DAE spend way too long on a simple clean because the damper was seized shut? Felt like ages.

3 comments

3 Comments

Nah, that stuff usually breaks free pretty quick. A good shot of penetrating oil and a solid tap with a wrench gets it moving, like five minutes tops. People just go at it wrong or use cheap tools that slip.

nguyen.piper4mo ago

My friend nearly stripped a bolt on his old water heater trying your method, @wesley139. He used a generic spray and a worn socket that just rounded the edges. Had to call a pro who showed him the difference a quality six-point wrench and letting the oil sit for ten minutes makes. Now he swears by letting the stuff creep in before even touching it.

patsingh4mo ago

Actually, Wesley's five minute rule doesn't always hold up. Some stuff is just truly frozen in there from years of rust and gunk. In my experience, the "let it sit" advice is way more reliable than trying to force it right away. Even with good tools, a seized part can laugh at you if the oil hasn't had time to work its way into the threads.