Steel Part Seized in Aluminum

[Richard Wasserman]

Don't worry, I share your enthusiasm for flammable gasses and I'm staying away from them. I have tried a couple of freezing/boiling water cycles, which had no effect. I currently have the parts soaking in PB Blaster and I'm thinking of giving a vinegar soak a try.
I hope that something will eventually work, if I can be patient enough.

I would not use propane or any other liquified flammable gas. These materials have very wide explosive ranges and very high expansion ratios, e.g. Propane is 1860:1. Never use liquid oxygen! If it comes in contact with any grease or oil, a flash fire will result! If you do use a liquified gas, I would suggest carbon dioxide. Use it in a well ventilated area. Be sure to use eye protection and suitable gloves.

--P

[E. von Hoegh]

Don't worry, I share your enthusiasm for flammable gasses and I'm staying away from them. I have tried a couple of freezing/boiling water cycles, which had no effect. I currently have the parts soaking in PB Blaster and I'm thinking of giving a vinegar soak a try.
I hope that something will eventually work, if I can be patient enough.

If you soak it in vinegar, it likely won't have much effect due to the oil that's already there. Try baking it at about 250f, then dropping it back in the PB Blaster. As it cools, the oil will be drawn into any (now larger due to heat) crevices.

I cannot stress enough how important patience is.

[E. von Hoegh]

Well?

[Richard Wasserman]

Thanks for asking! The part is currently soaking in Kroil. I put it in the oven to warm up before its bath, but so far it shows no signs of movement. I periodically look at it and tap on it—more I think to make me feel like I'm contributing to the process than anything else. You counseled patience and I'm doing my best....

Any other ideas?

Well?

[E. von Hoegh]

Thanks for asking! The part is currently soaking in Kroil. I put it in the oven to warm up before its bath, but so far it shows no signs of movement. I periodically look at it and tap on it—more I think to make me feel like I'm contributing to the process than anything else. You counseled patience and I'm doing my best....

Any other ideas?

If I had the part, or could see it, I might have some ideas. Kroil is the best penetrant available, and thermal cycling is good, too.

If you have an ultrasonic, even a small jewelry cleaner, put it in there in Kroil and give it a blast, as long as the cleaner will tolerate.

[awldune]

If you could share a picture that would be helpful for troubleshooting.

[Richard Wasserman]

Her's a photo as requested. I have ordered an ultrasonic cleaner which will arrive early next week. I am starting to lose hope of ever getting this apart.

[E. von Hoegh]

I see a flat. Are there two flats? Have you tried to unscrew it from the housing? What does the service literature say? It appears that the housing and shaft screw into the aluminium; when the part has been screwed in and the gear adjusted to be central over the rack, the set screw is tightened.

[Richard Wasserman]

There are 2 flats, but the shaft is not threaded, but is an eccentric cam. The shaft is supposed to turn and adjust the placement of the gear (pinion) which mates with the focus rack on the monorail.

I see a flat. Are there two flats? Have you tried to unscrew it from the housing? What does the service literature say? It appears that the housing and shaft screw into the aluminium; when the part has been screwed in and the gear adjusted to be central over the rack, the set screw is tightened.

[E. von Hoegh]

Have you tried twisting it?