Keep the asbestos wet with a spray bottle of water, wear disposable gloves and face mask. Wrap in plastic film, place in a plastic bag, add gloves and mask and seal tightly with tape then dispose of according to local regulations. Remember to keep the asbestos wet. No liability. Check with regulations.
These asbestos washers have effectively "cooked" into place and can be the very devil to shift. You should follow the above good advice but in addition a sharp scalpel or craft tool is very useful in shaving the old washer away, one layer at a time. Finally, make sure the brass surfaces are totally clean and bright, especially the "sealing grooves. Have a look at this post: https://classiccampstoves.com/posts/83257 Best Regards, Kerophile.
George, you just basically described my first two experiences with the Radius - the filler and pump caps. When I saw the reserve cap I just had a sinking feeling. I think it was more psychological than anything, although I know it'll be more tedious due to the smaller diameter. My only consolation is that I'll be using the more effective tools you recommended than those used previously. Thanks again.
My personal method is just to go beyond the spray with water method and do the whole thing in a sink of water and keep the part submerged. Asbestos is only dangerous if airborne and inhaled. If you remove the risk of getting any dust airborne in the first place then you remove the associated danger. Of course you have to do your own risk analysis and be comfortable with your own approach. At the end of the day you can only be at risk from asbestos from prolonged exposure. Despite the precautions I personally take, if I take a practical view I probably got significantly more exposure to asbestos dust during school science and metalwork lessons (asbestos mats for heatwork) the schoolrooms themselves (spent several years at primary/junior school in old nissen huts that used asbestos as insulation), and the same at our old scout hut as well. Cheers, Graham.
One exposure to inhaled asbestos is enough to cause asbestosis. Mesothelioma (a lung cancer) is the result of longer term exposures, especially for those who worked with it. My dear old father had both when he died. He was a boiler maker, boiler attendant and fitter and turner who used to wet lag steam pipes with asbestos. Regards Ian
Thanks, everybody. It came out easier than the others, George, thanks to the coaching. This one actually lifted off the surface of the cap while I was scraping it. I trust he enjoyed a long full life despite what put him down, Ian.
