Date:         Wed, 5 Sep 2012 20:19:11 -0700
Reply-To:     neil n <musomuso@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         neil n <musomuso@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Stuck Grease Cap? Try This PIC.
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1

Hi all.

In doing a bunch of front end work, had a tough time getting the
grease cap off. The caps are pristine, the FR lock nut appears to have
only been used once. Maybe they've never been removed? Anyhow.....

Point is, the cap was stuck real good. I tried a claw hammer. Nope.
Penetrating fluid. Nope. Didn't get around to trying a cold chisel as
in my desperation, found a chunk of box steel left over from my engine
swap. (hand cut no less)

image of tool on work:
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-26LuarPxUC8/UEgQ0Y-l8FI/AAAAAAAAGCw/RxkF-mpsANk/s512/Grease%2520Cap%2520Tool.jpg

By striking outer edge from ~ 45º, working side to side, then all the
way around, it knocked the cap loose in no time. A smaller piece of
box steel may also work as might a stout pipe cut in same manner.

Not really sure why it worked. I suspect the angled side "rode" the
rotor flange allowing the lower edge to move outward a little at a
time when tool struck. Well that and the tool levered on the rotor
flange.  Or, it was like the stuck mayo jar lid thing. All that
previous work and penetrating fluid prepped the piece.   < grin >

I'm submitting this tool design to Mensa International:
http://www.mensa.org/    Think they'll let me in?    ha ha ha.

Neil.

-- 
Neil n

65 kb image Myford Ready For Assembly  http://tinyurl.com/64sx4rp

'88 Slate Blue Westy to be named.

'81 VanaJetta 2.0 "Jaco"  http://tubaneil.googlepages.com/

Vanagon VAG Gas I4/VR Swap Google Group:

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