Stuck Fork Tube Plug

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craig60pan
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Stuck Fork Tube Plug

#1

Post by craig60pan »

Decided to open up the forks on a bike that had not seen any us in the last 30 years.
The fork caps came off fine but one of the fork tube plugs is stuck, big time. Tried dosing it with PB blaster for the better part of an afternoon but no go.
The good thing is that when I pulled the drain plugs there was still about 3 oz of fluid in them and no leaks at the drain plugs.
The springs seem fine but someday I will need to get that plug out. I thought about filling a cup with PB Blaster and inverting the fork into it up to where the threads would end and leaving it for a day or two but hoping for a better solution. Any ideas would be welcomed.
CJ
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Re: Stuck Fork Tube Plug

#2

Post by steve_wood »

Maybe some heat from a propane torch? Might make a lot of smoke though....
craig60pan
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Re: Stuck Fork Tube Plug

#3

Post by craig60pan »

Steve
That is on my list of "if nothing else works"
Thanks
CJ
FlatHeadSix
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Re: Stuck Fork Tube Plug

#4

Post by FlatHeadSix »

CJ
PB Blaster is absolutely the best thing commonly available at the local AutoZone or WalMart but there is another product that will loosen up stuff that PB won't touch: KROIL

Kroil is a little pricey but it works where nothing else will, Google it and shop around a little for the best price. It is available in spout cans or aerosol, I think the straight liquid in the spout cans is a better value.

mike
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Re: Stuck Fork Tube Plug

#5

Post by panz4ever »

Had the same problem with mine. Same length of time sitting...30+. PB Blaster did not work. Didn't try Kroil. Found success using propane torch. Took about 2-3 minutes of heat and finally loosened right up
craig60pan
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Re: Stuck Fork Tube Plug

#6

Post by craig60pan »

Mike,
I have heard of KROIL but never used it, now may be the time.
The torch may be the best answer
CJ
62pan
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Re: Stuck Fork Tube Plug

#7

Post by 62pan »

As long as you don't go crazy with the torch it won't hurt anything. The heat will help to break loose the rust and crud. On really stubborn threads you may have to heat/cool/heat it a couple of times to get it to release.
59FL
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Re: Stuck Fork Tube Plug

#8

Post by 59FL »

If your talking about the socket head pipe plugs for draining the fluid, it's not un-common to have to drill them out. A new pair typically comes with a rebuild kit.

It's easier with the lower removed.
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Re: Stuck Fork Tube Plug

#9

Post by NightShift »

A good welder can tack a bolt on it to turn it back out.

Honest.
and 'Spectful.
craig60pan
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Re: Stuck Fork Tube Plug

#10

Post by craig60pan »

Haven't had time to fool with it but will try KROIL and then the torch.
I am talking about the Fork Tube Plug (45776-49)
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