Originally Posted by bigbossman
6 speed freewheels are a dime a dozen. I got a NOS one on eBay for $1 once. It really isn't worth the effort to salvage.
HOWEVER -
If you want to try, I'd just take it off and soak it in Kerosene for a day or two. Then squirt generous amounts of Kroil (or similar penetrating oil) into/under the rear seal. That should get it spinning pretty smoothly without resorting to taking it apart. Taking it apart would be the last resort, as there are lots of little ball bearings and stuff that will make the job an adventure.
I'd just buy another one - there's got to be a bike co-op somewhere near you that has a bin full of these.
Hell - I'd send you one for free but shipping would be more than it's worth.....
Thanks for the replies everyone! I've bought a freewheel removal tool, and am going to be taking it off, cleaning and regreasing it tonight (at least that's the plan.)
There is indeed a bike co-op near me that likely has a bin of these. Do you know if the threading on 6 speed freewheels is pretty standard? I definitely will be doing that, I'm just attempting this repair and regrease as a learning experience, and I'm interested to see if I can get a bit more life out of it before I replace it (and the chain I'd imagine.)