Strato Bug tank removal

soareyes Thu Dec 24, 2020 12:22 pm

Hi all, I'm in the process of disassembling a Strato Bug (I think that is what it is!) and I am having trouble separating the tank from the plastic backplate. Should they just pull apart, or is there something holding them together? I've tried pulling but they won't separate although the tank spins easily around the backplate. I don't want to force it so am looking for advice.

I have a bunch of Babe Bee's and Golden Bee's from my childhood that I'm cleaning up and hope to start soon. This engine was given to me, used, by an uncle and I have never started it. It is possible it has never been disassembled.

Thanks for any advice!
Stan

crankbndr Thu Dec 24, 2020 3:03 pm

should pull straight off, might be tight where venturi enters backplate.

**Cribbs74** Thu Dec 24, 2020 4:11 pm

Yeah, what Doug said. Possibly castor stuck. Although you can spin it so it might just be a tight fit as mentioned already. You could plop it in some hot water (sub-boiling) and let it sit for a few mins.

You do realize what you have there right?

soareyes Thu Dec 24, 2020 4:42 pm

Cribbs74 wrote:
You do realize what you have there right?

I'm beginning to after spending today reading through the forum! Very Happy

I didn't realize how old it was or how few years it was produced. I'm sure it isn't a counterfeit Strato Bug as it had been sitting in a cigar box in my parents house since the late 60's, along with my other Cox engines. Is it worth trying to start or is it better to just clean it up and admire it as a collector piece? I've got the Babe Bees and Golden Bees I plan to put into a few planes so don't really need to fly the Strato Bug.

dckrsn Thu Dec 24, 2020 5:02 pm

Welcome to the forum, Stan. A little heat will do it. If you were
dealing with a metal backplate, I'd say, throw it in a toaster
oven and be done. With an uber-precious backplate like that, a little
gentle heat with a hair dryer should do the do.(see what i did there?)
Keep the heat away from the plastic if you can.
Careful, you're handling a gem.
Ahh, Victorville. Years ago I used to hang out in the high Mohave. Miss it. Sad

Bob

crankbndr Thu Dec 24, 2020 5:16 pm

Could be stuck on an O ring see the o ring grove on the end of venturi? It worth at least 400 on eBay

soareyes Thu Dec 24, 2020 5:18 pm

Thanks guys, a little warm water did the trick!

**Cribbs74** Thu Dec 24, 2020 5:43 pm

Looks to be the real deal.

So using it is up to you. If you do use it fly over soft grass/ground. Personally I would probably shelve it.... maybe.

NEW222 Thu Dec 24, 2020 7:15 pm

A beautiful looking specimen you got there. Very nice.

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