Frozen/Rusted Axle on Ice Castle

[hooksetter]

My buddy just bought a used 2003 6 1/2 x 12 ice castle - knowing that the unit did not crank down to the ice due to being rusted/frozen.

Can anyone explain to me how this mechanism works and suggest ways to get this baby busted free and functioning again?

Thanks!

[mnhunter2]

I would start with repeated soakings with a good rust loosening oil and remove the grease zerks if they don't take grease and get them tgrease up. If that dosen't work try a torch to heat it up and break the rust loose but you need to be very careful not to bend any of the angles on the axle.

[Tom7227]

Kroil is a penetrating oil that has worked well for me.

[deadeye]

Heat it up a bit and soak it with oil. You don't have to get it red hot or anything but enough that you don't want to hold onto it for too long. The heat will draw the penetrating oil into places that you can't normally get at.

Once you got it free keep at it with the oil and then grease it up very well. Don't be afraid to really soak it.

[Gissert]

I will second Kroil as well, great stuff! Diesel fuel will also penetrate well.