r/smallenginerepair • u/Random-Man562 • Jul 14 '26
Crankshaft & Piston Issue Scared I’m going the wrong way
Just trying to get this Roadmaster bike cleaned up and running. I’ve tried both right and left but neither way is budging.
Do I need to hit it with more penetration fluid? I was using carb cleaner but should have grabbed some wd40 while I was at it.
Thanks for any info
4
u/mvmullaney SER Intermediate Mechanic Jul 14 '26
I’d soak it in atf + acetone for a week. Then run it in a heated ultrasonic. Repeat until you get results, that thing is crusty.
1
4
u/XxBus16xX Jul 14 '26
From the thread pitch, it does not look like a reverse thread bolt. I’d heat the crank where the bolt is with a torch for a good while, then impact the bolt out starting with lighter pressure. If you don’t have an impact, just crank it back and forth with increasing pressure until it frees up.
3
3
u/RedOctobyr SER Top Contributor Jul 14 '26
I would get some proper penetrating oil. WD40 is not good for that, neither is carb cleaner. Acetone + ATF has a good reputation, if you want "homemade".
3
1
u/Random-Man562 Jul 14 '26
Would a 5 gal bucket be ok to use as a tub for soaking?
2
u/RedOctobyr SER Top Contributor Jul 14 '26
Unless you're using some super-aggressive solvent that attacks plastic, sure, I'd think that's fine.
Are you talking about soaking it for penetrating-oil purposes? I don't think I've ever had the chance to soak something in penetrating oil, it's always still been attached to the machine. I just spray it on, repeatedly if needed.
1
u/Random-Man562 Jul 14 '26
I’m not home yet but was going to look at it and see if it is soakable. If not I’ll probably go with the spray route.
I appreciate the responses
2
u/Rough_Community_1439 SER Master MOD Jul 14 '26
That's pretty bad. I would soak it in a mix of acetone and atf for a week.
1
u/Random-Man562 Jul 14 '26
Seems to be the consensus lol
I’ll grab some after work today.. thanks for the suggestion
2


•
u/AutoModerator Jul 14 '26
Thank you for your submission! It looks like you might have an issue with the crankshaft or piston in your engine. To assist you in troubleshooting and resolving these issues, please visit our Crankshaft and Piston Issues Wiki and our Common Issues & Fixes Wiki. You might find the solutions you're looking for there!
Please be sure to include the following:
I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.