old oil

[broker-len]

trying to take apart a gear box that seems to be seized with what appears to be crystalized oil     I filled the case with gasoline------any suggestions ?

[broker-len]

the issue is because there is a freewheeling unit that has been removed and left by-pass holes it leeks out no mater what you do also between bearings     liquid just does not stay in the case long enough or high enough and the material is soo think you can barely scrap with finger nail

[Bloo]

Submerge it in a bucket of diesel and come back in a few weeks?

[PFitz]

16 hours ago, plymouthcranbrook said:

I would probable try lacquer thinner first.  I have never dealt with oil that has crystallized but have had some success softening up hard grease with thinner  

This is what has work for me for 40 years. I have soak tanks with a lid filled with used lacquer thinner from washing out paint spray guns and soaking carburetors.  Have yet to find any old oil or grease it doesn't loosen after a few days soaking.

 

Paul  

[Bimus]

In the 80's I drove trucks for a man that used mineral oil in transmissions it worked fine but if some one added regular gear oil thinking that was what was in there it would set up like J B weld and sticky .

[Graham Man]

I use diesel fuel, it is slightly less dangerous, agreed gas and lacquer thinner will both work.  Make sure it is a well ventilate area.  I wonder how long it will take to dissolve crystalize oil?

[PeteO]

I've always been a fan of kerosene first and if that wasn't working well, acetone. The primary problem with acetone is volatility; one little splash on an outlet will cause an immediate flash.  Been there, done that. These days I put tape over close-by outlets when using acetone.

[Pete O]

What about putting it in a barbecue grill on a low heat for some time?  Might soften up the goop enough to allow you to drain it out.

[Buick35]

Bar b q grille? I'm sure the wife won't mind if you used the oven.