Just adding a little to this valuable discussion... I tried unsuccessfully to take my pump mechanism apart (in a Southwest OK-7D) early-on in the restoration, and almost gave up. After reading this, I talked with Ken Bruce who suggested I remove the pump and soak it. Rather than total removal, I stood the pump up, plugged the bottom pipe, and poured diesel and a bit of Stabil down the pipe, then let it soak for a week. Then I drained the mix, tipped the pump into my pickup bed, and went back to work on separating the face plate.
To my surprise, I was finally able to wedge it open, then used wood wedges to minimize damage as I removed the plate (pics).
After cleaning and greasing, I replaced the pump and face, and...
for the first time in 50 years, our family pump was free and working again.
Now the brass valves make a pleasant ringing sound when the handle is pumped. We will present the 80-year-old pump to my Mom on her 80th birthday, and she'll be able to pump the handle like she did as a kid on the farm.
Thank you all for the help.
