Explorer XS rods stuck

[oltimer1940]

I recently purchased a used Explorer XS, but found that the lower rod is unmovable, thus making the use of a non-stock coil impossible. I have tried WD40 on the joint to no avail. Can anyone suggest a way to free up the connection withour damaging either the upper or lower rods. This machine has been used primarily at the New Jersey seashore. Machine works well, so any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

 

[MikeO]

My suggestion would be too mount the upper in a vice (just enough to secure it) and use a long wooden dowel and wooden mallet and try tapping the lower out from inside.

 

[oltimer1940]

Thank you for the suggestion MikeO, but not sure that would work since the coil cable is still inside both pieces. Beginning to think my best bet would be to find both an upper and lower rod for the machine. If anyone else has some ideas, please feel free to chime in.

 

[MikeO]

Take the upper rod out of the control housing (with lower and coil attached to it) then take the coil off the lower rod and pull the cable out. Then try as I suggested.

 

[oltimer1940]

Will try that MikeO- thank you

 

[NealNoIN]

n/t

 

[oltimer1940]

Verified - cable cannot be pulled through with both upper and lower rods attached - NEXT!!!

 

[MikeO]

Oh, well heck. That's how long its been I reckon. Both my machines have X1s.
So, the upper rod will come out of the control housing BUT, the cable cannot be pulled through the two rods (upper and lower) while still together?
Surely, it will come loose that is unless the prior owner epoxied them together gosh forbid.

 

[sasquache]

n/t

 

[Chris(SoCenWI)]

This thread got me thinking and I just hiked down to the basement to ponder my XS. There isn't a way to pull the cord out if the two rods are assembled; on the lower the cord is pressed into a channel that passes the cord to the inside of the upper. No was would you be able to pull the coiled part and then the plug througt there, unless wire snips were involved.

But, I think you could get a dowel rod that would fit through the cable coils that would get you down to the lower rod. The channel where the coil cable fits in projects into the middle of the upper and you should be able to get the dowel on that and give it a whack. Alternatively, try opening a vise wide enough to let the lower pass through but not the upper and try yank on the lower.

I have two uppers, one slides nicely on all my lowers and the other one is way tight. Not even sure where that one is these days. If some one epoxied it then you are probably screwed.

Let us know what happens.

Chris

 

[oltimer1940]

Tried Hot water (almost boiling) in upper rod - water passed through but the rods didn't loosen up at all. Next trick will be to warm the upper rod with a hair dryer and see if that helps. My level of frustration is increasing with every attempt - LOL