Freeing a stuck engine
(→Using penetrating fluids) |
(→Using penetrating fluids) |
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===Using penetrating fluids=== | ===Using penetrating fluids=== | ||
| − | Using a fluid that will penetrate and lubricate is key. You need something that will penetrate, stay wet, and wick its way up into the smallest area. Ordinary motor oil will coat but penetrates at a very slow pace. Petroleum or mineral spirits will get into small places but will dry out over time. Paraffin will wick its way up or down a threaded bolt, but only when it is melted. Acids will eat their way through but can cause damage of its own and may be hard to control as well as dangerous to handle. Caustics are more of a slow burn and may require heat to work better, and are often harmful to aluminum/aluminum alloys. Water will penetrate, wet, and coat but has many limitations. Diesel fuel is a middle-of-the-road fluid that will creep, coat and stay wet over time but reeks to high hell and will stink up everything it contacts- you included. If you're feeling adventurous, you can mix up your own solution (WD-40 did). Or just spend a few bucks on a large can of Marvel Mystery oil, WD-40, or PB Blaster. | + | Using a fluid that will penetrate and lubricate is key. You need something that will penetrate, stay wet, and wick its way up into the smallest area. Ordinary motor oil will coat but penetrates at a very slow pace. Petroleum or mineral spirits will get into small places but will dry out over time. Paraffin will wick its way up or down a threaded bolt, but only when it is melted. Acids will eat their way through but can cause damage of its own and may be hard to control as well as dangerous to handle. Caustics are more of a slow burn and may require heat to work better, and are often harmful to aluminum/aluminum alloys. Water will penetrate, wet, and coat but has many limitations. Diesel fuel is a middle-of-the-road fluid that will creep, coat and stay wet over time but reeks to high hell and will stink up everything it contacts- you included. If you're feeling adventurous, you can mix up your own solution (WD-40 did). Or just spend a few bucks on a large can of Marvel Mystery oil, WD-40, or PB Blaster. |
Know what metal that you are working with and apply the correct solution to get the best result. Most metals will form what is known as an oxide, where oxygen from the air mixes on the surface with the base metal. We do know that when these oxides dry out they are usually hard to remove by any means other than mechanical (sanding or wire brush/wheel, sand/bead blasting). | Know what metal that you are working with and apply the correct solution to get the best result. Most metals will form what is known as an oxide, where oxygen from the air mixes on the surface with the base metal. We do know that when these oxides dry out they are usually hard to remove by any means other than mechanical (sanding or wire brush/wheel, sand/bead blasting). | ||
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