Removing a crank... et c... Huzzah, Victory over the bottom bracket.

[Punkawallah]

View attachment 826080

Finally got the b*gg*r off.

I had a great deal of assistance from one of my clients who is a retired marine engineer: this was very helpful because I didn't really know what I was doing, but he'd been doing this sort of thing for 40 odd years, so he could tell me what was going to work and what wasn't, which really helped.

As an added bonus, he has a massive stock of stories which he tells very well, like removing a 6m diameter 5 tonne flywheel that was rusted onto a spindle in the bowels of a ship. It took a bit longer than this did.

Next step, the bottom bracket, and then the real challenge: the seat post...

Hurrah!

 

[VinSumRox]

View attachment 826080

Finally got the b*gg*r off.

I had a great deal of assistance from one of my clients who is a retired marine engineer: this was very helpful because I didn't really know what I was doing, but he'd been doing this sort of thing for 40 odd years, so he could tell me what was going to work and what wasn't, which really helped.

As an added bonus, he has a massive stock of stories which he tells very well, like removing a 6m diameter 5 tonne flywheel that was rusted onto a spindle in the bowels of a ship. It took a bit longer than this did.

Next step, the bottom bracket, and then the real challenge: the seat post...

Is the frame worth the effort?

 

[Punkawallah]

Is the frame worth the effort?

What ‘effort’? This is all ‘entertainment’.

 

[Andy in Germany]

Is the frame worth the effort?

I've been looking for one like this for some time: a lugged chromoly frame for 28" wheels, with vertical dropouts and bosses suitable for V-Brakes. If I manage to liberate the BB and saddle post I'm getting it altered for bottom bar levers.

 

[oldandslow]

Did you confirm what actually shifted it?

 

[Andy in Germany]

Did you confirm what actually shifted it?

This, with the assistance of an engineer who knew what he was doing, giving reassurance that I wasn't about to break anything...

 

[oldandslow]

Thanks for the feedback. It's always nice to close the loop on these problems.

 

[Andy in Germany]

Today was Bottom Bracket removal day. This involved fire:

Followed by liberal use of a hammer:

One of my lads referred to it as "the subtle English method..."

What do you think: could I use it again?

I attempted to use soda on the stuck seatpost: with two applications over four hours it hasn't made any difference. I wasn't entirely surprised by this. I'll get the drain cleaner and try again, but I wanted to try the less dangerous method first...

 

[Ming the Merciless]

What do you think: could I use it again after refurbishing the frame?

New bearings and some gaffa tape. Will be good as new

 

[classic33]

Today was Bottom Bracket removal day:

View attachment 826348

Followed by liberal use of a hammer:


View attachment 826349

One of my lads referred to it as "the subtle English method..."

View attachment 826350

What do you think: could I use it again after refurbishing the frame?

I attempted to use soda on the stuck seatpost: with two applications over four hours it hasn't made any difference. I wasn't entirely surprised by this. I'll get the drain cleaner and try again, but I wanted to try the less dangerous method first...

Took yer time with it.

With regards the seatpost, why two applications, and why only four hours?
The idea is, on all of the liquid assisted removal methods, is to plug the seat post, then part fill the seat tube with liquid of your choice, then leave at least overnight.

You may not have given it a chance to work!

 

[Andy in Germany]

Took yer time with it.

With regards the seatpost, why two applications, and why only four hours?
The idea is, on all of the liquid assisted removal methods, is to plug the seat post, then part fill the seat tube with liquid of your choice, then leave at least overnight.

You may not have given it a chance to work!

I have to fit it in with work, so I planned for a Saturday so I could go in early and get it done before anyone else turned up.

Same with the applications: one at the start of the day, then another mid way through. My understanding was that the reaction produced heat, so no heat meant reapplying the soda. Will have to rethink the application process to give it more time...

 

[classic33]

Could you dose the frame last thing, if you're there early enough to empty it before anyone else arrives.

 

[Andy in Germany]

Could you dose the frame last thing, if you're there early enough to empty it before anyone else arrives.

I may do that next time I'm working a Saturday. If I come early on Monday it means the frame gets a couple of nights. Alternatively, if I can arrange to get the frame home I can do it in the garden, but as this is shared I'd have to be a bit careful.