Originally Posted by
polymorphself
Eh, I'm almost 100% of the way through this bike at this point relying on youtube videos (mostly RJ the bike guy) and a little help from the LBS. I've found that a lot of the trouble with asking questions here is that everyone has very specific ways of doing things, and often think their procedures are the best. If I ask and read too much I'll really get hung up on details and opinions. Like anyone else I'll have to go through some trial and error to learn and discover what works for me, even if it means making amateur mistakes and ruining a freewheel. For what it's worth, I have done research or asked here or elsewhere before most of what I have done, this was just an absent minded mistake that I made in a rush.
At the moment I'm debating sending it to Pastor Bob as his service is very inexpensive and appears to be top notch, or purchasing another one on eBay as they don't cost very much.
Congratulations on Taking your mechanical needs into your own hands that is so very Awesome!
You're on the right track. Although I wouldn't have soaked my freewheel in water, soaking it in mineral spirits, paint thinner, gasoline, would have been worse, unless you plan on rebuilding it. But then you would want to use those chemicals after youve torn down your freewheel anyway. Btw rebuilding your freewheel is not a big deal either. The toughest part is NOT losing those tiny ball bearings.
The easiest way to get the desired affect I think your looking for would/still be to clean with WD 40 and toothbrush. Then when you've got it as clean as possible turn it over and dribble some light weight oil the consistency of Phils tenacious oil into the back. Otherwise rebuild it , I think rj the bike guy has a video on it too.
Keep it going, your tenacity is so Cool.