1951 zenith tuner help

[Radiotronman]

I've got a blonde 1951 zenith tv(model H2253E) that is having mechanical tuner trouble. When I first got it, the tuner was frozen. After investigation, I took apart and found out that one of the gears was stuck. I got it loose, but when you turn the tuner, the gear works the nut loose and falls off. Is the bolt supposed to spin freely inside the fear itself? Is there a way to unfreeze it or does anyone have one from s junket set. This chassis (22H21) is very similar to my 1949-1950 porthole sets and should be the same gear. It's the one in the center of the three in the tuner drive. See pictures below...

[Radiotronman]

Closeup of the back of this gear..

[Electronic M]

Have you considered using thread lock (superglue) to keep the nut on?

[Radiotronman]

Yes, the only thing is...there is a curve ridge alongside the nut, that doesn't allow the nut to spin. If I use thread lock, the nut won't spin and then the tuner won't spin.

[Eric H]

Pretty sure that gear is supposed to freewheel on that shoulder bolt but it's rusted solid. You should be able to break it loose, maybe a little heat and some PB Blaster.
Hold the gear with some pliers and turn the bolt head with a wrench, gently of course, don't want to damage the gear.

[Radiotronman]

Great advice thanks! I'm pretty sure it free wheels on that bolt too. I can't think of any other way it would work. Ive got it submerged in penetrating oil over night. Hopefully tomorrow it will break loose.

[Radiotronman]

After sitting in liquid wrench all night and hitting with a hammer the screw popped out! I cleaned the gear and screw up and oiled them. Reassembled tuner and it works perfect! Another case of basement floor disease cured...

[Radiotronman]

Reassembly of tuner complete!

[Radiotronman]

I wonder how many of these 17" rectangular zeniths sold next to the popularity of the porthole sets? Most 1951 pictures of zeniths are of the portholes. Mine is a blonde set.