Frozen Piston Repair
After parking the TR250 that got me through four years of college, I never intended to wait nine years to put it on the road again. Besides, I was ignorant, so I didn't drain any fluids or do any of the preventative things I should have done. The car sat on the ground under a shelter enclosed on four sides (including the roof, which only leaked a little). So, things rusted and generally deteriorated.
This winter, ready to get going on the car, I decided to tackle the clutch hydraulics first, while someone smarter (and now richer) than I rebuilt the engine and gearbox. The clutch master cylinder dust boot had ceased to exist, and the piston was rusted into place. I hit it with a hammer. I swore. I despaired. Then I called my mechanically-minded father-in-law who loves nothing more than nursing a problem like this. He suggested hot water.
I put the master cylinder in a saucepan, covered it with water and put it on medium high for about an hour and a half. I never let it boil, but it was close to boiling, with small bubbles forming and rising to the top. When I removed the master cylinder the piston was free!
Speed Hallman
Boone, NC
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