Restoring Estate Pipes - Stuck Stem

[eaglerico]

How do you guys remove a stuck stem?
I have had some that have been pretty tight, but I was always able to muscle it out carefully. I have one now that I can not even wiggle it a bit. I have gotten a pipe cleaner down it and have tried putting several soaked with vodka in hopes it would loosen it up...but still no go.

 

[pstlpkr]

Try putting it in the freezer for a few minutes.

It should come loose.

 

[ejames]

+1 On what Lawrence said. I've had some that required two or three trips to the freezer to free up. Once you get it out you need to lubricate the tenon to prevent it seizing up again. I use bees wax or rub a pencil over the tenon to give it a coat of graphite.