Removing fuel strainer

[Bede]

I have a couple of fuel strainers on a homebuilt that need to come out as they're barely functional and at about their 10 year lifespan. They won't oblige.
They are 1/8 NPT brass in an aluminum fitting. They are completely seized in. Any tips on removing them?

[7ECA]

As many feet of cheater bars as you can safely use and a large (and preferably suitably miffed) bohunk swinging a wrench?

Try some penetrating spray, the more the merrier and let it sit and work. Then, spray some more... rinse and repeat. You might get a little progress and then they'll seize up again, spray some more and keep at it.

[Bede]

As many feet of cheater bars as you can safely use and a large (and preferably suitably miffed) bohunk swinging a wrench?

Try some penetrating spray, the more the merrier and let it sit and work. Then, spray some more... rinse and repeat. You might get a little progress and then they'll seize up again, spray some more and keep at it.

Thanks. I'm a bit worried that the channel locks will just twist apart the strainer inside the fitting.

[ahramin]

I had this problem once. Applied ACF 50 (CorrosionX is similar) several times with several hours allowed to soak in, then a final application of Penetrating Oil #1 allowed to soak in for an hour and out came the drain.

[Bede]

I had this problem once. Applied ACF 50 (CorrosionX is similar) several times with several hours allowed to soak in, then a final application of Penetrating Oil #1 allowed to soak in for an hour and out came the drain.

I've never applied penetrants to a thread that's upside down. Does it work?

[DanWEC]

I had this problem once. Applied ACF 50 (CorrosionX is similar) several times with several hours allowed to soak in, then a final application of Penetrating Oil #1 allowed to soak in for an hour and out came the drain.

I've never applied penetrants to a thread that's upside down. Does it work?

Sure does. Just tap tap away with something light like a ball peen or large screwdriver for 2 min after, spray a few more times over the course of the day and keep tapping. Sets up vibration that draws it in.

A 50/50 mix of ATF and acetone also works just as well as a 20 buck can of penetrant, but of course have to be careful of painted areas.

Obv can't use a torch there but even an extra 100⁰ with a heat gun will help.
Also, try tightening it a hair before giving loosening another shot. Works with rusted fasteners, not sure about seized though.

[lownslow]

Head down to Maier Hardware and get a can of Corrosion Block penetrating oil. That stuff has worked wonders for me in the past.

[ahramin]

I had this problem once. Applied ACF 50 (CorrosionX is similar) several times with several hours allowed to soak in, then a final application of Penetrating Oil #1 allowed to soak in for an hour and out came the drain.

I've never applied penetrants to a thread that's upside down. Does it work?

Oh yes, ACF 50 will work its way into everything. The penetrating oil not as much but apply liberally and give it time.