Nelson 1445 E. Hupp Bloomington, Indiana 47401
It has been some time since I have written to you.
I had a problem with a 6 HP International engine. When we got
it, it had been sitting outside for twenty some years. Weather and
time had taken their toll. Needless to say, the piston was frozen
in the sleeve. After using several brands of rust solvent and
penetrating oils to no avail, I tried the burning brake fluid
solution, still stuck!
A 30-ton press was available, but I was afraid it would cause
too much dam-age. It was suggested that I put the sleeve back on
the engine with the head on, add some water and heat the sleeve.
Since the head was not ready to put on, I made a plate and gasket
to fit. The plate was drilled and tapped and secured to the sleeve
with pipe clamps. I then added water through the tapped hole,
installed a gauge and heated the cylinder with a torch. This was
left to cool overnight. The next morning rusty water had dripped on
the floor. I repeated the heat and cool process. Then, with the
cylinder in the press we were able to get the piston out! We saved
everything.
Here is a picture of the cylinder piston and rod. But don’t
be alarmed, my garage is not falling over, it’s my camera
angle!
