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Last year I aquired an NOS M38 air cleaner, still sealed in the box, etc. Recently I decided it was time to put it in the jeep, but for the life of me I cannot get the cup off the bottom to fill it with oil. I fear that after being packed for so long that some of the protective wax, cosmoline or whatever is acting like a glue. Any suggestions as to things to try that won't mess up the unit?

I would simply soak it in a bucket of something volatile, petrol, degreasing fluid, diesel which would lube the joint, if you don't mind re-painting then thinners. All that should weaken/disolve any bonding.
All the best,
Dave

Why not heat it slowly until the wax melts !

Oven in the kitchen ?

Tony,

That cosmoline or whatever they coated stuff with back then can get thick and dried. I do know that laquer thinner cuts it very well.

It might eat through your paint, you could try to heat it some in the oven, but be carefull as I am fairly certain that it is an oil based product that might egnite with enough heat.

Put it in the oven!!! and heat up heaven knows what, you are either unmarried or have a very understanding partner.
All the best,
Dave

My wife is pretty understanding, but jeep parts in the oven might not go over too well. I'll put it out in the sun all day tomorrow then go from there. Thanks for the advice!

Use a hair dryer on high. Not really enough heat to damage anything and with a bit of patience it should soften up the gunk. I believe there is a fiber type gasket on the bottom impregnated with god knows what and it probably got a bit warm and stuck the two parts together

Put it in a black trash bag and leave it out in the sun. Will loosen the cosmoline. Helps to wrap the cleaner in old t-shirts to wick the preservative off the cleaner.

HTH