Aries windvane swivel fork removal

[jams]

Hi all,

Currently rebuilding my Aries, its an Isle of Wight late 70's model. Most of it has come to bits really easily. However I'm stuck on the swivel fork (the bit that holds the top gear). I've removed the grub screw but it just wont budge, needs to come off as its really stiff, have to use quite a bit of effort just to turn it.

Anybody had this problem? Or did yours just pull out?

I've sprayed it with some decent penetrating oil which has made it slightly more easy to twist but not much.

Any help appreciated.

For clarification a photo of the offending bit:



Regards

James

 

[TimBennet]

You could try sticking it in boiling water for a while. It will help dissolve the aluminium salts and the warmth will cause differential expansion between the aluminium and the stainless steel which will also help.

 

[PJSail]

Hi all,

Currently rebuilding my Aries, its an Isle of Wight late 70's model. Most of it has come to bits really easily. However I'm stuck on the swivel fork (the bit that holds the top gear). I've removed the grub screw but it just wont budge, needs to come off as its really stiff, have to use quite a bit of effort just to turn it.

Anybody had this problem? Or did yours just pull out?

I've sprayed it with some decent penetrating oil which has made it slightly more easy to twist but not much.

Any help appreciated.

For clarification a photo of the offending bit:

View attachment 39317

Regards

James

Rebuilt mine 2 years ago and had to sacrifice bolt #45 by sawing through at the washers #40 - then back together with new bits from Helen Franklin

 

[jams]

Got it off eventually, took about 2 hours or boiling/cooling/wiggling to get a bit of movement then another 3hrs of total pain in the ass unscrewing with mole grips! Freed everything up and its back together now.

Cheers

James

 

[dutyhog]

Got it off eventually, took about 2 hours or boiling/cooling/wiggling to get a bit of movement then another 3hrs of total pain in the ass unscrewing with mole grips! Freed everything up and its back together now.

I've had the same experience - heat with boiling water or blowtorch, twist, squeeze and hammer. I strongly recommend reassembling with Duralac between all stainless steel - aluminium interfaces. Gordon