Chrome Exhaust Tip

[KubotaMania]

My muffler is rusting and needs paint. Everything comes apart nicely until it comes to the chrome exhaust tip. Removing the pipe clamp does nothing to loosen its grip on the muffler. I worry that attempting to wrench it off will probably cost me a new muffler.
Anyone with successful experience doing this? Lubricant? Chemical solution? Flame-thrower?
Thanks

 

[lsmurphy]

I bothered with none of it, nor will I pay their prices. A $30 can and an hour of my time.

 

[KubotaMania]

Your machine looks like it's in showroom condition- great pic!

 

[skeets]

Murph I do wish you would stop takin pictures of that thing,,, I aint always got my sun glasses on

 

[Stubbyie]

May not be what you want to do but the only way I've been able to get these things off is to use a die grinder (industrial dremel tool) and a grinding wheel and gently whittle a slot in the outer without dinging the inner piece. Requires patience, time, and steady hand. And I've tried everything else---all oils and lubes and heat---before removing the hard way.

Please post back your experiences so we may all learn.

 

[KubotaMania]

So far I have tried vice grips hoping to rotate it off, beat on a screwdriver inserted into the slot, WD40 sprayed everywhere. I was hoping for a non-destructive removal so I caould paint the muffler (silver) and the shroud (satin black). I'm beginning to worry that it's one of those projects where a 10$ part is tougher than (and destroys) everything around it.
By the way- I am amazed by the quality of the information and illustrations here. What an incredible resource! My appreciation to everyone who has posted.

 

[Big Kahuna]

PB Blaster let soak about 1/2 hour, then run tractor for 15 minutes and get a pair of welding gloves and start rocking it around, it will let loose.
or 170994487215 eBay
I know the tips are $30 from Kubota.


Big Kahuna