Stuck piston 49-51 elgin

[mkc1962]

I'm restoring and old Elgin 401. The old guy that gave it to me near 20 years ago said it was running when he put it in his shed. For this reason as well as limited visual inspection there is no sign of galling. But, all the same this thing has been dormant for well over 20 years. Dirt daubers did their handy work everywhere, including all the way up to the piston area. So far the entire thing has come apart flawlessly with only two broken screws. The piston however, appears to be stuck. Ive been soaking it for a week or more with PB blaster, as well as Seafoam, hoping to break the possible corrsion loose thats holding it. But my latest attempt is still no luck. Power head is off so its not a shaft binding issues. Ive dealt with stuck pistons before on 2-stroke dirt bikes, but this one is being a bear.
Any suggestions, or is more patience/soaking needed?

 

[steelespike]

Re: Stuck piston 49-51 elgin

just shooting from the hip.
Assuming you can get it apart on the top and bottom how about this for relatively
light but strong steady pressure. Set it up with some sort of jack or press so you can apply steady pressure keep soaking and applying pressure.Just let it sit and work.
OR::: A big hammer drill with some sort of blunt bit type device Applied to the top of the piston using a steel plate or hardened aluminum to protect the piston.
I worked with an old time machinist who swore by many repeated light blows from a hammer with lots of penetrating oil for stuck and rusted items.I've seen it work.

 

[mkc1962]

Re: Stuck piston 49-51 elgin

Steelespike,
sounds like the same hip shooting I'm trying.

continued lubing an tapping is what Ive been doing. The lube had finally gotten to a point it wont stay on top of the piston but a few hours. Thats an improvment in itself as the first few days it stayed there indefinately. Ive been using a 2x4 and rubber hammer, on piston head but still no movement. Was able to remove connecting rod screws tonight ande remove head with stuck piston as a whole tonight. Got it soaking in a can of carb cleaner and gonna leave there for a few days while out of town.

if by time I get home still no movement then I'll put it under my 20 ton press, and with very light presure keep it submerged and try your approach...that little boogger is coming out one way or another. Just would be nice to keep all pieces useable..realy wanna see this thing run again.

 

[steelespike]

Re: Stuck piston 49-51 elgin

I think a 2X4 or piece of oak or other hard wood and a real hammer carefully applied would work better.I think the mallet doesn't deliver enough shock to break things loose.

 

[dwco5051]

Re: Stuck piston 49-51 elgin

I have used Hoppes #9 gun cleaner with much success in freeing up stuck pistons in the past. Found out by accident when I could not find any of the usual penetrants in the shop one evening so I went to the gun room and got a jar of it out. I now use it a lot when something is really stuck. Also if it starts to move a liberal dose of good cutting oil will finish the job. Once it gets in there it is a good high pressure lube. If it can hold up to keeping chips from sticking to your cutting tool a little tight ring to a cylinder wall is a walk in the park.

 

[mkc1962]

Re: Stuck piston 49-51 elgin

Steelespike,

Dont think I had mentioned but, after the rubber mallet approach, Ive several times tried a piece of 3/4" red oak and small ball pien. Probably harder than I should and still nothing. But its now been soaking/fully submerged in that carb cleaner for near a week while I was out of town. I plan to pull it out in the Morning and go at it again.

DWCO,
yep familar with the Hoppes#9, though never used it for that. Thanks for the tip. If after my long soak in the carb tank it still wont move, I'll give the hoppes a try.

 

[mkc1962]

Re: Stuck piston 49-51 elgin

well after much soaking, she finally came out. And not with that much effort either. Now soaking piston to unstick the rings.

New obstacle is the lower unit. Cant find anything on that so think I'll do a new post for that so others can find if interested in the future.

Thanks again guys for the tips and help.