My pal showed me the wax method to free up my stuck Norton. However we needed a roofers “rosebud” torch to get enough heat to heat the entire jug. We also machined up some aluminum slugs the size of the pistons to tap on while heat was applied to the jug.My engine was stuck at exactly top dead center which made things more difficult. It required many applications of wax and heat,but in the end she freed up. Using penetrating oil only works in certain situations.it did nothing to free up my motor. High heat,wax,and persistence did it for us.
First bike was a 1976 Ironhead Sportster basket case. Engine sat on the side yard with the plugs removed for a “few weeks”. The cylinder sleeve and the piston rings had become one long before the elements had their way with the engine. Long story short …I beat the pistons out of the cylinders with a hammer and a chisel after soaking them for a few weeks.
Good to see Pop sharing his experience with the younger guys. We were all young and stupid once upon a time. If all else fails the wax trick works well!
The wax technique actually worked! I took PhillySkip’s advice and used a big torch for melting tar. Took a few tries and a few birthday candles, but she freed up! Amazing.
I’ve got a stuck piston on my Norton ES2 that was sitting outside I have not been able to budge. I’ll try the wax method and report back.
Fill it with diesel and let it sit for a week…..
-nicker-
My pal showed me the wax method to free up my stuck Norton. However we needed a roofers “rosebud” torch to get enough heat to heat the entire jug. We also machined up some aluminum slugs the size of the pistons to tap on while heat was applied to the jug.My engine was stuck at exactly top dead center which made things more difficult. It required many applications of wax and heat,but in the end she freed up. Using penetrating oil only works in certain situations.it did nothing to free up my motor. High heat,wax,and persistence did it for us.
I love Sparks and Clutch.. Great memories.
First bike was a 1976 Ironhead Sportster basket case. Engine sat on the side yard with the plugs removed for a “few weeks”. The cylinder sleeve and the piston rings had become one long before the elements had their way with the engine. Long story short …I beat the pistons out of the cylinders with a hammer and a chisel after soaking them for a few weeks.
Good to see Pop sharing his experience with the younger guys. We were all young and stupid once upon a time. If all else fails the wax trick works well!
The wax technique actually worked! I took PhillySkip’s advice and used a big torch for melting tar. Took a few tries and a few birthday candles, but she freed up! Amazing.