Removing a large flexible bedded item without braking it

[Jd1]

I tried to post this under a more specific heading but got no replies so I will try to reword the issue.
I have a 2" * 10" flange with pulleys on it that is bedded in but apparently not glued. It is flexible so prying is of limited help as it will eventually bend the flange. Is there some magic compound that can eat it's way through bedding compound in order to get this large chunk of bedded thin steel to release without destroying it in the process ?

The item in question is the pulley block under the traveler on a Catalina 36 MkII

[atoll]

i generally use a hacksaw blade,or a skill knife blade and draw it under the fitting.

mek or acetone will soften most bedding compounds

[SkiprJohn]

If it is bedded in 5200 there is a product out that does disolve 5200. I'm sorry I don't know the name of it but maybe others here can help.
I just removed a hatch that was bedded in 5200 and it was a real bear. Luckily I was able to pry a bit as the aluminum frame was thick enough to withstand the pressure without bending.
kind regards,

[atoll]

Originally Posted by SkiprJohn

If it is bedded in 5200 there is a product out that does disolve 5200. I'm sorry I don't know the name of it but maybe others here can help.
I just removed a hatch that was bedded in 5200 and it was a real bear. Luckily I was able to pry a bit as the aluminum frame was thick enough to withstand the pressure without bending.
kind regards,

not sure of the brand name in the us but it is probably mek, or methyl ethel ketone

[bobconnie]

Piano wire with wooden handles works wonders in 5200 or anyother stuff like that !! ya can even heat it with a propane torch if ya need to !! works for me.

[aclmck]

try a long knife blade from a box cutter or similar or alternatively a PVC flexible cutting saw (a steel wire with diamond chips)most hardware/pool shops sell them . you can normally work these under a small lip and pull using a sawing motion and acheive a cut also great on hatches .

[Jd1]

Thanks guys, great ideas !!!
I will give the suggestions a go on Monday but all of a sudden the world looks a bit brighter. This had me seriously stumped ! I will report back .....

[Mr B]

Originally Posted by atoll

not sure of the brand name in the us but it is probably mek, or methyl ethel ketone

Methyl ethel ketone is the stuff you put on plastic piping to glue the pipes together,

If that makes finding it easier, any hardware store or plumbing supplies will have it on the shelf,

Tell them what you need it for, They will be most helpfull,

[Cheechako]

if it's stainless and big enough, a little heat from a propane torch makes the stuff real pliable.

[Auzzee]

Originally Posted by bobconnie

Piano wire with wooden handles works wonders in 5200 or anyother stuff like that !! ya can even heat it with a propane torch if ya need to !! works for me.

That's a great idea! One for the developing manual of 'How to do stuff on a boat'.
Thanks.

[bobconnie]

Auzzee, It's really a really a Old "Norweegin" trick I learned as a young man for reaving cocking from joints. about 60 or so years ago.Still works ! I just used it yesterday removeing hand rails on my new old boat.

[HopCar]

The solvent is called DeBond. The torch will get the metal off quickly. DeBond would be a big help getting the rest of the bedding off the fiberglass.

[Cheechako]

Originally Posted by Auzzee

That's a great idea! One for the developing manual of 'How to do stuff on a boat'.
Thanks.

or a guitar string. about $.70 get a High E or B string.

[Jd1]

Just a follow-up:
It took 2 guitar strings and about 1.5 hrs and one of the two assemblies has been removed for re-bedding. MEK doesn't dissolve the sealant residue but a sharp knife helped tremendously.
It will be interestring if the butyl sealing compound will make things water tight as there are no countersinks and the bolts/screws need to be turned in order to fasten them which means that the butyl around the bolt/screw gets kinda messed up. Hopefully the water will not leak through the threads.
The pulley assembly did get bent a bit but it will not affect operation.
Thanks to you all, I couldn't have done it without you !!!

[barnakiel]

As said above, long flat blades work wonders. Turps will soften very old polyurethane compounds and well heated steel spatula will cut thru most compounds, if there is space enough.

b.