Generator sliding bay wont open due to rust

[doublev]

In my coach the generator is in the front and has a sliding bay -- you hold the switch to open/close and a motor slides the bay in and out.

Due to rust this bay did not open at all. I used a can of wd-40 to lubricate the sliding mechanism and am able to get it open enough to access the breaker of the switch (the only reason I needed to open it is because the breaker had tripped).

I poured wd-40 and used the switch to open/close probably 200 times to try to get it to break free. Kept putting more and more wd-40.

I am wondering -- what is the best to product to use (instead of wd-40) to try and break the sliding mechanism free so that it will open/close easily? At this rate I think it will take me a full day of opening/closing (assuming the motor that powers the slide doesnt burn out first).

Looking for better lubricating/rust destroying product to help with this. Any tips or advice is also appreciated. I did raise the back of the coach so gravity would help with the opening process. I can see every 20-30 times i go in/out (and i dont need to go in all the way anymore) that I get about 1/4" or so of movement coming out.

Also, if anyone knows how these things work.. is it some screw drive on the motor (and so that screw could be rusted up?) or is it the wheels moving along the railing system such that the wheels/rail are rusted.
Thanks.

[rockhillmanor]

darsben1 wrote:
WD 40 is not a lubricant or rust loosener.

PB BLASTER

is what to use.

x10
PB blaster will un stick anything!

I found an old horse shoe on my property circa 1800's with borium caulks. Wanted to get the borium caulks out.

Put PB blaster on them and it unrusted hundreds of years of rust! Incredible product that actually works. :B

[westend]

Observation is the number one skill for a repairer of anything.
PB blaster is a fairly good rust penetrant, adequate for your situation. JB also makes a similar product.
WD40 should only be used on wet spark plugs of lawn equipment.

[Sam_Spade]

doublev wrote:

Also, if anyone knows how these things work.. is it some screw drive on the motor (and so that screw could be rusted up?) or is it the wheels moving along the railing system such that the wheels/rail are rusted.
Thanks.

Before you go wasting your time and money on oiling the wrong parts.....why can you not LOOK at the mechanism and SEE where it is rusting......if infact it really is rusting ??

Once it starts moving, then you just need oil, maybe some heat and compressed air......and time.

[gbopp]

Chris Bryant wrote:
PB b'laster or Kroil are the two penetrating rust lubes I like.

I have not tried Kroil, yet.
PB definitely gets the job done.

[MrWizard]

KROIL IS fantastic stuff, can't find it in any store around here

[CA_Traveler]

Matt_Colie wrote:
Better than any of the purchased penetrating lubricants was found to be a 50/50 mix of ATF and Acetone*. Put it in a pump oil can and go crazy.

Matt
(Machinist Workshop c. Jan 2010)

And Kroil is the next best.

[sch911]

2oldman wrote:

darsben1 wrote:
WD 40 is not a lubricant or rust loosener.

x2. It's a lubricant.. for awhile. WD is what you're supposed to use to keep it from rusting.

X 3!

WD40 is meant to be used to displace water....

[Ranger_Smith]

2oldman wrote:
I'm thinking your generator is probably not in running condition either.

Probably real poor maintenance. Wonder when the last time was that it was opened

[2oldman]

I'm thinking your generator is probably not in running condition either.

[Matt_Colie]

Better than any of the purchased penetrating lubricants was found to be a 50/50 mix of ATF and Acetone*. Put it in a pump oil can and go crazy.

Matt
(Machinist Workshop c. Jan 2010)

[2oldman]

darsben1 wrote:
WD 40 is not a lubricant or rust loosener.

x2. It's a lubricant.. for awhile. WD is what you're supposed to use to keep it from rusting.

[Chris_Bryant]

PB b'laster or Kroil are the two penetrating rust lubes I like.

[darsben1]

WD 40 is not a lubricant or rust loosener.
PB BLASTER is what to use.

[Ranger_Smith]

A lot of them are air powered. What type of coach you have might help. Start the coach and build up air pressure. Could also be hydraulic