Can't break it loose: strongerg 81
 

I recently bought a stromberg 81 that was "rebuilt". And I ran it on my model a speedster for a little bit until some trash got in the carb. I went to break it down to clean it, and the brass plug at the bottom between the two jet brass plugs, will not break loose. I have pretty much almost mutilated it trying to get it freed up. My question is, has anybody else had this problem, and how did they get it freed up? I'm sure there is some kind of sealant on it or something, because of how stuck it is. The slot for the flat head is pretty much all boogered up now. (Didn't take much to do that with the brass). I'm pretty much at a loss at this point. I don't care to save the plug, as I have extras, I just need it out.

Re: Can't break it loose: strongerg 81
 

If it is loctite heat will release it. I have not had this happen on a carburetor, but on a bearing I heat it until it releases.

John

Re: Can't break it loose: strongerg 81
 

Send it to Charlie NY. I had the same problem and he figured out a fixture on his lathe to get it out. Worked and saved the threads. Price was very reasonable too.

Re: Can't break it loose: strongerg 81
 

Tim: do you have Charlie's contact information

I will try the heat method and see what that does. I dont know why it would be loctite, but i guess it wouldnt hurt to heat whatever it is that is making it stuck.

Re: Can't break it loose: strongerg 81
 

You can also cut another flat screwdriver slot in the plug 90 degrees from the bugered up one. Demel or die grinder works good for this.

Re: Can't break it loose: strongerg 81
 

Gently heat the Carb. body around the brass plug with a propane torch, to expand the die casting. Use gloves to hold the body and a screwdriver that just fits the slot. There are screwdriver bits that fit a ratchet wrench, giving you more ability to turn.

Re: Can't break it loose: strongerg 81
 

Logan,
Call or email me any time.......716 440 8952
716 662 9159
[email protected]
The well that the power valve is threaded in to is fragile due to core
shift in many cases. If the well is cracked it's over.
Be patient you will no doubt be successful.
Charlie ny

Re: Can't break it loose: strongerg 81
 

Other stuff...does it have a gasket? If so, pick that out with dental tool. I suspect you have found one that was assembled with some sort of glue, perhaps without gasket, because of a thread problem. If you do go with heat, remember that the melting point of Strombergite is very low and very sudden. You can go from warm to puddle before you know it!
One 81 that's in my basement somewhere has a cast plug apparently driven into the center hole to seal it...I think it is likely an old commercial rebuild given a one-time only fix to avoid scrapping a core!