What to use to clean a really dirty drivetrain?

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12-10-22, 09:47 PM

#26

Yelbom15

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An old tooth brush and Dawn dish soap. I mean it.

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VoodooSix

12-12-22, 07:46 AM

#27

djb

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Andrew R Stewart

I would not soak metal parts in a solvent overnight. Some solvents can encourage hydrogen embrittlement if left in contact long enough. Now spraying a layer of WD40 on the parts to be cleaned to start the softening up is fine. Kerosene is a well proven solvent that won't hurt metals. After use if the Kerosene is left still the grit will settle out and good/clean kerosine can be poured off for use again. Andy

Thanks Andy, going through my parents garage I found kerosene for a kerosene lamp (old parents planning for end of world stuff) and I'd read that it's a good degreaser. There's a lot of it, so will keep some for the very rare times I need to do this.

12-12-22, 07:47 AM

#28

djb

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Quote:

Originally Posted by HillRider

I agree with Andy. Kerosene, or it's less smelly and cleaner evaporating cousin OMS (odorless mineral spirits), are the most effective degreasers and can be reused by letting the dirt settle and decanting the clear solvent. Kerosene is available by the gallon at many gas stations and OMS in any paint store or big box home store.

DO NOT use gasoline.

And thanks to you HR also re kerosene