Originally Posted by
Lightning Pilot
Aaargghh! A little knowledge is a dangerous thing. Some good advice here, some bad.
I'll agree that a
little knowledge is a dangerous thing. However, many of us have more than just a little knowledge about what is happening here.
Originally Posted by
Lightning Pilot
First, you don't know what you are dealing with, and neither do we. That makes all advice very hypothetical, and potentially dangerous. Short of a chemical analysis, you are "shooting blind." However, there is a safer way to do this.
Unless someone did something really stupid, many of us have seen this before. We don't need a chemical analysis because the only thing that
should have ever been in the bearings is grease. We are only "shooting [partially] blind".
And most of the suggestions made have been both knowledgeable and offered to reduce any potential hazards as much as possible.
Originally Posted by
Lightning Pilot
First, try Simple Green™. Full strength, just soak 24 hours and see what it does. It will remove baked on automotive oil residue. NOTE: do not use on aluminum or aluminum alloys.
Sure, you could soak it in Simple Green for a day but, short of removing the headset cups, how do your propose soaking the parts? Simple Green has it's own hazards and disposal problems. Just pouring it down the drain isn't environmentally friendly especially considering that to soak a headset that is still on the bike is going to take a pretty big vat of the stuff.
Originally Posted by
Lightning Pilot
Second, try Goo Gone™. Apply, soak for a few minutes, wipe. This stuff seems to remove most hydrocarbons, some take more time than others. FLAMMABLE. ADEQUATE VENTILATION NECESSARY.
Yep. Goo Gone will probably work because it is composed mostly of the same stuff as mineral spirits. It's 60 to 100% light petroleum distillates with a little orange peel thrown in for scent.
Originally Posted by
Lightning Pilot
Third, try ethyl alcohol (Everclear). FLAMMABLE. ADEQUATE VENTILATION NECESSARY.
Fourth, try isopropyl alcohol, 90%. FLAMMABLE. ADEQUATE VENTILATION NECESSARY.
Neither is effective for dissolving old grease. Trying to use them is a waste of time, money and chemicals. Alcohol can dissolve some things but grease isn't one of them.
Originally Posted by
Lightning Pilot
If none of the above work, you have entered the realm of truly hazardous substances requiring adequate ventilation, solvent-proof gloves, and a face shield as minimums. "Lacquer thinner" is a blend of various solvents, and thus will dissolve quite a few organic compounds.
This is the place to start...sans the over the top personal protection equipment. Yes, use it with adequate ventilation but you don't need super heavy solvent proof gloves nor a face shield. Disposable nitrile gloves are all you need. Eye protection might be worthwhile but you don't need a faceshield. The idea isn't to splash this stuff all over everything. A bit poured from a bottle (10 mL is a lot) on to a rag will remove the old grease quickly and easily.
Originally Posted by
Lightning Pilot
A very low toxicity substance for removing the last residues: creamy peanut butter. Peanut oil is "nature's penetrating oil." Slow, but effective.
Maybe but...