Need Help with Idle Tubes

[bigfoot]

I need some advice.  I just got the rebuild kit for my Q-jet and went to remove the idle tubes like Cliff's book suggest and it's not working.  I tapped down on the tube, and used a drywall screw with no luck.  I though maybe I didn't tap the tupe far enough (about 1/8") so I tapped a little more.  It moves, but the collar didn't.  I tried heat and that didn't seem to help either.  So I tried drilling out the tube to get better access to the collar and that's not working.  So I quess my question is, should I just go ahead and drill the whole thing out?  I have a new set of tubes and collars.  Do you know what size drill bit I would use to get it?  I don't want to take off any metal from the casing.  Some first post, huh.   Thanks in advance for any help. 

[omaha]

I have pulled the idle tubes on a few carbs so far, fairly good results.
Here's what I did. Yes, tapped the tube down 1/8. Then find a screw ( I indeed used the drywall screw).
BUT FIRST; I found out that you must trim the tip of the screw so that it does not hit the tube. Therefore it only engages the collar. Just trim it down a little at a time 'til  the tip fits with room to spare. The teeth of the screw should engage the collar at least 3/4 to 1 turn. dont be afraid to put some torque to it. The threads should really grab. Try to keep the screw straight Or inline with the hole. Then I heated with the propane torch for about  45 seconds. Just like the book I used a pair of small side cutters and a small piece of wood so as to get some leverage and pull the tube straight out. Not sure if any improvements could be made on the procedures other tham maybe using mapp gas for a little more heat. I also thought about using the wood screws with the "torx" drive head. (I think they are called spax, they are German)
 These screws may work better as they have a serrated section that might dig in better. I dont know yet as I have not tried this type of screw yet. I guess if all else fails, drilling would be the next option. New idle tubes are available from Cliff. I guess you would just use a somwhat  smaller drill bit from the dimension of the outer diameter of the collar. (Maybe then a tap could be used?). BTW, only use the screw one time. get a new screw for each attempt removal.
Any way, be patient and use some torque on that screw so it grabs real good.  Just my 2 cents worth.

[Cliff Ruggles]

I've been removing idle tubes, many thousands of them for at least 30 years.  The drywall screw method is the most effective. 

We get folks advising us all the time that you can tap the collar and screw in a hardened screw, they pry it out.  Fine, whatever works for you.

I would NEVER attempt to tap a collar for any reason, if the tap breaks off, you are really in trouble as they are not easily drilled out or extracted.

In all the years of pulling idle tubes, I can remember only drilling out the collars twice, and both of those carburetors where from the bottom of someones farm pond!

Heating up the castings releases the tubes 99.9 percent of the time when the don't pull right out when you pry up on the drywall screw.....Cliff

[bigfoot]

Thanks for the advice.  I will try some more drywall screws and heat.  Maybe I didn't heat it long enough.  I was worried I may warp something.

Jeff

[bigfoot]

Ok, good news and bad news.  I used the drywall screw and heat and was able to extract the two collars.  However both idle tubes were pushed down and bent due to the collar sliding down when tapping them down.  So I fought with one and got it out with a pick tool, but I think the other one is really stuck.  I think it may be pretty bent.  Any suggestions as to how I get it out of there or am I really screwed?  Thanks in advance.

Jeff

[omaha]

maybe air pressure (blowgun)?  Maybe blown through the  hole for the jets.  Alot of tapping on the bottom side with a small brass hammer?   Really small tweezers.

[Cliff Ruggles]

I pull them out with a modified drywall screws.  Grind the sides about 1/2" up so it will to down in the hole, but leave the sharp tip.  Very carefully put the tip of the drywall screw into the top of the idle tube, and tighten it about 1/4 turn with a screwdriving, pushing down firmly on it at the same time.  With a pair of wire snips, gently pry the drywall screw up and out of the casting, it should bring the tube up with it....Cliff