Seized Vaporiser Tube: Primus 70

Discussion in 'Fettling Forum' started by Tony Press, Apr 7, 2014.

  1. Tony Press

    Tony Press Australia Subscriber

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    I have a Primus 70, the same as this:

    https://classiccampstoves.com/threads/25491

    I have tried to unscrew the vaporiser tube from the tank, first by using a ring spanner; then a large shifter; then soaking the whole kit for 4 days in penetrating fluid; then inserting the hex at the base in a bench vise and trying to turn the tank. The hex is now starting to look dodgy and the tube is still stuck.

    Any suggestions?
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Jul 1, 2015
  2. Trojandog

    Trojandog United Kingdom Subscriber

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    Try the ice trick. It's worked for me on a couple on stubborn vaps - Link .

    Terry
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Jul 1, 2015
  3. vmfa314

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    Also before loosening try to tighten slightly. Freezing will contract the metal so that may work.
    Mack
     
  4. snwcmpr

    snwcmpr SotM Winner Subscriber

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    I got the tube away from the tank on my Enders 9060, without damage, but it took more than 2 weeks, and a lot of patience. (Pictures to be posted soon).

    "Also before loosening try to tighten slightly."
    Why would one want to tighten a tight threaded fitting?

    Ken in NC
     
  5. vmfa314

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    Sometimes when you can not loosen a connection due to corrosion, Threadlocker and such, slightly tightening can break loose that bond and then it will unscrew. If you just try to unscrew it first you will strip out the threads or bend something. I am not a scientist nor did I stay in a Holiday Inn Express last night, and I did not save by going to Geico but I have found this to help me when just trying to loosen by itself have failed.
    Mack
     
  6. snwcmpr

    snwcmpr SotM Winner Subscriber

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    I mis-understood. You said before loosening, so I read that literally.

    Ken in NC
     
  7. vmfa314

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    If it comes unloosened with no problems then of course you wouldnt have to try tightening it to get it undone.
    Mack
     
  8. Tony Press

    Tony Press Australia Subscriber

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    Ok: my vaporiser tube is STILL stuck rock solid!

    I'm going to try one more round of heating and quenching, then using a pipe wrench to see if I can get the bloody thing loose...

    Before I do: if anyone has ever taken a similar Primus 70 vaporiser off, can you reassure me that it IS actually screwed into the tank, and that it is not a left-hand thread? It's the one on the left in this picture:



    1400903579-image.jpg
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Jun 26, 2015
  9. kerry460

    kerry460 Australia R.I.P.

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    G,,day Tony . I don't know about being soldered or LH thread , I would doubt the LH thread though .
    have you looked at the joint using a jewellers loupe , you may be able to determine a bit more .
    ie; a trace of the start of a thread . or solder.

    if you have been heating and quenching , try doing the quench with a penetrant , WD40 etc .
    one of the most effective penetrants is homemade
    50 / 50 mix of auto transmission fluid and acetone.
    quenching with penetrant will improve the wick in to the threads .
    remember though that the fumes can be nasty and flammable .
    cheers
    kerry
     
  10. Tony Press

    Tony Press Australia Subscriber

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    Aaaahhhh!!!!

    Well, I have now unscrewed it, but, in the process of:

    1: (after repeated heating and quenching) placing the entire length of the vaporiser tube between two bits of rubber in a vise; and

    2: turning the tank anticlockwise....

    I managed to twist the tube and split it! Bottom!!!

    Oh well, I will now get to practice the art of silbrazing. I will replace the twisted length of brass tubing with some 7.5mm OD brass tubing, and reform the munted hex nut at the bottom of the vaporiser.

    I have a Radius 42 that needs its vaporiser tube replaced, so I'll do both, and learn something new.

    Thanks, Kerry: I had it soaking in 50:50 acetone:ATF for weeks. It was really jammed.
     
  11. kerry460

    kerry460 Australia R.I.P.

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    Tony , pleased you got it out :thumbup:
    unhappy for you that it split the tube :thumbdown:
    kerry