Degreasing: Petrol, Paraffin, White Spirit, Something Else

[RichB]

This might sound like a daft question but it's so long since I've tackled something like this. Having removed the engine from my Lagonda I want to clean the chassis, the gearbox casing and other bits I can reach while the floorboards are out. In my younger days I'd have just attacked it with a gallon of petrol and loads of rags but I'm a bit more circumspect these days. I've got a gallon of white spirit and loads of rags or do you reckon paraffin would work better?

[ChocolateFrog]

Diesel is probably you cheapest option.

I've got some paraffin that does a good job but don't know how easy it is to get hold of these days.

[RichB]

ChocolateFrog said:

Diesel is probably you cheapest option.
I've got some paraffin that does a good job but don't know how easy it is to get hold of these days.

There's me showing my age. I was assuming you could go to a petrol station and buy a gallon but now you mention it, I suppose not. Gone are the days of Mum sending me round the corner to our local hardware store for a gallon of 'Pink paraffin'.

I hadn't thought of diesel, good idea...

[V10Mike]

I wouldn’t use diesel; takes forever to evaporate and stinks.

White spirit should work fine, and you can finish off with a spray of brake and clutch cleaner.

Edited by V10Mike on Friday 21st March 19:18

[MCSV8]

I use paraffin for this type of job.

Rich, you are having way too much fun at the moment, what with this project and the DB !!

[FlyVintage]

Surfex HD

[Metric Max]

No nonsense deagreaser from Screwfix works for me

[RichB]

MCSV8 said:

I use paraffin for this type of job.
Rich, you are having way too much fun at the moment, what with this project and the DB !!

enjoying retirement!

[RichB]

Metric Max said:

No nonsense deagreaser from Screwfix works for me

Says it's to be used with a pressure washer, so what do you do; scrub it all with neat solution and stiff brushes and the jet wash it off?

[OutInTheShed]

Metric Max said:

No nonsense deagreaser from Screwfix works for me

I bought 5 litres of that 10 years ago, it still does the job.

[paddy1970]

Neither petrol nor white spirit/paraffin should be used as general cleaning solvents anymore. They pose significant health risks. Use specialised degreasers instead:

- Wurth Brake & Parts Cleaner
- CRC Brakleen
- Purple Power Industrial Strength Degreaser
- Simple Green Pro HD Heavy-Duty Cleaner
- Gunk Engine Degreaser
- Chemical Guys Citrus Wash & Gloss
- POR-15 Cleaner Degreaser
- 3M Brake Cleaner
- Valvoline PowerSource Multipurpose Degreaser
- Permatex Parts Cleaner
- Dupli-Color Brake Parts Cleaner
- Muc-Off Motorcycle Degreaser
- Simple Green Automotive All-Purpose Cleaner
- Zep Industrial Purple Cleaner & Degreaser
- POR-15 Metal Prep
- Eastwood Chassis Degreaser

[RichB]

paddy1970 said:

Neither petrol nor white spirit/paraffin should be used as general cleaning solvents anymore. They pose significant health risks. Use specialised degreasers instead <clip>

Indeed, as I said I'm not quite so laissez-faire now. Gone are the days of wiping it all down with rags soaked in petrol and getting rid of them on a bonfire started with an old tyre.

[bomb]

Whatever cleaning fluid you choose, my top tip for getting into the corners and difficult areas, is to use a toothbrush.

Ideal for close up, detailed work.

BUT, always give it a little rinse and replace it back in the wifes bathroom cup, when youre done.

i found Gunk a bit whiffy but it did a great job.

[StescoG66]

Look for a product called Viro-Sol from Clover Chemicals. It’s citrus based and works well in many different uses. Can be diluted down to 1:40 for general cleaning

[Plymo]

Cheap lamp oil works well, it doesn't evaporate easily and is safe ish with a high flashpoint. Barely any smell unlike diesel!
Unlike some of the detergent type degreasers, it will protect bare metal a bit too as of course it leaves it a little oily.
Methylated spirits gets that off if you want to paint it after or anything like that.
The stuff that's sold as carb cleaner is very powerful too, but evaporates very quickly and destroys rubber

[austin]

Jizer!

Made by Swarfega, made to do what you are wanting to do.

[ferret50]

bomb said:

Whatever cleaning fluid you choose, my top tip for getting into the corners and difficult areas, is to use a toothbrush.

Ideal for close up, detailed work.

BUT, always give it a little rinse and replace it back in the wifes bathroom cup, when youre done.

.

I likes this idea!

I'll give it a go and report back, if I'm still alive!

[LightweightLouisDanvers]

Brake and clutch cleaner is good.

[KTMsm]

For paraffin / kerosene - the easy answer is heating oil

Currently circa 60p a litre

It's my usual degreaser if I want the item to remain lightly greased but clean IE a motorcycle chain

For degreasing something that you want clean and not greasy afterwards any of the water soluble degreasers work well

[trickywoo]

As a couple of people have already mentioned surfex hd. Rinses clean with just water. You’ll be amazed by how well it works.