Charlie Posted April 14, 2014 Share Posted April 14, 2014 Hi all, Does anyone have any magical tips on un-seizing the alloy plugs. As you can see the swivel above totally corroded and disintegrated. It has been soaking in plusgas for a week now and even with tentative taps still won’t budge. Or is this a case of cut it off and buy a new one? Its about 3 inches in diameter and is the belt driven alternator off a FV432 B81. Cheers, Charlie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fv1609 Posted April 14, 2014 Share Posted April 14, 2014 I found this stuff quite helpful & to use a strap wrench. The strap ensures that the plug isn't crushed which can make it stick tighter & leaves the plug unmarked. http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/FREEZE-SPRAY-RELEASE-SEIZED-NUTS-SCREWS-RUSTED-JOINTS-HINGES-PENETRATING-OIL-/151250259532?pt=UK_Hand_Tools_Equipment&hash=item233737ce4c But looks like you'll need a new plug anyway. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
griff66 Posted April 14, 2014 Share Posted April 14, 2014 u can also buy swan necks with rubber inserts on jaws designed to limit damage Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charlie Posted April 14, 2014 Author Share Posted April 14, 2014 Thanks for your answers, will try both. Will need another lead but just wanted to get her moving at the moment and will do a pack lift and full rebuild in August. Any other ideas always welcome or the angle grinder comes out. C. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
merlin Posted April 14, 2014 Share Posted April 14, 2014 (edited) I used an adjustable pipe wrench, to undo the many connectors on the Chieftain electrical control systems, during my time as an ECE. The jaws can be adjusted to the correct size for each plug so do not squeeze the ferrule. Saved many a knuckle from damage (my knuckles that is!) Edited April 15, 2014 by merlin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Diana and Jackie Posted April 14, 2014 Share Posted April 14, 2014 Try heat - small mini butane torch directed at the metal to metal joint, but not red hot of course. Diana Hi all, Does anyone have any magical tips on un-seizing the alloy plugs. As you can see the swivel above totally corroded and disintegrated. It has been soaking in plusgas for a week now and even with tentative taps still won’t budge. Or is this a case of cut it off and buy a new one? Its about 3 inches in diameter and is the belt driven alternator off a FV432 B81. Cheers, Charlie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andym Posted April 15, 2014 Share Posted April 15, 2014 These things can be a real pain, the threads are very fine and corrode easily. I take it you've tried doing it up slightly first? It's also worthwhile wiggling the cable end of the connector if you can. On the tool front, I find the jam jar opener rubber strap wrenches ideal for these. Available cheaply from your local supermarket. When you get it apart, remember to put a smear of copper grease on it when reassembling! Andy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Topdog Posted April 15, 2014 Share Posted April 15, 2014 Any heat will probably destroy the wiring integrity Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Diana and Jackie Posted April 15, 2014 Share Posted April 15, 2014 As one who knows about and has done lots of such things- depends on how much heat. Any heat will probably destroy the wiring integrity Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
g0ozs Posted April 15, 2014 Share Posted April 15, 2014 (edited) And how long the heat is applied for! When de-soldering (which I know is a slightly different issue) I generally find that a lot of heat applied quickly does less collateral damage than modest heat that is applied for a long time to reach a useful temperature. But the same will apply if relying on heat to cause expansion to break the corrosion gluing the threads of plug and socket together - it will only work if the plug expands before the socket. Having said that if the connector is already damaged beyond reuse I think I would be more tempted to cut and split the locking ring on the plug and then prise it off the socket to minimise damage to the thread on the socket. The cuts can be made using something like a dremel to avoid going too deep. I would ideally cut twice on opposite sides of the plug. Iain Edited April 15, 2014 by g0ozs Added more detail Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
griff66 Posted April 16, 2014 Share Posted April 16, 2014 u have probally tried this but soft jawed swan necks on plug then try tapping pliers with hammer to remove plug if u can get it apart u Might be able to clean up contacts etc however new plug might be best if u can find one Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kw573 Posted April 16, 2014 Share Posted April 16, 2014 (edited) Advice I got third hand from an outboard motor mechanic: on aluminum fittings that are siezed with corrosion, use . .wait for it . . . . . . . . . insect spray!! I have tried it and it works. Dunno which brands work best, but I have used cheapies in spray cans and whoa! the aluminum lets go and the bits come apart without further damage. I have used it mainly on steel studs/bolts in alloy housings. Re-assemble dry. Lets know how it goes. Sam, downunder. Edited April 16, 2014 by kw573 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andym Posted April 17, 2014 Share Posted April 17, 2014 Advice I got third hand from an outboard motor mechanic: on aluminum fittings that are siezed with corrosion, use . .wait for it . . . . . . . . . insect spray!! I have tried it and it works. Dunno which brands work best, but I have used cheapies in spray cans and whoa! the aluminum lets go and the bits come apart without further damage. I have used it mainly on steel studs/bolts in alloy housings. Re-assemble dry. Lets know how it goes. Sam, downunder. I hadn't heard that idea before! Andy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tony B Posted April 17, 2014 Share Posted April 17, 2014 Didn't insect spary melt the original SA80's?:-D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charlie Posted April 17, 2014 Author Share Posted April 17, 2014 Didn't insect spary melt the original SA80's?:-D That was the DEET added to the camo cream if i remember. So by insect spray, do you mean insect repelant i.e. DEET or an insect killer like RAID? C. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tony B Posted April 17, 2014 Share Posted April 17, 2014 I feel some experiments coming on! :cool2: Lots of alloy fittings on Landy's and DEET is easily available. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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