On Tue, Feb 16, 2010 at 6:39 PM, David Beierl <dbeierl@attglobal.net> wrote: > At 01:09 AM 2/16/2010, neil n wrote: >> >> I heated them up with a standard propane torch. I kept flame moving >> and applied light pressure until crank started to bend. It didn't take >> much heat to do this but the plastic cover may melt a bit. In my case > > Fascinating. I thought these zinc alloys were hot-short so I specifically > *didn't* heat it. Maybe it's only the Zamak series or maybe I'm just > completely wrong about it. Can't test that part very well as all the Zamak > parts I have belong to the lathe. But I'll keep the torch handy for the odd > zinc casting in general... > > By the way, when you're heating brass and other zinc alloys try not to > breathe the fumes. "Brass-smelters ail" isn't terrifically serious, but it > isn't pleasant either. I actually got a mild case from polishing a brass > vase with a Dremel tool (wrong tool for the job anyway...). > > Yours, > David >
Thanks for the heads up. yah I don't know why it worked. You obviously have way more knowledge of metallurgy. I just took a gamble as I had spare cranks. Have used the driver side crank w/o issue so far, so likely haven't fatigued (or made more brittle?) the metal that much or at all. One thing worth mentioning is that there was a noticeable sharp nub that got exposed once plastic cover removed. Sharp enough to scrape ones hand or at least annoy an unknowing user when rolling down the window. I was really careful with the flame. Didn't take much heat before it bent quite easily.
-- Neil Nicholson '81 VanaJetta 2.0 "Jaco" http://tubaneil.googlepages.com/ http://groups.google.com/group/vanagons-with-vw-inline-4-cylinder-gas-engines |
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