Spencer carbine question

[gadgetman]

Hi, I have just picked up a old Spencer Carbine. The action is frozen up probably due to rust inside the gun. I was told by a buddy that I should take the wood off and soak the metal parts in a kerosine & transmission fluid bath for a day or two. and that should loosen up the action.

Does anyone use this method or have a alternate plan?

Any other info about this gun would also be appreciated. All I know is that the rifle was Civil war era.  

Thanks, Gary

[cjcocn]

That would probably loosen everything up for you and allow you to move out the bigger chunks.  I have never tried that and it may be all that you need.

I would also consider using a penetrating oil or similar after the bath to ensure that everything gets a good chance to loosen up (I use "Releasall" from Canadian Tire and save my high cost penetrating oil for really frozen stuff).

Unless there are chunks of debris present, I usually just apply a liberal amount of Releasall and let it sit for an hour or so, then dunk it in kerosine/varsol/etc to remove loose material, then spray again and let sit for another hour (or longer, depending) before testing to see if it has loosened up.

...... Just wait until Gunnut69 shows up - he'll have a bang-on solution for you!

[gunnut69]

You may find removing the wood a bit of a problem but that's the first step.  I would freeze the metal before immersion in oil..  The freezing action will create cracks in the rust formations that will allow the oil better access.  There is a process of electrolosis that will help but the oil is a much easier solution.  If the oil doesn't work let us know and I'll post the electrolosis procedure.

[gadgetman]

Thanks for the info. I see what you are saying about the wood removal, I do not want to mar the patina on the surface of the wood. I think I will first try freezing and penetrating oil without imersion in a oil bath. I'll let ya'll know how it goes.

Thanks, Gary

[gadgetman]

Hi, I sucessfuly removed the wood from the rifle and have soaked it for two days. There are no signs of  the action loosening up. I did notice that when I removed the rear magazine tube that the gut did not look rusty inside the reciever. I may have a mechanical lockup. Any suggestions?

Thanks, Gary

[IntrepidWizard]

I use Deisel and it takes up to a month,be patient it will work.

[John Traveler]

It also helps to take a plastic-tipped hammer and rap smartly on screw heads, hammer and trigger pins, joints, etc.  The vibrations helps to get oil into the joint to loosen rust.

Remember, it took GENERATIONS to for all that rust to build up and harden.  Loosening it up may take days or weeks of soaking!

John

[gunnut69]

The guys are right don't be in a hurry.  If retaining the patina is a goal, just take your time..  It may also help to freeze the metal in the deep freeze(food freezer) to help break the bond.  Be careful and protect the food stuffs from oil contamination..

[gadgetman]

Thanks for the input. I tried the freezing method and then soaked it for another day. Then I took a brass rod and a hammer to the top of the action and this loosened it all up. It is now a functioning Spencer carbine. All metal parts work properly.

Thanks, Gary