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Old 08-11-2008, 03:38 PM   #1 (permalink)
 
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Shifter Button Stuck quick-fix = WD-40!

I had my shifter button start to stick over 3 days, finally jamming completely in Park at work, and I tried everything I could to push it in. I tried pliers (wrapped in cloth), I tried hitting it with my fist (painful), I tried pressing a metal rod on it to get leverage. Nothing. Wouldn't budge. Just as I was about to try a tow, I got on the forums and saw it was a lubrication problem. I tried to remove the shifter knob as suggested in a couple of threads here, but no luck. Mine wouldn't turn, even with a wrench (wrapped in cloth). I decided on one last desperate measure - WD-40. I got the straw and sprayed it in the crack between button and shifter knob in a couple of spots. Worked like magic. Instant un-stuck!

I then took the car into the dealers anyway and had the shifter knob replaced just to be safe, since I doubt WD-40 is an approved lubricant, but now I know I won't get stuck again.

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Old 08-11-2008, 05:13 PM   #2 (permalink)
 
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WD-40 isn't really a lube.
Its a water displacement formula. Excellent for corrosion or drying out distributor caps though.
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Old 08-11-2008, 05:39 PM   #3 (permalink)
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This topic has been covered at length

Quote:
Originally Posted by saskdiesel View Post
WD-40 isn't really a lube.
Its a water displacement formula. Excellent for corrosion or drying out distributor caps though.
In another thread and it is so a lube that happens to also have water displacement qualities as well.
That's all I'm going to say....
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Old 08-11-2008, 07:27 PM   #4 (permalink)
 
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jonnysan View Post
In another thread and it is so a lube that happens to also have water displacement qualities as well.
That's all I'm going to say....
Water Displacement Formula Number Forty was originally developed for cleaning the aluminum skin of the Atlas booster rocket.
The base for WD is kerosene, which is not a lubricant. It works as a solvent, but not particularly well.
WD excels at water displacment. Which is why you use it liberally on a wet rifle or shotgun as it evaporates quickly.
Never use it as a gun lube.
Use it on electronics though, as it leaves no residue (or lube).
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Old 08-11-2008, 07:39 PM   #5 (permalink)
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Y'all debate whether or not WD-40 is a lubricant. But, it appears to have done the trick, at least temporarily, for hajiii. It feels slippery on your fingers. I've used it on squeaky door hinges and sticky locks.

From the WD-40 web site:
WD-40 literally stands for Water Displacement, 40th attempt. That's the name straight out of the lab book used by the chemist who developed WD-40 back in 1953. The chemist, Norm Larsen, was attempting to concoct a formula to prevent corrosion-a task which is done by displacing water. Norm's persistence paid off when he perfected the formula on his 40th try.

While the ingredients in WD-40 are secret, we can tell you what WD-40 does NOT contain. WD-40 does not contain silicone, kerosene, water, wax, graphite, chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), or any known cancer-causing agents.

WD-40 is the ultimate multi-purpose problem solver. WD-40 cleans/degreases, penetrates to loosen up stuck parts, prevents corrosion and is a light lubricant.
----------------
What does WD-40 do?

WD-40 fulfills five basic functions:
1. CLEANS: WD-40 gets under dirt, grime and grease to clean. It also dissolves adhesives, allowing easy removal of labels, tape and excess bonding material.
2. DISPLACES MOISTURE: Because WD-40 displaces moisture, it quickly dries out electrical systems to eliminate moisture-induced short circuits.
3. PENETRATES: WD-40 loosens rust-to-metal bonds and frees stuck, frozen or rusted metal parts.
4. LUBRICATES: WD-40's lubricating ingredients are widely dispersed and tenaciously held to all moving parts.
5. PROTECTS: WD-40 protects metal surfaces with corrosion-resistant ingredients to shield against moisture and other corrosive elements.
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Old 08-11-2008, 07:43 PM   #6 (permalink)
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Please, don't confuse us with the facts.
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Old 08-11-2008, 07:52 PM   #7 (permalink)
 
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3&1 Oil Is The Ticket!!!!!!i Keep It In My Clove Box.
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Old 08-11-2008, 08:09 PM   #8 (permalink)
 
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Quote:
Originally Posted by saskdiesel View Post
Water Displacement Formula Number Forty was originally developed for cleaning the aluminum skin of the Atlas booster rocket.
The base for WD is kerosene, which is not a lubricant. It works as a solvent, but not particularly well.
WD excels at water displacment. Which is why you use it liberally on a wet rifle or shotgun as it evaporates quickly.
Never use it as a gun lube.
Use it on electronics though, as it leaves no residue (or lube).
And it works great at cleaning the wrinkled black finish of a Harley engine. Spray it on a cool/warm black Harley engine and watch it evaporate leaving it looking factory new. FYI
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Old 08-11-2008, 08:16 PM   #9 (permalink)
 
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You guys could argue that rain is wet.........
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Old 08-11-2008, 08:46 PM   #10 (permalink)
 
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When I started working as a mechanic at a GM dealership years ago I was given some advice from some of the olders guys.
"Never let the shop foreman catch you spraying WD-40 on any moving part, you won't make it past your probationary period".
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