Topic: RE: porta power hand pump to unstick seized engines

[chewbacca5000]

After reading How to remove cylinders with a stuck piston thread RB550 mentioned the grease gun method again.  I have not had any luck with smashing the spark plug insulator out.  I then read http://cyclepsycho.com/greaseplug/greaseplug.html and it explains it in detail.

I was able to pound out the insulator drill with 3/8" (11/32" is correct) then tap with 1/8" x 27 npt pipe thread so no the grease gun screws into my grease plug.


I then got to thinking it would be nice to use oil or other fluid instead of grease as there would be less mess than using actual grease.

I then read  http://www.practicalmachinist.com/vb/general/convert-grease-gun-oil-152236/ where they talk about using porta power hand pump.

I guess the advantage to the porta power hand pump is that it is made to work with oil.

So my question is does it use the same 1/8" npt fitting as the grease gun?

Also does anyone here have any experience with then and can they make a recommendation on an affordable one that works?

Thanks!

[thep1pe]

You can put oil in your grease gun. A portapower is a sealed pump like a hydraulic jack.

[70CB750]

I would be afraid to use oil in grease gun, the grease usually sneaks by the piston at least little bit - the oil would leak a lot and spray the user or whatnot.

You can always convert 1/8" NPT to something else, take your pieces to Home Depot or even better plumbers store and ask them, they will find it for you.

[chewbacca5000]

I would be afraid to use oil in grease gun, the grease usually sneaks by the piston at least little bit - the oil would leak a lot and spray the user or whatnot.

You can always convert 1/8" NPT to something else, take your pieces to Home Depot or even better plumbers store and ask them, they will find it for you.

Yeah that is my point want to avoid the "golden shower" of oil.

To thep1pe I really don't understand what you mean.  The last thread here talks about oiling bushings see http://www.practicalmachinist.com/vb/general/convert-grease-gun-oil-152236.

This could be the ultimate engine unsticker. 

[70CB750]

Convert hydraulic jack?  Tap it for oil line and add reservoir.

[chewbacca5000]

Convert hydraulic jack?  Tap it for oil line and add reservoir.

That is an idea that might be worth looking since a cheap pump starts at $75 bucks and a cheap floor jack would be less than $25.

[754]

Grease guns are like 10 or 20 bucks..

[lrutt]

This all assumes that neither of the valves is in an open position.

[thep1pe]

Before autolube was fitted as standard to trucks, I as an apprentice used to spend ages lubing all the bushes and pins etc with a grease gun filled with oil. A good grease gun should not leak.

[70CB750]

This all assumes that neither of the valves is in an open position.

Take out the camshaft, problem solved.

[754]

Before you try the grease try a blowgun to see if valves are closed.

[chewbacca5000]

This all assumes that neither of the valves is in an open position.

+1 this is a given.

[chewbacca5000]

Before you try the grease try a blowgun to see if valves are closed.

Thanks 754 I will try a blow gun to make sure it holds air and avoid unnecessary mess.  My plan was to check the tappets find the cylinder that is on compression and go from there, but I guess it is possible that the valves might not seal good enough and the blow gun could save the trouble.


This has really turned into a great thread.  Now if RB550 will weight in we might be able to get some percentages.  He has done this on more than a few engines with success.

[rb550four]

The grease plug has worked for me every time I used it.
And it is true that the valves must be in closed position in the cylinder that you wish to grease in order for it to work.
   I usually cut the cam chain as I always replace them in unknown engines , then remove the cam. Some guys want to salvage the timing chain for some reason, in which case , backing off the tappets would be the best they can do. while doing that ,they may also check for valve retraction to be sure a valve is not frozen and hanging out  in the cylinder where the piston can damage it. And proceed from there.
  I have been toying with an idea of head removal first to avoid valve damage for sure and get a visual of real condition and some cleanup time on the piston tops. Drill out 1/4" flat stock to mimic the head gasket rods only and a grease fitting in center of each cylinder. Apply head gasket, drilled flat stock, extention tubes around the head rods, washers,and bolt it all down,then hit the highest pistons with grease equally...zero damage is what I am after here. I figure once the flat stock is drilled , this should be a breeze each time it's used. I'll try the next 550 that way and report the results.
   Meanwhile, Chewy , I have your address and will mail you out 2 grease plugs tomorrow.      RB

[Stev-o]

What would be the best oil to use?!

[754]

I wouldnt use oil....

[krusty]

"Grease is the Word"

[dave500]

elbow grease only,the grease monkey type,your best off not forcing though,submerge the entire engine in diesel fuel or old used oil for a few months if its that bad.

[70CB750]

Chewy was thinking oil just to make it easier to clean, why would not you use oil, Frank?

[Black 750K8]

Depending on why and how hard the motor is stuck I would not use this method you could easily break some motor parts with the force that a porta-power will put out no matter what you use oil or what ever. One thing for sure when using hydraulics something has to give and it may be more than just the piston. Just saying.

[754]

Oil will spray a lot further if it leaks or let's go. It will leak thru small openings. Easier.
I have taken a master Cylinder apart, it was coming out the supply hole to the reservoir,  but I was able to pump faster than it came out and get the master Cylinder apart.
 Sometimes if the part is well oiled them grease will come out in a few huge chunks..

[Don R]

Give it heck and report back. Most guys never tell what happened, good or bad.

[chewbacca5000]

Give it heck and report back. Most guys never tell what happened, good or bad.

Update waiting to get those fittings from rb550four in the mail and I will try again.  Tapping the plug with 1/8 npt tap is a bad idea the drill removed too much metal inside the spark plug hole.  I will have to use a pipe nipple remover to get it out.  Should not be a big deal, but still extra work.

Hopefully the fitting rb550four will do the trick. 

And I was thinking oil due to less mess.  I really don't think there is any advantage to oil over grease as the engine is going to have to be tore down anyhow.

I will keep all updated.

[rb550four]

Chew, the mailman said they'll be at your door on Monday and  another 10 bucks wouldn't get them there any faster. Sorry for the wait.                       RB

[lucky]

A bad idea period.

It is your engine.
Maybe all the young men really are
physically weak, after years of indoor computer use.