I received what I believe is a Vacumatic Major (all black with .5. date code) recently, but the blind cap is frozen shut. Any suggestions on unsticking it?

Thanks in advance,

Steve

Hello Steve, I would begin with 24 hours of soaking in cool water with a few drops of Dawn dish detergent. I know some folks frown on this, but I have had good luck with no damage to the celluloid. After soaking, dry thoroughly, then I use rubber surgical tubing section pliers that I have ground smooth to hold the blind cap, and the barrel in my strong hand to exert the pressure to twist it free. If it stills seems to be taking a lot of effort I put it back to soak again for another 24 hours. I hope that works for you, but most of all patience! Let me know how you do, regards, John

I would use heat and some rubber matting grippers.

Hurrah! Thank you both for the advice. I soaked it overnight in a mild soap solution and using the section wrench got it off. Heat was going to be next, but I thought I'd try the less aggressive solution first. The threads were stuck with a sticky powdery material like old glue. May have simply been dirt but definately not ink.

Now to get the piston off.... The plunger works so, surprisingly, the spring is OK, but the diaphram is shot....

Thanks very much for the advice gents!

Steve