Hi guys,
Have a problem with the adjustment end of the connecting rod on my Nacra 5.5 SL. The Aluminum seems to have almost fused together from inactivity. I can loosen the locknut but the adjustment end will not budge and I am afraid of stressing the aluminum to the point of breaking it if I try to muscle it. I've soaked it overnight with WD 40 and some miracle oil but it won't release. Should I try heat?
Help!!!!
Thanks
Greg
IMHO, WD-40 is worthless as a penetrating oil. Try PB Blaster or Shamrock S'Ok. Those are two that I've had good success with, though admittedly on car stuff.
Heat will work but try this. Get snobol and soak the end in it. I was helping a friend with a mast step that was corroded. I pulled out some snobol and soaked the part in in for a few hours and when we pulled it out it was like new. It removed all of it.
I was joking around with him when we went back to look at it and before he could see it I told him the part had been disolved completely. Had him going for a sec. 
I'm not familiar with any of the potions you fella's suggested. I'll google them and see who might carry it nearby. I'm almost at the point of wondering if the previous owner epoxied it. If he did, then I'm in a real mess because it is not aligned correctly to connect it to the tillers without binding up in the extreme positions.
Can you buy just the adjusting end of that pole?
Thanks for all your help guys!
Greg
Yes - you can buy just the adjustment bar. I'm sure they have it here on this websiet (I looked but couldn't find it). It's also available at Nacra dealers and at Murray's. I think it's about $30.
I had one on my 6.0 and had a terrible time getting even the locknut to stay tight...but I never had it stick before. I suspect someone put locktight or epoxy in the joint as you suspect.
snobol is toilet cleaner (acid based). A couple bucks at your local store.