Hurst Shifter Adjusting Blocks/Rods

[jdv69z]

I'm trying to free up the adjusting blocks that thread onto the shift rods on an after market competition plus. They are frozen and will not more. I've tried soaking in WD 40 for 24 hours, and even heating the blocks themselves to try to free them up, but nothing haven't had any success. Anything else I can soak the in or any other ideas?

[maroman]

More heat an patience.

[Stingr69]

Use an Oxy-Acetylene smoke wrench to the adjusting block.  Get it to dull red color then spray with PB Blaster.  Makes a lot of smoke and smell so do it outdoors.  That is how I get the threaded engine block plugs out.  It should work for the shift rods too.  WD-40 does not work as well for this in my experience.  The PB Blaster is best here.

-Mark.

[x77-69z28]

I second PB blaster. Much better than wd-40

[jdv69z]

Thanks, got the rods soaking now in PB Blaster. I'll give it 24 hours, and then try the heat again if necessary. Odd thing is, the parts really aren't very rusty at all. But I guess it doesn't take much for those fine threads to get frozen.

[Sauron327]

I grab my torch right away for anything that is stubborn enough to require long term penetrant soaking. Why wait days when a job can be done in minutes?

[Kelley W King]

I have been impressed with evaporust. When trying to remove headlight adjusters from the plastic parts I tried everything. Finally sprayed them with evaporust and the next night they turned right out. Since then I have sprayed rusted threads of bolts and they turn right out.

[ko-lek-tor]

Love my "fire wrench" (torch), but soaking in vinegar (gallon jug), does wonders and is cheap. I have posted before that supposedly best penetrating oil is a 50/50 mix of acetone and trans fluid.

[jdv69z]

So I don't have a torch per se, only a little propane gas bottle torch. So how hot do I get the parts?

[maroman]

Wiki claims about 2000 degrees.

[ko-lek-tor]

So I don't have a torch per se, only a little propane gas bottle torch. So how hot do I get the parts?

If you can put a wrench on the bolt (use glove) apply pressure with one hand while heating with other until it turns. This is one way. The other is get 'er cherry red and let it cool. I hope you are taking the shifter off the car to heat it. With out experience in heating parts, you risk catching the car on fire if part left on the car. Make sure you have a fire extinguisher near by and nothing flamable in the area. Garage near me scrapped cars for cash and some kid working there was draining gas tank by drilling bottom of tank with an electric drill. Burnt the place down.

[JoeC]

had this problem many times

be careful as too much force with snap off the end of the rod

if it looks like the threaded end won't move, I hack saw a slice in it on the thin part parallel to the rod, not deep enough to hit the thread

it ruins the rod end but saves the rod

[jdv69z]

Success! Heat worked. Now coated with anti seize to prevent relapse.