I have an OLD roto-tiller with a 3.5 HP B&S.

When I fired it up last week, half the muffler flew off, leaving a severly rusted half still screwed into the block. What's the best way to remove the remnants?

 

Got a picture?
Own an impact driver?

 

I can post a photo this evening.

No impact driver.

 

I think I had that happen on an old horizontal shaft roto-tiller once. Seems like the threads were so rusty that I had to pry the pieces out with an awl. I know you can use a hack saw to partially cut through the muffler, until you are down to the threads... then cave the twisted off pipe in on itself.

Probably no fun way to do it... just try not to screw the threads up too bad.

 

I'd start out by spraying it good with PB Blaster. Is this the type of muffler that screws into the manifold?

 

Like Mark, I would start with PB Blaster or Break-Away, and would probably repeat as often as possible over a two day period before going any farther. Don't need a lot, just a "psht" each time, but it will take a while for it to migrate into the threads. And don't use WD-40 or anything like that, as it's a waste of time and money for something like this. Meanwhile, assuming it's the pipe thread type, there is a castle type lock nut that you can tap with a hammer and drift once in a while, until it is loose. I would also cut away any of the remaining muffler part, the tin shield, because it's not going to be of any benefit other than to give you a reason to grab a Band-Aid. Once the tin is out of the way, and the threads have soaked a bit, you may be able to back the pipe out with a pair of Channel-locks. If that doesn't work, you're probably looking at something like XSleeper suggested.

 

Here's your picture.

 

They usually come out easier when the engine is good and hot. Some channel lock pliers might get it out, or a pipe wrench.

 

I still have time, thanks to all of this rain.

I'll give it a daily "psht". Hacksaw it down to the pipe. Fire it up to get it hot. Then probably end up crushing the pipe anyhoo - all with a Band-Aid at the ready...

Thanks

 

I would use the PT Blaster and pipe wrench before the hacksaw on that one.

 

^^^ What he said. It'll probably crumble up a bit but I think you'll have more to grab onto.

 

I was imagining a muffler that had already shredded itself leaving only shards of the old pipe sticking out of the hole. By all means hit it with some PB... and before you put a pipe wrench on it, I'd cut yourself a tight fitting circle of wood to insert into the remaining part of the muffler. That way when you put the pipe wrench on it, the part of the muffler that's left won't crush as you try and turn it. If you're lucky it will break loose.

Then IF and when the neck twists off (which is where I was imagining you were at with this) then use the hacksaw blade to cut directly into the hole and cut most of the way through the length of the male portion of the threads... that way you will be able to cave the pipe in on itself.

 

The wood insert is good idea!

 

Put this baby to bed. It actually came off without any drama. Must have been the daily dose of PB Blaster + good advice. Thanks

 

Nice job! Glad you didn't have to go ape on it.