Problem dismantling ...steel in aluminium?...welded!..Tips?

Having problems with a Seagull? - ask an expert here

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niander
Posts: 501
Joined: Tue Apr 17, 2007 9:59 am
Location: Oban

Problem dismantling ...steel in aluminium?...welded!..Tips?

Post by niander »

The thing i h8 about seagulls is when the steel is "welded" to the ally and the bolts in the ally wont undo!

im on about the drive shaft tube[it doesnt matter if the tube is destroyed as im replacing it anyway] i need to get it out of the gearbox...[small 40 model]

and i cannot undo the pinch bolt ..also.....do i need to warm it all up[will a blow torch do it?].... i can take it to a guy with oxy/acetalin torch [that better? ....how hot do i need to get it i spos cherry red on the steel ,but the ally?...any tips?
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charlesp
Posts: 2568
Joined: Mon Mar 06, 2006 1:37 pm
Location: Poole, Dorset, England

Post by charlesp »

Heat, lots of it.

I use a propane torch, and I find that temperatures need to get quite high before the steel component becomes even slightly free.

If you play the torch over that part of the water pump housing that holds the clenchbolt, and keep having a go at the bolt itself with a 'rocking' action - first one way then the other - it will eventually loosen. It's a struggle, and this bolt together with the infamous one in the middle of the same component cause immense hassle.

Once the bolt is out then wire brush the threads to clear debris from the steel. Insert it the 'wrong way', with a penny washer or similar between the jaws, and wind it up just enough to force them open. This will help to free the tube from the alloy.

Good luck.
philj
Posts: 86
Joined: Tue Oct 23, 2007 9:55 pm
Location: portsmouth uk

Post by philj »

Hi,
the key to getting seized parts free of each other is hot and cold. Make the bit you want bigger hot, the bit you want smaller cold.
My main tool is my oven (to make it hot) and a can of cold spray. (Any thing will do you don't have to buy the dear stuff used in electronic fault finding, I use air freshener)
All this after and hour in the chip pan getting some boiling oil into the parts you cannot get to.
But don't try any of this at home 'cos it may not meet H&S regs, or your insurance policy!
Regards
Phil
niander
Posts: 501
Joined: Tue Apr 17, 2007 9:59 am
Location: Oban

Post by niander »

Ok sounds like some good advice!
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