Fuel Distributor Problem - Was fine, now piston frozen

[Tidybuoy]

I am fearing the worst and I may have screwed up.

I started a maintenance project 4 months ago. I carefully removed the Fuel Distributor and cleaned. Probably should not have used carb cleaner. The piston moved freely and slowly. After cleaning, I put into a Ziploc bag and it has been sitting for 4 months.

Last night, I got out the fuel distributor and the piston is not moving. It's frozen in place and is not budging. I tried blowing into the fuel inlets but it's stuck. I soaked overnight with PB Blaster and no luck.

Is there anything I can due short of replacing the fuel distributor? The car was running well and this had no prior issues. Can I squirt PB blaster or something else into the fuel inlets in hopes to get oil onto the other side of the piston. Can I open up the fuel distributor without causing more problems?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[kerthunk]

I would avoid opening it up as they are difficult to seal back up afterwards. If you want to get some pb blaster (I prefer kroil) at the back side of the piston, then squirt some into the connection on top where the WUR hooks up. That is what puts pressure on the back of the piston to push it downward. There is only a very small orifice at the top of the chamber where the piston rides, so don't put lots of air pressure or anything into that end.

After you get the piston out, you will need to make sure that there is NO rust or anything in there.

Good luck!

[manbridge 74]

Find a way to get a heat gun and apply some. It will help with drawing fluid in. Use acetone mixed with ATF 50:50 if you don't have Kroil. Protect your hands with gloves.

[Tidybuoy]

Thanks.

I'm crossing my fingers that a day or two of soaking will free it up but with the extremely tight tolerances, maybe the oil is not getting in there. So far, I've only blown air in with my own lungs; no compressor.

I read (afterwards) not to clean with car cleaner. I had already done that so it was too late. I guess I should have sprayed some oil in there before storing but I had no intension of storing for very long - it just happened.

[eastbay]

Just grab the rounded end of the plunger (the part the air plate rides against) with a pliers and twist it out. Clean it up and make sure it falls out smoothy and easily when held in the correct position before reinstalling.

[boyt911sc]

Originally Posted by Tidybuoy

Thanks.

I'm crossing my fingers that a day or two of soaking will free it up but with the extremely tight tolerances, maybe the oil is not getting in there. So far, I've only blown air in with my own lungs; no compressor.

I read (afterwards) not to clean with car cleaner. I had already done that so it was too late. I guess I should have sprayed some oil in there before storing but I had no intension of storing for very long - it just happened.

Tidy,

Use pressurized air but make sure that you protect the FD plunger from being ejected and falling on the floor!!!!! That's the last thing you want to happen. If you don't have an air compressor, take the FD to your mechanic's shop and use their air compressor. Keep us posted.

Tony

[john walker's workshop]

Originally Posted by eastbay

Just grab the rounded end of the plunger (the part the air plate rides against) with a pliers and twist it out. Clean it up and make sure it falls out smoothy and easily when held in the correct position before reinstalling.

this often works, but, be very careful not to pry against the bore or damage the end of the bore in any way. just as bad as damaging the piston.

[Tidybuoy]

Thank you all. Although I'm still at work and won't be able to get to this tonight, I'm feeling like I may be able to solve the (for less than $1k).

I did buy ATF and Acetone today and I will get some on both sides of the piston tonight.

I do have a 200 psi compressor but I was initially hesitant to use it as I did not know what I could possibly blow up. Now that I know which port feeds the other side of the piston, I will try that. Guaranteed, I will have that baby wrapped in a towel before taking any chance of the piston flying out (hmmm, brings back memories of the first time I used compressed air on a brake caliper - yes, I still have my fingers but it was close).

Anyway, thanks for all the great advice.

[Tidybuoy]

Originally Posted by manbridge 74

Use acetone mixed with ATF 50:50 if you don't have Kroil. Protect your hands with gloves.

Originally Posted by boyt911sc

Tidy,

Use pressurized air
Tony

SHOCK AND DISBELIEF!!!

I can't believe my eyes. I used the 50/50 mixture and compressed air. Within 60 seconds the piston was free and moving smooth as silk.

Of course I forgot to wear gloves.

Now then, any recommendations for paint? I'm thinking black caliper paint. I previously used crinkle black but it looks like the acetone mix is doing a job on it. Fortunately, all the holes are still taped shut.

You guys are great - that was the best $20 investment yet (yes, I bought a gallon and used a teaspoon).

[manbridge 74]

Glad it worked. The acetone/ATF business is an old-timers trick and dates to at least the 50s. Usually sells by the pint/qt at Home Depot etc.