- Joined
- Feb 20, 2022
- Messages
- 36
- Reaction score
- 32
I have a 75MM engine case where the forward closure is frozen. The booster was 'lost' out on the Black Rock desert playa in October of last year and then found this June (miraculous since it was 7 miles from the launch site). The case was in reasonable condition other than corrosion as shown in the picture here. Natural given the salt and calcium in the playa and soaking over the winter.
The rear closure (boat tail) was badly pitted but unscrewed easily (testament to my using SuperLube on both threads generously before launch). Unfortunately, the forward closure is stubbornly frozen. I have been working on the forward closure by: using a blade to clear the corrosion on the outside at the junction, CLR inside/outside the case, Hoppes 9 inside/outside the case, strap wrenches (inexpensive ones purchased from Amazon that then broke), and some heat from our fire table to warm the junction.
Any suggestions?
The rear closure (boat tail) was badly pitted but unscrewed easily (testament to my using SuperLube on both threads generously before launch). Unfortunately, the forward closure is stubbornly frozen. I have been working on the forward closure by: using a blade to clear the corrosion on the outside at the junction, CLR inside/outside the case, Hoppes 9 inside/outside the case, strap wrenches (inexpensive ones purchased from Amazon that then broke), and some heat from our fire table to warm the junction.
Any suggestions?