Lancia Motor Club

General => General Chat => Topic started by: ben on 18 March, 2019, 11:13:37 AM



Title: seized pistons
Post by: ben on 18 March, 2019, 11:13:37 AM
Hi All
I have been searching in vain for what I thought was a relatively recent post where someone recommended a particular mixture for soaking seized components to free them off.
From memory it was a mixture that included paint thinners. Anyway it was something that was different to the usual WD40,Diesel,Coca cola, and Plus Gas (which seems very hard to come by now but used to be my first choice).
Hopefully someone will remember the post and can point me in the right direction..
Incidentally the pistons I am trying to free are probably iron or steel so I should come clean and admit it is obviously not a Lancia!
Thanks in advance
Ben


Title: Re: seized pistons
Post by: Parisien on 18 March, 2019, 12:19:27 PM
May be on this thread

https://www.lancia.myzen.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=10822.msg77364#msg77364

P


Title: Re: seized pistons
Post by: frankxhv773t on 18 March, 2019, 02:29:24 PM
It's a 50/50 mix of automatic transmission fluid and cellulose thinners. I've been using it this afternoon on a seized track rod end.


Title: Re: seized pistons
Post by: DavidLaver on 18 March, 2019, 10:35:22 PM

Come on Ben, confess, what's the project?


Title: Re: seized pistons
Post by: ben on 20 March, 2019, 10:56:28 AM
Hi Chaps
Thanks again for the responses.
I have just tried to upload three photos but my pc choked--- so here is the first one to show what 30+ years of neglect can do!


Title: Re: seized pistons
Post by: ben on 20 March, 2019, 11:01:25 AM
Stage 1 of restoration.
It is not really a restoration it is just that I have to move it.
I have acquired some tyres over the years so am starting on the wheels.


Title: Re: seized pistons
Post by: simonandjuliet on 20 March, 2019, 11:16:17 AM
Can I suggest phosphoric acid for de-rusting , you may need it !

I use it at about 30% dilution


Title: Re: seized pistons
Post by: ben on 20 March, 2019, 11:26:04 AM
Interestingly these old Fordson Standard's are very difficult to tow even if the wheels are sorted because the final drive is a worm and wheel rather than crown wheel and pinion.
I moved it to its present position by engaging 1st or reverse and hand cranking the engine but over the years the engine has gone solid.
So today I will be off to buy some ATF fluid to make up the magic mixture and pour it down the plug holes.  However I expect to have to remove the head and apply encouragement to the pistons individually before anything frees up.


Title: Re: seized pistons
Post by: ben on 20 March, 2019, 11:30:44 AM
Where would I obtain Phosphoric Acid?
I suppose I should google it!!


Title: Re: seized pistons
Post by: simonandjuliet on 20 March, 2019, 11:35:41 AM
I can suggest a shop in Beziers ....

It is surprisingly heavy, 5l weighs a lot more than 5kgs


Title: Re: seized pistons
Post by: DavidLaver on 20 March, 2019, 11:45:48 AM

That first photo is fantastic.  Am so glad I asked!!!


Title: Re: seized pistons
Post by: frankxhv773t on 20 March, 2019, 01:27:53 PM
I am tempted to suggest you skip the phosphoric acid and go straight to topiary! That really is a challenge.


Title: Re: seized pistons
Post by: lancialulu on 20 March, 2019, 01:59:40 PM
I am tempted to suggest you skip the phosphoric acid and go straight to topiary! That really is a challenge.

Folk pay a hell of a lot for original garden sculptures..... Why move it?


Title: Re: seized pistons
Post by: the.cern on 21 March, 2019, 08:57:44 AM
I love the thought that the first tool used in this restoration was a strimmer!!!!

Good luck Ben, enjoy!!!!

                              Andy