Topic: removing a busted internal circlip

[rbmgf7]

trying to rebuild this severely corroded rear MC but the holes in which you use remove the clip busted. i was able to get the retaining washer out and piston. i tried using a set of needlenose pliers and needlenose visegrips to no avail. i smacked it with a small screwdriver and hammer but that thing is so far corroded, it has become one with the cylinder. any suggestions? thanks.

[troppo]

G`day mate
I read this in another post here a little while ago and copied it for reference, i`m not sure where it was posted in here or who posted it but i have to admit it looks like a lifesaver in situations like yours

The solution is aluminum sulfate.

There is another way to get steel screws out of ALUMINUM parts.
by the use of aluminum sulfate (also used for sprinkling on your garden - can be had at a greenhouse or garden store).

The following is a quote from Dan's Motorcycle Repair Course:
[Quote:]
 If you break off a tap in some kind of non-ferrous metal, like an aluminum crankcase, you can try soaking it in a solution of Aluminum Sulfate. It works best if you heat it to 120+ degrees Fahrenheit and let it work for a few hours. Or you can just throw it in at room temperature for a few days and the iron will go away. Remember, this is good for NON-FERROUS metals. Be sure there are no other iron pieces on the workpiece. Use a plastic tray, Tupperware works too.[Unquote]

The rest of the article can be had at:
http://www.dansmc.com/stripbolt.htm

Good Luck to You

Hope this helps
Cheers
Troppo

[rbmgf7]

gah! i was so caught up on physically removing the thing and forgot about the chemical way.

now, i just went to the local farm store and lowes but couldn't find a bag of Al-Sulfate. i see online stores carry them but it's just not worth it.

[troppo]

Try a chemists shop, or maybe one of those weird health food places, they seem to have a lot of strange stuff on the shelf

[micol]

Found some at a chemical store that sells lawn and garden chemicals.  It is used to change the pH of soil.

[rbmgf7]

I'm out in po'dunk so i was hoping a farm store would carry it. we're not large enough of a town to have a chem store. i'll take another look around. i'll be heading to another town in a week so i'll give a look up there. thanks guys

[scunny]

while you're at it threaten that thing with your persuader again. don't forget to replace it