I'm ready to torch my '89 celica...

[wiccanferret]

No, really. I mentioned in another thread that I have been unable to get a tie rod end locknut loose...and I still can't. So now I'm ready to put the torch to it...problem is, I've never done it. What kind of torch should I buy (cheaply) and can someone give me an idea on how to use it? Also, I'm assuming the PB Blaster is flamable to some degree...it'll have been over 3 days since I put any on it, so whatever was there is pretty dry...does that mean it's safe to torch it?

[canadiancelica]

Keep a bucket of water onhand just in case. Metal is flammable with a proper torch anyways. lol

Acetelene torch is what you need in order to get it hot enough to work properly.

[Luckynumber5]

Just buy a propane torch at lowes, they are ~$25, I have one and it works great!

[alltracman78]

A propane torch will work fine, though an acetelyne torch will get it hotter, and might make it easier. But if you have no clue on torches, you don't want to be messing with one.
They're not cheap anyways.

Don't worry too much about the PB blaster. It's flammible, but not much. I've torched many things with it on them, with no flames.

A fire extinguisher won't hurt though.
And for the record, water isn't very good for an oil fire.....

If you can't get it loose [it happens sometimes] you can replace the outer joint and inner joint/rod.

[wiccanferret]

I haven't seen the tie rod itself for less than a hundred, and the labor involved includes getting to the rack as far as I know. None of the manuals I have even mention how to do the entire tie rod.

[thousand_five]

Heat theory:
Heat is to expand the metal...... you want to release the locknut so heat only that piece. you can do so by torching it and let the heat make it's way through locknut. At that instant before the heat makes it's way to the rod, you should be able to loosen the locknut.

Heat can also denature the shit in da threads too. but that requires cherry reding the parts.... not recommended.

Also remember when heating parts, heat can remove the hardened metal.
Be careful.

[wiccanferret]

Well, I torched it, and it didn't help. I sprayed it down with PB Blaster before it had cooled completely, so I'm hoping some will seep in as it cools. I also doused the rod itself with WD-40 to get it to cool faster then the nut. I may try again later, but it's looking like I'm going to have to take it to a shop.

[drescustoms]

no need for a torch. what size bolt is it?