57 Johnson 18 HP Swivel Pin

[WaterZebra]

I've rescued a 1957 Johnson 18 HP from outdoor storage yard after sitting outside for 16 years. Problem is the mid section swivel pin is nearly frozen. Only way I can get full sweep steering is with a dead blow mallet, torch and lots of AeroKroil. Exploded assembly diagrams on internet show bushings/shell bearings on each end of the swivel pin. I don't want to do any serious torch work on the swivel / tilt casting and ruin the Holiday Bronze (brown) paint. YouTube video shows somebody using acetone / ATF injected thru grease nipple using a pump grease gun. Does this work? Any other tricks / methods?

[Turtleherder]

I’ve used kerosene and naphtha before. I unscrewed the end off of a grease gun and McGyvered it up to a large syringe. I wasn’t concerned about the paint and can’t really tell you how it would affect it.

[WaterZebra]

I’ve used kerosene and naphtha before. I unscrewed the end off of a grease gun and McGyvered it up to a large syringe. I wasn’t concerned about the paint and can’t really tell you how it would affect it.

Freeeed! This morning after 4 days of AeroKroil soaks and light torch cycles. Torch heat applied before and after motion cycles and AeroKroil applied for soak in after each motion / torch cycle. Patience prevails and expect 3-4 days of soak / heat / motion cycles to produce results. Motion cycles began with dead blow mallet hits to something robust like the steering & carrying hoop (NOT the steering arm!).