[GreenKeys] Good cleaning agent

[Bruce Gentry]

Bruce Gentry wrote:
> Roy Morgan wrote:
>> On Jan 4, 2011, at 8:22 PM, Bill wrote:
>>
>>  
>>> Thanks for the info. I will try and find some varsol. Seems that 
>>> may  be
>>> my best choice.
>>>     
>>
>> Bill,
>>
>> Turns out that Varsol is often available in 5 gallon drums and 
>> larger,  and in a modest variety of different formulations.  Google 
>> will help  here.
>>
>> The favorite cleaning agent of two well known Collins restorers I 
>> know  is 50-50 409 and  household ammonia.  Very strong, use outside. 
>> Wash  with water.  Remove meters, dials and such, and plug up IF can 
>> holes  first.  Dry with warmth or heat.
>>
>> BUT, I recently read on one list that 409 has been changed not long  
>> ago, and is not as effective as it used to be.  Maybe one of the 
>> other  cleaners suggested could be substituted for the 409 if it does 
>> not  work out well.
>>
>> Roy
>>
>>
>> Roy Morgan
>> k1lky at earthlink.net
>> K1LKY Since 1958 - Keep 'em Glowing!
>>
>>
>>
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>>   
> I have noticed that 409 is less effective in recent times. Greased 
> Lightning is a cleaner available here in central New York at 
> supermarkets and home centers. It is very strong,  you probably need 
> to cut it with some water before mixing it with the ammonia.  I  
> usually dilute it 50/50 with water , and it gets the crud off  
> equipment chassis very well.  Adding the ammonia is especially helpful 
> in killing tobacco stench.         Varsol is a fine solvent for 
> mechanical work. It is made by Exxon, my father owned a garage for 
> over 30 years and used it for parts cleaning. We got it from larger 
> Esso/Exxon gas stations,   in 5 gallon pails.   Stoddard solvent is  
> close  in effectiveness,  you usually have to scrub a bit whereas 
> Varsol just melts the crud off.  Both of these will dry skin out 
> severely, and pose a heath risk if used bare handed very often. I was 
> told the solvent itself isn't all that harmful, but it can wash 
> contaminates through skin into your bloodstream. I don't recall any  
> mechanics being affected, but  playing it safe is smartest.
>     Kano Kroil is excellent as a penetrant. It's hard to find around 
> here, but easily ordered on the internet.  I think it's based on 
> vegetable oils, it has an unforgettable but not unpleasant odor and 
> was very effective for freeing up sticking valves on older vehicles 
> years ago.  A pint was poured slowly down the carburetor while the 
> engine was held at fast idle, followed by an oil change. It was a 
> favorite job for the young and young at heart because the smoke 
> production was absolutely awesome. It works very well to free up 
> precision mechanisms, it attacks varnish and oxidized oil crud very 
> well. If the parts won't break free, heat them just above too hot to 
> handle and let it work.  Bruce Gentry       KA2IVY
>