[Peppercorn]

I am making modifications to my Scout and need to remove the gas cylinder. This thing will not budge no mater how many times I whack it. I have even tried heating the cylinder straps around the barrel and it still won't budge. How do I get this thing off?

 

[kmcintosh78]

www.surplusrifle.com/m14m1a/rifledisassembly/index.asp

 

[Peppercorn]

I tried light taps with a mallet. The thing acts like it is welded on. I'm starting to invent new swear words.

 

[kmcintosh78]

Was it bought new or used?
What part can't you get out?

 

[kmcintosh78]

In the link that I sent, what step are you on?

 

[Peppercorn]

Figure 50 - "lightly tap...". The gas cylinder will not budge.

 

[Ionian]

Soak that sucker in Kroil!

 

[Bolt2bounce]

make sure you've removed (unscrewed) the gas cylinder lock..use a block of wood and a tap it, it will come off.. oil helps heat not as much.. B2B

 

[drx]

Soak that sucker in Kroil!

Agreed, Kroil works wonders.

 

[JohnF]

Should not be that hard to remove. I suspect someone may have used epoxy or loctite in the splines to mount it originally.

 

[Peppercorn]

It was bought new in the box - SA. I suspect it was the DAG surplus ammo I recently gave away. It was the dirtiest ammo I ever shot...and corrosive. Anyway, it is soaking in Kroil and I will try removal again in the morning.

 

[Bolt2bounce]

If epoxy or loctight was use heating with a torch will break it free just don't get it too hot, and remove the gas shut off valve and spring first.. B2B

 

[MemphisMachinists]

In the link that I sent, what step are you on?

Just for clarity. You did remove the gas cylinder plug and gas cylinder lock? If these are removed you are going to have to tap it off with a hammer. Use a block of wood or aluminum directly on the gas cylinder and a small ball peen hammer. Rubber hammers don't work well for this sort of thing. You need a solid blow, but don't hit the gas cylinder directley with the hammer.

 

[bricktop]

It was bought new in the box - SA. I suspect it was the DAG surplus ammo I recently gave away. It was the dirtiest ammo I ever shot...and corrosive. Anyway, it is soaking in Kroil and I will try removal again in the morning.

I may be wrong here, but I don't believe DAG is corrosive, just berdan primed. Good luck anyways, though.

 

[Al Mack]

I second that did you remove the gas plug, and then turn the gas lock off before trying to tap the gas cylinder off? It wouldn't be epoxied on if it came from SAI.

 

[Peppercorn]

I got it off finally. After soaking overnight in Kroil I ended up using a steel punch on the back side of the band to drive the gas cylinder off. I figured the band was sacrificial for my purpose. I also used a hammer and not a mallet with the receiver braced on a piece of wood. Striking close to the restraint (grip with the barrel) was less stressful for me than repeated whacks on the cantilevered cylinder. The disassembled parts were loaded with crude and given a thorough cleaning before reassembly. Reassembly was similar in reverse except I treated the parts with anti-seize and used a steel tube over the barrel to drive the gas cylinder down. I think the problem was an issue of tolerance with the parts at maximum material condition. I did not make any attempts to change part size or form. Anyway, the exercise is complete and all functions well. The experience will help when I perform the same procedures on my Socom 16.

Thank you all who replied.