Here's what worked for me, finally.
1) remove all user serviceable parts from the base - 510 pin, positive post, positive post insulator.
2) wrap duct tape around a pair of vice grips and grab the merlin by the JFC ring (the knurled ring above the JFC ring)
3) place a blunt object slightly larger than the air flow hole over the air flow hole (or air flow tube, I guess -- the threaded pipe looking thing)
4) smack the blunt object firmly with a hammer. maybe twice.
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If successful, the base will explode into these 5 pieces.
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Here is the magic o-ring that all the kids are talking about these days (excuse the grubby fingers please -- was fixing my weed wacker before this).
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And an interesting little nub that acts as the "stopper" for the JFC ring. There's a reciprocal groove in the AFC ring where this goes.
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On thing that is NOT pictured is what appears to be a channel that could possibly hold on oring on the underside of the JFC ring (the one with the visible oring).
After reassembling, the only thing I notice is that the JFC is a little more loose than before and that the draw has tightened up just a bit with the AFC completely closed (still not a super tight draw).
I'd be interested to see if others have an oring in that mystery channel. I measured it (and the one on the inside) but forgot to write them down. I think it was 16ODx1.0 and 18OD x 1.0. I won't even quote myself on that.
mod slipped off the top of a pile of stuff I was carrying (I know, I know) and hit a stone floor from shoulder height, landing on the drip tip. The glass amazingly survived, as did the mod, but the tank body split away from the 510 base. Won't press back in. New one on the way...
