420 brakeshaft removal

[sullivan]

The footbrake and clutch pedal mechanism was seized on my 420 this spring after becoming gradually more difficult to operate independently the last couple of years. I have the crawler split at the centerframe. A side cap on the brake side was missing and the housing of the centerframe was full of old mice nests. The clutch shaft and spring are badly rusted, actually the spring is broken. I've not been able to get the brake shaft to move within the clutch shaft with the use of penetrating oil. I don't have a torch at my farm to heat it up but could get one. Any sugestions for freeing things up? I will at least have to replace the spring for the clutch - I wonder if these parts (spring, clutch and brake shaft) are available if I need to replace them?

[Lavoy]

Heat is likely going to be your best option. If you have more time, and a tub or barrel large enough to set the center section in, you can immerse it in water for a couple weeks, that might do it. Another thing that sometimes works is a pressure washer or steam cleaner. Shoot from the inside and see if you can get water moving through, this will wash some of the rust out, and may free it up.
I have the spring on hand, may have a brake shaft.
Lavoy