Removing seized plastic throttle and choke knobs

[Willie 14]

Does anyone know any tricks for removing the seized plastic throttle and choke knobs without damaging them? These are the T knobs on a  1977 C120. I would like to reuse them. Thank you.

[cleat 6,036]

I use a claw hammer and pull them as if pulling out a nail.

Have not broke one yet removing it.

Now, installing is another issue.

 

[ri702bill 8,327]

I have had good success removing them with 2 sets of pliers - a small locking pair - think ViseGrip - and a pair of needlenose pliers. Grip the metal about 1/4" below the bottom of the knob, and use the needlenose pliers between the locking pliers and the knob. "Rock" the needlenose to lift the knob off. As @cleat said - reassembly can be an issue...

[stevasaurus 22,764]

The above works great, but something that gives steam heats the plastic and makes it easier to remove without harming the plastic.  If you do not have steam...a hot air dryer will work also to soften the plastic without harming it.  

[Willie 14]

Thanks gentlemen.  I went with the old claw hammer ****** trick.  Didn’t break them at least.  

[Willie 14]

I think your right and I agree about the heat. 

[stevasaurus 22,764]

I know I am right about the heat...the guy that sells those says that.  Put them into hot water for a few minutes before you put them back on.  

[ri702bill 8,327]

14 hours ago, stevasaurus said:

I know I am right about the heat...

,,, he said confidently. Quick funny story about confidence. I was in a design review meeting at work to discuss an upgrade to an existing production machine, The conference room was packed - production, maintainence, and quality staff. Along with my Manager and Dave, his boss, the Engineering Manager. I presented the proposal and Dave was on the fence as to if it would be a flawless upgrade. I assured him it would, I had done one similar for a different customer 10 years prior that went well. Dave was still not convinced, so I asked him if he was a betting man. He said he was, I said "I'm so confident this will go smoothly, I'll bet YOUR paycheck on it" Jaws in the room dropped as it was a substantial wager - he made about 3x what I was making and we all got paid once a month. Got his approval to proceed - meeting over. I used to kid him after about paying up occasionally.after the install ...

Edited August 20, 2022 by ri702bill

[Shynon 7,459]

I use a micro torch to heat the steel, then pull them off, reinstall the same way. Heat steel and push back on, hold them until cools.