Seized Valve Caps

[henrycrun]

Just picked up another car at the weekend. However the previous owner has fitted a set of aluminium valve caps which are now stuck fast.
I've tried WD40 and managed to get 2 off, but the others won't budge.

Any ideas for a more efficacious solution before I pay for new valves, fitting and balancing ?

Thanks in advance

[OlberJ]

Wait until it's stupidly frosty and cold outside, pour some hot water on and twist with mole grips.

Realistically you're looking at 2 new valves though. I hate ally caps.

[Ozzie Osmond]

Definitely persistent soaking with WD40 and then the judicious application of heat if they still won't budge. Go carefully and you should be OK. A dab of vaseline (and sensible caps) should prevent future trouble.

[TRUENOSAM]

I would do it in the hope it does not snap the end of the valve off and losing all the air. Just like I did. The ally corroded to the steel on the valve

[FreeLitres]

Erm, are you sure they are not locking valve caps? Is there a little grub screw?

[Jayho]

These Al Caps usually come with some sort of key which makes it easier to take offish... TBH fitting them shouldnt be too bad, but they should have really greased it up before putting them on. I for one used to think it was cool, but never had a problem with takign them off as I greased them up with petroleum Jelly before i put them on.

[henrycrun]

Thanks guys, got the last one off tonight with WD40, just got to properly grip the valve stem with pliers to avoid wringing off.
Now to get the alloys off (corroded to the hubs) but will wait until daylight before I drive it back and forth with slightly loosened wheelnuts

Edited by henrycrun on Tuesday 16th November 20:50

[Ozzie Osmond]

henrycrun said:

Now to get the alloys off (corroded to the hubs) but will wait until daylight before I drive it back and forth with slightly loosened wheelnuts

Yes, that might do it. Otherwise you're going to need a BIG hammer and a strong forearm!

Good luck!