChadHahn

Joined
Mar 23, 2006
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490
Yesterday I found a white bodied Katadyn Pocket water filter at the thrift store for $4.50. It looks to be in great condition and pumps water just fine. I do have a couple of questions though that I hope someone can answer for me.

I can't get the bottom off. I know that the white Pockets are the earliest and the bottom might not have come off in 20 years but does anyone know how I can break it loose?

Also, when I pump water it comes out kind of white and frothy. Is this the normal stuff that comes out when a filter has not been used before? I have a Sweetwater that has a charcoal element and when I cleared that filter it came out black. I know that the Katadyn is ceramic so is that what is pumping out, ceramic dust?

Thanks,

Chad
 
Email Katadyn, they've been very helpful when I've asked technical questions regarding their desalinator's and I'm sure that they'd help with this filter query.
 
ChadHahn said:
Yesterday I found a white bodied Katadyn Pocket water filter at the thrift store for $4.50. It looks to be in great condition and pumps water just fine. I do have a couple of questions though that I hope someone can answer for me.

I can't get the bottom off. I know that the white Pockets are the earliest and the bottom might not have come off in 20 years but does anyone know how I can break it loose?

Also, when I pump water it comes out kind of white and frothy. Is this the normal stuff that comes out when a filter has not been used before? ... I know that the Katadyn is ceramic so is that what is pumping out, ceramic dust?

Thanks,

Chad
Click to expand...

Yeah, that happens the first time you use the ceramic cartridge. But I'm not sure to the extent you're describing. With mine, the water was a bit white-ish, but not a lot. Use it a couple more times and see how it does. I'm not sure if the cartridge is degrading or not, wouldn't think so.

But the bottom should be just a quarter turn and pull. Time could have locked it up. Some oil, or wd40 to get it loosened up, the clean it all off????... Emailing Katadyn might be a good idea.
 
I have one of the white ones from 1988. The bottom should unscrew (it's more than a 1/4 turn, though). The bottom of the filter element is steel (stainless?), and the bottom part you are trying to remove is either stainless steel or aluminum. Mine has never been tighter than hand tight, although it can be snug.

Every time I use mine after it has completely dried it looks a little white (slightly milky) for the first liter or so. I think it is just tiny bubbles coming out of the ceramic as it wets out.

When you get it open inspect the ceramic. You might have to soak it in a baking soda solution if it was not dried properly. Make sure it meets the minimum wall thickness. Was the plastic gauge still with the filter? If not I can check my instructions to see what that thickness is. You might have to soak it in a baking soda solution if it was not dried properly. If it is worn too thin, the replacement cartridge is prett pricy. I might be interested in the other parts if you decide to get rid of it. If you can get it apart and there is still life left in it, you got a great deal.

Also, lube the O-ring on the pump shaft. I'm sure it can use it. My instructions say to use vaseline, but all the newer ones say to use silicone grease.
 
I emailed Katadyn and they have been pretty helpful. She did say that sometimes they had to use a visegrip to get old bottoms off. I tried to do that and even with a towel wrapped around it I only succeeded in marring the bottom.

She also didn't think that the filter was worn out.

I sent another email so we'll see what happens. It does seem to work pretty good so even if I cant' get the bottom off I'm not too worried.

Chad
 
I was thinking that's what I should do. Now I need to figure out where my strap wrench is.

Chad
 
yeah I would suggest getting in there and inspecting the filter, you don't want mold and other things growing in there! (happens when it's stored long wet, you'll notice spotting) but if it's thick enough it can be cleaned. and be careful it's fragile.

Good Luck!
 
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