[TowerTalk] Tailtwister not turning, still

[Jim Hargrave]

I have had pretty good luck using an impact wrench set to low torque. The
steady pulsing seems to break them loose without twisting them off. WD40
does not penetrate very well. I would try some automotive or marine
penetrating oil.
   * 73's Jim W5IFP *


   >-----Original Message-----
   >From: towertalk-bounces at contesting.com
   >[mailto:towertalk-bounces at contesting.com]On Behalf Of
   >al_n6ta at comcast.net
   >Sent: Sunday, February 08, 2009 2:27 AM
   >To: towertalk at contesting.com
   >Subject: [TowerTalk] Tailtwister not turning, still
   >
   >
   >Thanks for the various suggestions.
   >Problem is not at full CW or CCW but still tried the 'rocking'
   >technique.  No go.
   >Disconnected from the mast so no loading and still won't turn.
   >Took it down and put it on the bench intending to split the bells.
   >
   >Now a new problem since I cannot get the bolts out.  Don't know
   >if the bolts even need to be removed???  Nuts came off no
   >problem but all but one bolt is real tight.  So, drenched them
   >WD40 for a couple of hours, re-applied and still tight.
   >Re-applied again and will try later tonight.
   >So, thought I would just make a jumper to try to run it on the
   >bench.  Managed to strip out one of the connections on the
   >rotor.  So, I'd really like to get this open to see what is
   >going on and consider the suggestions below from Bob. W5AH.
   >And may need to replace the terminal strip somehow.
   >
   >This T2X is an old one that has zero problems for the last 32 years.
   >
   >Any suggestions on getting the bell split or the bolts loosened?
   >
   >Tnx to all the OMs.
   >Al
   >
   >Al,
   >I had exactly the same problem with my T2X.  Replaced the cap just like
   >you did with same results.
   >
   >I finally took the two halves apart and checked out the gear drive
   >mechanism.  With the brake released,
   >I could turn the large gears at the top and see the motor shaft
   >turning,
   >so it was not frozen up.  Put it back together
   >and it still did not turn.
   >The jam up was at around 45 dgrs... no where near the limit switches
   >
   >I took it apart again and this time I removed all the gears and
   >reinstalled them.  Its now back on the tower
   >and working properly.
   >
   >However, I expect it to fail again because this was the second time I
   >had the same problem.  The first time, a new
   >cap got it going so I did not take it off the tower
   >
   >Considering our similar results, it sounds to me like there is a
   >tolerance problem with the cast pieces.
   >Please let me know what you determine on yours
   >
   >73, gud luck
   >Bob, W5AH
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