stuck seatpost, ammonia

[jaypee]

Finally getting round to tackling my stuck seatposts (I have 3! Though I've started with 1).

I'm hoping to freeze it but thought I'd soak in ammonia first to help it along the way. It seems to be really stuck and is quite far in so I doubt the ammonia alone will do it.

This is an 88 frame with pristine paint so I don't want to use caustic or heat.

I now have a seat tube full of ammonia, having removed the BB. What I'm wondering is does ammonia lose its strength, in which case it would be worth flushing out and replacing? Or will that one tubeful keep on eating away at the bond indefinitely?

Its an ali post in a steel frame.

 

[Antstark]

Re:

Ammonia will dissolve just the oxidised Alu that is binding the post. I usually mix it with penetrating oil as well, then occasionally give the post a whack to break the weakened bond. I have freed a few with ammonia, a lot less dangerous than caustic ( to you or your frame). Paintwork holds up well but it tends to dissolve the ink on stickers / decals

 

[Gaddmeister]

Re:

Caustic only worked for me. Wrap the frame up. Works a treat and safe enough if you use gloves, eye protection and are sensible.

 

[REKIBorter]

Re:

Not wanting to start another argument but this guy may be cheaper / more succesfull in the long run http://www.theseatpostman.com/

Guarenteed result for a price

 

[Antstark]

Re: Re:

yeah but where's the fun/sense of achievement in that !

Not wanting to start another argument but this guy may be cheaper / more succesfull in the long run http://www.theseatpostman.com/

Guarenteed result for a price

 

[jaypee]

Re: seatpost ammonia

Cheers guys, will let you know how I get on

I saw the thread about the seatpost man. Looks good but £20-30 on postage on top of his fee - and I try and do as much as I can myself as a rule. More fun indeed and sense of achievement too!

I had a couple of thoughts: I guess I shouldn't leave the ammonia in there too long or it will start rusting the tube (I guess?)

And can I use the same ammonia on the next frame or does it lose strength?

 

[Mike Muz]

Re:

Take it up to Jon in Woodingdean mate , next !

Mike

 

[jaypee]

Re:

Haha yeah I'm sure he could sort it... a last resort!