Have used almost everything available to the general public. Only gasoline works fast. Should I try something else? Need something safe on aluminum as well as steel. Steam cleaning works well too, but don't want to spend big bucks for a small project.
Parts cleaner help
- Thread starter maingear
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simple green willl work, but if not diluted can do bad things to aluminum. what are you cleaning anyways?
Oven cleaner, but it's hard on paint. WD-40 works as a pre-soak.
Biodiesel works well.
second vote for the oven cleaner. I especially like the newer low-odor version.
Gasoline or methyl ethyl ketone. Gasoline is obviously cheaper. You should wear gloves. I wear a respirator that's just me.
Gasoline is not so smart for the obvious reason. Diesel and paint thinner work as well, but without the danger. Oven cleaner/lye/TSP work very well and are water soluble, but also remove paint and they can etch aluminum.
Diesel works about the best,brake cleaners not bad, never gas. Another route baking soda cleaning. Mike
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If what you're trying to clean off is an organic compound - which, if it's in or around an engine, it probably is, and if what needs to be cleaned has ZERO rubber or "plastic" parts of any kind - then a commercial kitchen cleaner may be the ticket, as it is 100% safe on aluminum. I have one called "Carbon Off" - you can get it at a commercial kitchen supply store. Just looked at its active ingredients, which are, in order: Dichloromethane, "Aromatic hydrocarbon" (whatever that means. The code for that particular nasty is: 108-88-3) and Methyl Alcohol.
Again, just do not let it get near anything non-metallic, although I would be interested to know how teflon responds to it.
Again, just do not let it get near anything non-metallic, although I would be interested to know how teflon responds to it.
Do NOT use oven cleaner on aluminum. It will discolor it. I like to use mineral spirits to clean parts. It can be filtered and used a few times.