Cleaning solvent

4C FED

4C FED

Absolutum Dominium
When I was a kid my Dad used to go to the gas station and buy this stuff for cleaning dirty, greasy parts. Just pour it into the parts washing tank and clean away, remove part & blow dry.

I'd like to have some to sanitize my tranny parts & the other gunked up crap on the Ty.

Can you still buy this stuff and if so, where & what is it called?

Thanks.

PS, I don't want any water-based crap. So please don't tell me to use Simple Green or Purple Whatever....
 
4C FED

4C FED

Absolutum Dominium
Re: Cleaning solvent

Don W. said:
Very interesting. The product that 4c fed is talking about is prolly Stoddard Solvent. Still available AFAIK

Also diesel works but in my experience it's more of an irritant and prolly not good for your application.
Click to expand...

So it looks like Stoddard Solvent contains Mineral Spirits. I have a little bit of Mineral Spirits at home. I'll give that a try and see how it works out.

Thanks
 
ChevelleDude71

ChevelleDude71

Lo Boost
Re: Cleaning solvent

I cleaned all the parts on my sy with some industrial cement cleaner (I can get the exact name if neded), you should wear a mask and gloves when using this stuff, I was wondering why I had a slight burning feeling on my arms.....
 
turbodig

turbodig

Active member
Re: Cleaning solvent

4C FED said:
So it looks like Stoddard Solvent contains Mineral Spirits. I have a little bit of Mineral Spirits at home. I'll give that a try and see how it works out.

Thanks
Click to expand...

Paint Thinner... roughly the same stuff. Flash point is a bit different.

I got a $5 plastic storage tub from Wal-Mart, and 2 gallons of paint thinner from Menards.
Instant parts washer.

Put the plastic lid back on, some duct tape around the seam to seal (otherwise it'll evaporate over time) and you're ready to go the next time you need to clean parts. If you really wanna get fancy, you can buy a small pump/hose assembly to circulate.

Got a second, smaller one that I use for bolts and small parts so they don't get lost in the big tub. It's also handy for cleaning up your hands when really greasy.

For parts too big for the tub: Harbor Freight has what they call an "engine cleaning air gun" that has a hose that you can put into the paint thinner jug. Hook 'er up to the air compressor, and you have a nice solvent spray setup. (Best to do this outside, though, on an old plastic tarp so as to not get crud on the concrete)

Disclaimer: flammable liquid tubs in the average garage are probably not fire-code kosher.
 
4C FED

4C FED

Absolutum Dominium
Re: Cleaning solvent

turboj91 said:
Gasoline is for washing parts

Alcohol is for drinking

Nitro Methane is for racing
Click to expand...
Back in the day I wouldn't even think twice about using gas to clean stuff.
Today however, I'm pretty sure Cali gas still has MTBE in it, at least for it little bit longer. Talk about ripping us off!!:rant:
I'd prefer to minimize my exposure to it.
 
Don W.

Don W.

Stab it and steer it
Re: Cleaning solvent

4C FED said:
Back in the day I wouldn't even think twice about using gas to clean stuff.
Today however, I'm pretty sure Cali gas still has MTBE in it, at least for it little bit longer. Talk about ripping us off!!:rant:
I'd prefer to minimize my exposure to it.
Click to expand...

No kidding, but I think, don't hold me to it, most MTBE is gone. To many lawsuits, to much money spent (or will spend) on cleanup. 'sides gasoline is is way to volatile for cleaning parts. Works though. :roll:
 
4C FED

4C FED

Absolutum Dominium
Re: Cleaning solvent

Don W. said:
No kidding, but I think, don't hold me to it, most MTBE is gone. To many lawsuits, to much money spent (or will spend) on cleanup. 'sides gasoline is is way to volatile for cleaning parts. Works though. :roll:
Click to expand...
Yep, how time flies....

​
Complete ban by 12/31/02, but latest Exec. Order requires CARB to implement by 7/31/02 a one-year delay in ban. On 7/25/02, CARB delayed the ban by 1 year.​

​
 
SY2455

SY2455

70's Veteran
Re: Cleaning solvent

Castrol had some stuff that was really good. It was a citrus base solvent that was called Super Clean. I used the stuff to clean the stock intake manifold on our 442 W-30. After having it soaked for 20 min it came out looking brand new and it had 265,000 miles on it when I clean it. That Alum intake never looked that good except, when it was new car. 1 word of warning for you, you must wear gloves as it will eat your hands. They will feel all slimy and feel funny if you don't wear gloves.
 
T

turboj91

New member
Re: Cleaning solvent

My post was stolen from a shirt that they sell at the NHRA races when the pro's are running.
Years ago you could buy a solvent parts washer with the solvent in a sealed jug. EPA steps in and makes it only available to dealers and repair shops. Now even they don't get it anymore. The closest may be the small cans of carb cleaner you can get at NAPA. The ones where you let things soak overnight.
Some body shops get a grease remover from their chemical supplier that works pretty good. Spray on / hose off.
 
ffmeltdown

ffmeltdown

Donating Member
Re: Cleaning solvent

Zep sells a product called "Big Orange" that works well. We use it to clean our aerial ladder on the fire truck.
 
George Blake

George Blake

DONATING MEMBER
Re: Cleaning solvent

Big Blue. Do a google search. Amazing stuff.

Will not harm aluminum. Do NOT let it stay on your hands. It will penetrate your skin, and then you can scoop your skin off with your fingernail. Non acidic. It will gut 20 years of grime right down to the aluminum in one spray. Expensive though.
 
4C FED

4C FED

Absolutum Dominium
Re: Cleaning solvent

George Blake said:
Big Blue. Do a google search. Amazing stuff.

Will not harm aluminum. Do NOT let it stay on your hands. It will penetrate your skin, and then you can scoop your skin off with your fingernail. Non acidic. It will gut 20 years of grime right down to the aluminum in one spray. Expensive though.
Click to expand...


Sheesh, you're not kidding. I can buy a lot of fun stuff for $400 & degreaser wouldn't be one of them.
 
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