Precision Removal of Frozen Poppet Valve Stem Published on: January 6, 2014 Steam Turbine Valve with a frozen poppet valve stem. A new bushing was not available. Stem had to be removed without damaging the bushing. The bushing is 13 inches deep. Valve stem connection point. Stem O.D. 1.215 inch. Stem connection point removed with grinder after Metal Disintegration Machine (MDM) was aligned. Using a 1 inch O. D. semi-coreless electrode the MDM was started and stopped to check alignment. Stem after removal. Over 10 inches of the stem was removed with the MDM and was removed without damaging the bushing or the valve housing.