Carb Stuck Shut...
 

I have an O.S. LA .40 that I last ran ( shortly ) about 10 years ago. Did not know much about engines back then or now ( just picking the hooby back up ), so I didn't really "clean" it out when I was done. I know, I know, I am a newbie. I wento to put it back in a trainer and noticed the the carb is completely stuck shut. The little arm that is attached to it that swivels and connect to the control rod an servo will not move. It is in the closed position. I have occasionally "played" with it and here and there and it opened up and closed very well a few monthes ago. Does anyone have any suggestion on how to get it unstuck. Any help would be greatly appreciate. Thanks.

RE: Carb Stuck Shut...
 

I had the same issue with an OS 40 FP a couple of years age. Take the carb off, remove the plastic lever and the rubber O-ring on the bottom. Then put in some denatured alcohol overnight. If that doesn't free it up, you can try disc brake cleaner. Same thing, just let it soak for a few hours. Mine works like new now.

Chuck

RE: Carb Stuck Shut...
 

Very good. I will do that. Thank you very much.

RE: Carb Stuck Shut...
 

You might try some Dawn Power Dislover sold at Wal-Martalso great for cleaning up the burnt castor on the enginethey will look like new. Just spray it in the carb and let it set for 15 min. Then try moving very gently, if still stuck run under hot water and repeat the process.

RE: Carb Stuck Shut...
 

Very cool. Thanks for the addtional idea.

RE: Carb Stuck Shut...
 

My Evolution .46 did the same thing. I heated the carb. body with a lighter for a few seconds and it freed right up. It was REALLY stuck too, could not turn it with vise grips!:D

RE: Carb Stuck Shut...
 

Makes sense. Might try that first as I do not currently have the denaturalized alcohol or Dawn Power Dissolver on hand. Thank you.

RE: Carb Stuck Shut...
 

Glow fuel is often enough to free things up too!

RE: Carb Stuck Shut...
 

Most probably you were using a castor based fuel (nothing wrong with that) and that is what has frozen up your carb. Just apply some heat, a heat gun works well for that and it will probably free right up. After you free it up, just coat with some fuel and it should be okay.

RE: Carb Stuck Shut...
 

Heat gun or hair dryer.

RE: Carb Stuck Shut...
 

I tried some heat last night adn it worked like a charm. Thanks to all.

RE: Carb Stuck Shut...
 

AH!!!! good to hear that. Always good information on RCU.

RE: Carb Stuck Shut...
 

Thanks. Yes, I will surely have more questions as I get back into the hobby and this is the place to get very good feedback.

RE: Carb Stuck Shut...
 

For those who weren't able to free it up any other way...
I had a carb that seemed like it was welded shut i actually bent the brass trying to open it... need a new carb now, but was trying out different things anyways... what finally worked on the engine that had been run once and the plane crashed and then sat on a shelf for almost 20 years was paint brush thinner. The good thing is get one that is approved for nylon brushes and it won't "eat" your rubber/plastic. probably a good idea to remove it first, but anyway. get a container that you can soak the carb in if it isn't free in 20 minutes leave it over night. if it isn't free by then it IS welded shut ;) anyway i know you already got yourself fixed, but though i would help some of the other people out there in RCU land