Degreaser

[ian]

Stupid rookie mechanic question:

I don't have a solvent tub and don't particularly like working with Xylene. So I bought some of this Castrol degreaser.. it's purple. It behaves like a detergent. It's cheap and works quite well.

Question is... once I clean parts with this junk, what should I rinse with prior to assembly. I'm worried that if I leave any on the parts, it'll act to break down the new lubricants.

Thanks!

 

[zetasig]

I used the same stuff, It does work pretty well. Since its biodegradable. rinse the part really well with water. if you are painting something that has been degreased I would give it a quick once over with the Xylene. then paint away. Otherwise the Xylene should take any residue from the Castrol stuff away.

 

[ian]

I try not to buy anything that has to go to hazmat. However, if it's a necessary evil, maybe I'll go pick up a *small* amount. IIRC, the last time I bought any xylene, it was in a 5 gallon barrel from the local PPG shop. Can smaller amounts be had elsewhere?

 

[zetasig]

Try Lowes or Home depot. In the paint section. You should not have a problem getting some in smaller amounts.

** if you are ever going to durabak anything it might be handy to have a lot of it. They suggest to wipe down all surfaces to be durabak(ed) to remove grit, grime, dust etc.

 

[yooper]

Be careful with aluminum parts, as the Castrol product will corrode them. Rinse them with water immediately after cleaning them.

KLF did a test once to compare Castrol Super Clean to POR Marine Clean - he put some parts to soak overnight in aluminum cans. Both cans were empty in the morning because the solvent had eaten through the cans!

 

[Rice]

and for serious degreasing you can have big success with easy off oven cleaner, letting is soak a while, and then a trip to the car wash to rinse.