Toyota Trucks: Engine Parts Cleaning Solvent?

I buy xylene at Home Depot and it really gets the job done when combined
with a brass brush. A metal pan is required as the stuff will break down
most plastics. I have a special chemical-resitant polymer pan that I use.

Be careful with the valve covers - if they are like mine, they are made of
some type of resin or plastic. I used the xylene to clean them, but did not
let them soak in it and washed them really well with detergent afterwards.
I would think they would become discolored if exposed to the stuff for too
long.

One final note. Xylene is a an aromatic (benzene like) coumpound and is
covered by SARA Title III as a red label chemical. It's bad news for the
environment and anyone using it should take care to dispose of it properly.

Luther

"glacb" <com> wrote in message
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Varsol - is available from some gas stations and heating oil companies. Is
not flash dangerous like gasoline or kerosene.

"glacb" <com> wrote in message
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On Fri, 2 Jan 2004 09:47:53 -0500, "Wolfgang"
<net> wrote: 
 

Did a quick search on varsol and sound this interesting page -
http://www.exxonmobilchemical.com/Public_Products/Fluids/Aliphatics/Worldwide/FAQs/Fluids_Aliphatics_FAQ_Varsol.asp

You should be able to find one of these nearby, either VM&P Naphtha
or mineral spirits at any home improvement store or a regional oil
distributor. Even good old paint thinner is in this family. If you
are lucky, you can find one of the specialized degreasers like 1,1,1
trichlorethylene (my favorite) or the clothing dry-cleaning solvent
perchloroethylene ("perc").

And it all depends on the goop you're trying to clean off, one
solvent may not even dent it, another will take the gunk off with a
swipe, and a third will take the gunk, the paint, the primer, and half
the plastic base material... So don't get 5 gallons right off, get a
pint of each and see what works for you.

BE VERY CAREFUL when using any solvent, especially when they're
flammable or can have skin contact. Read the instructions. Try the
safest one first, if it doesn't work move up to the nastier ones.

And if the chemical you want to try specifies that you use personal
protective devices like goggles, gloves, plastic apron, a respirator,
etc. proper ventilation, be smart and do what they ask. If it's
flammable, make sue to have an extinguisher on hand and eliminate all
nearby ignition sources.

You only have two eyes, when you lose them they send you home - life
goes on, but it gets infinitely more complicated.

--<< Bruce >>--
--
Bruce L. Bergman, Woodland Hills (Los Angeles) CA - Desktop
Electrician for Westend Electric - CA726700
5737 Kanan Rd. #359, Agoura CA 91301 (818) 889-9545
Spamtrapped address: Remove the python and the invalid, and use a net.

"glacb" <com> wrote in message
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If you search your local oil supply wholesalers for a product called Solvent
140 or some call it Solvent 142. (I can buy it through our oil recycler
also, but it costs about 50% more than oil wholesaler).
It has a much higher flash point than most cleaners therefore you can safely
dispose of it in used oil, legal in Indiana may not be in other states. It
also doesn't irritate or cause symptoms by skin contact.
Does a good job cleaning, not quite as good as mineral spirits or cleaning
gas but if you let it soak longer or brush a little more it produces the
same results. Our wash tank has an agitator so I use it for items that are
baked on.
--
Hope This Helps,
davidj92

"Bruce L. Bergman" <invalid> wrote 
1,1,1 


Perc is a very effective solvent that is also non-flammable. Unfortunately,
it is also a known carcinogen.

Luther

Anyone try any of those orange oil type cleaners on their truck yet? I used
the stuff (specifically "Orange Clean", but I've also used the knock-off
brands, they're just weaker) on the burners to my stove, cast iron skillet,
and the grate to my grill, and it cuts a lot of gunk, especially when
assisted with a wire brush. Not sure how it would work for engine parts.
It's fairly safe to use, which is why I mention it.They make an aerosol
spray foam, which I've also used, but it requires ventilation. No
flammability/explosiveness issues or carcinogens, smells pretty decent.
Might just have to rinse it super good afterward so it doesn't react to
anything, eh?

For the worst of the burnt on stove stuff (and it was really bad) I sprayed
it on full strength and just let it sit a while to loosen up. I'd be
interested to see what automotive uses it has, except there's not really
anything I need to clean on my truck, except the interior. Else I'd go out
and give it a shot myself.
--
Dee
~Remove all preflight tags before replying by email.~

"glacb" <com> wrote in message
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