Best Penetrating Fluid?

[HillStreet]

I will keep trying to separate my SB51 snowblower fan from the gearbox shaft. I think if I stand the blower up on the auger end I can spray the penetrating oil so it drips into the coupling better, then soak it over a period of days.

What is a real good penetrating fluid to use? I have some Liquid Wrench but it's not doing the job so far.

 

[PRF]

we have good luck with PB Blaster.. sometimes even whisper a little heat on the stuck objects first and sizzle it in

 

[pilotman]

A very effective penetrating oil is a equal mix of acetone and transmission fluid.

 

[Bill Hoffman]

+1 on the antifreeze-acetone mix. Works exceedingly well.

 

[Threepoint]

+1 on the antifreeze-acetone mix. Works exceedingly well.

Bill and Pilotman: Should it be anti-freeze or transmission fluid? Or would either work with the acetone?

 

[jimmysisson]

not anti freeze, ATF
Jim

 

[GManBart]

Nobody uses the search function....:laughing:

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/parts-repairs/305101-comparison-penetrating-oils.html

 

[Threepoint]

not anti freeze, ATF
Jim

Ah Ha! I can see how Bill was thinking ATF and typed antifreeze.

 

[DJ54]

A very effective penetrating oil is a equal mix of acetone and transmission fluid.

I'll second this..!! I thought Kroil was pretty decent, this mix is MUCH better..!! I mix mine in a dish washing liquid bottle, so as the Acetone won't evaporate.

 

[MH8675309]

PB is good but for the tough stuff I use blue flame ratchet.

 

[LD1]

Kroil is the best you can buy premixed IMO.

Acetone and ATF also work well, but acetone eats paint. So that is its one and only issue. Sometimes you can use it, other times not because of that.

Typically, I am in too big of a hurry anyway and just grab the blue flame. But I always like to spray something on stuck fastners, before I even try them. Because even if it isnt needed, it still helps. ANd I have had things break loose no problem before, and get half way out and seize again...

 

[RedNeckRacin]

You guys may not believe this, but a torch and a candle work wonders. Heat up the back side of the fastener for a min or so, then melt the wax in the threads on the back side, works like a charm!

 

[deerseeker001]

I have agree thats stuff just creeps in to where you need it.

Kroil is the best you can buy premixed IMO.

Acetone and ATF also work well, but acetone eats paint. So that is its one and only issue. Sometimes you can use it, other times not because of that.

Typically, I am in too big of a hurry anyway and just grab the blue flame. But I always like to spray something on stuck fastners, before I even try them. Because even if it isnt needed, it still helps. ANd I have had things break loose no problem before, and get half way out and seize again...

 

[whitepine2]

GIBBS is better than KROIL I always used KROIL by the 5 gal. can but found GIBBS and find it better. Have not tried home brew as GIBBS works so good but I will just to see for myself.

 

[whistlepig]

I have found that quick heat from a torch works far better than any penetrating fluid.

 

[HillStreet]

I have found that quick heat from a torch works far better than any penetrating fluid.

I am the OP and will soak this part with Kroil if I can find it locally. I am going to reposition the blower so the penetrating oil will run into the coupling/shaft assembly. Then I will soak for 3 days or more.

The manufacturer has told me twice that the parts should come apart (blower fan will separate from the gearbox shaft) with a little prying and striking with a hammer. Ain't happening, I have pried and pried, and struck and struck without any movement at all.

Manufacturer says heat could damage the gearbox seal so I am hesitant to do that. Don't really know what to do except keep soaking and then pry some more.

 

[LD1]

Some pics may help us offer some more suggestions

 

[Scooby074]

I will keep trying to separate my SB51 snowblower fan from the gearbox shaft. I think if I stand the blower up on the auger end I can spray the penetrating oil so it drips into the coupling better, then soak it over a period of days. What is a real good penetrating fluid to use? I have some Liquid Wrench but it's not doing the job so far.

Kroil is #1. Zep is good too . PB blaster is just ok.

 

[dieselcrawler]

PB Blaster combined with prudent use of heat... heat can damage seals and bearings, so I'm careful around them, but the heat helps wick the pb into place.

My dad likes kroil, but I find the cost and availability prohibitive, pb blaster is on the local hardware store shelf.

I will admit, I've never tryed atf/acetone, I may give it a shot.

 

[HillStreet]

My first attempt to post photos. Here are a couple of the snowblower fan and gearbox.