Central Boiler chimney cleanout cover stuck

[flashy]

Can't turn it by hand. Stuck a lever in the handle but it won't budge and the handle bends so I'm letting off. Whats then trick to accessing the chimney?

 

[memory]

I just had the same problem with my Central Boiler. Get a wooden or rubber hammer and give it a little tap. For me, it didn't take much to knock it loose.

 

[Joesell]

Yeah, you have creosote built up on it. Just give it a quick beating and it'll open right up.

 

[Uncle John]

Don't force it!
Get a bigger hammer!.....................

 

[Joesell]

You got me thinking about mine. Sure enough, 1 month in and already a nice build up.

 

[flashy]

Mine is completely stuck. Won't budge. Then I remembered that I checked it this summer and couldn't get it open and would 'get back to it later'. Well, forgot and now I have a problem. Resorted to drilling 1" hole and clearing it with a reversed shop vac. Drafted better right away. Plugged the hole with a 1" nipple with a cap on one end. I'll have to get a new cover next summer during shutdown. Poor maintenance on my part. Cleaned out the firebox, but put off the chimney and forgot.

 

[Circle B MN]

I would get a new cap first, then take a big bar to the old one and torque it till it lets loose. Got to remember to check it more often.