Driving Mirror

[Herb51]

anyone have a trick to removing mirror from arm that is attached to coach after it has not been moved for years mine was torn off and I need to reattach the mounting bracket to coach but cant get bolts out of it because it is froze to arm I been putting WD-40 on it for several days now

[rag_ftw]

Penetrating oils



“Machinists Workshop” recently published information on various penetrating oils. The magazine reports they tested these products for “breakout torque” on rusted nuts and bolts. A subjective test was made of popular penetrating oils, with the unit of merit being the torque required to remove the nut from a “scientifically rusted” bolt.



Averaged torque load to loosen nuts:



No oil used............ 516 foot-pounds

WD – 40..................... 238 foot-pounds

PB Blaster.................. 214 foot-pounds

Liquid Wrench........... 128 foot-pounds

Kano Kroil................ 106 foot-pounds

ATF/Acetone Mix....... 53 foot-pounds – 50/50



The ATF/Acetone mix is a homebrew of 50/50 Automatic Transmission Fluid and Acetone.

Note: This “Homebrew” released bolts better than any commercial product in this particular test.

Note: Liquid Wrench is almost as good as Kroil for 20% of the price.

Note: ATF/Acetone mix is the best, but you can also use ATF and lacquer thinner in a 50/50 mix.

Note: The ATF/Acetone mix is 5 times better than WD-40.

[Herb51]

thanks ill jump right on that idea and let you know results

[Truls]

That is a great list of penetrating oils. Having worked in the saltwater marine industry for decades as an engineer, I have definitely come across some seized bolts. I will typically not even try to loosen a seized bolt without putting some heat to it. That may be challenging depending on what you are working on, but may be possible with a small torch, like a small butane torch or something. These are maybe $10 at an auto parts store.

I was able to free up a seized engine with the ATF/Acetone mix after sitting in the cylinders for a couple of days.

The heat/lube combo is good, expansion and then contraction from cooling when sprayed, but be careful about using too much heat and something very flammable. I have used liquid wrench successfully like this. Also tapping on the head of the bolt/screw can loosen things up. Whatever you do, be patient and don't twist off the heads of the bolts.

Best of luck,

Truls

[Herb51]

update atf and Acetone didn't work in fact nothing worked I did get out one set screw but the rest is all fused together with age tried heat as mush as I dared then gave up priced a new one then went back to work what I came up with that will buy some time till I decide to buy new one . Problem was I could not remount mounting plate because plastic chrome cover prevents screws from coming out I drilled 4 15/16 holes with hole cutter and removed screws that way then ordered rubber plugs for holes and chrome tape to put over rubbers then will trim to fit thinking about drilling 4 holes in drivers mirror to match (lol)