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Removing grease

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Aaron

05-02-2004 11:16:50

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What is the best method for cleaning up parts full of 50 year old grease? I am int the process of restoring a jd 620 but I dont want to completely disassemble the tractor. Any help would be greatly appreciated/

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Dave TX

06-01-2004 00:43:43

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Re: Removing grease in reply to Aaron, 05-02-2004 11:16:50

First scrape all the grease off you can. I would then reccommend some sort of gunk remover. Wal Mart sell one that foams. Its in a black can and has the word "Tech" in it. Let it set then rinse it off.

The problem with gasoline, oven cleaner, etc. is you need to be very careful using them as they can hurt your skin, lungs, eyes, ...well you get the picture. If you are looking for the most effective cleaning agent, in my experiance it is a clear liquid cleaner known as methel ethel keytone - or MEK. It dries and leaves no residue. It is flamable and you should not breath the fumes in a closed area. It will however, literally melt the grease.

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Firechicken

08-31-2005 11:48:36

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Re: Re: Removing grease in reply to Dave TX, 06-01-2004 00:43:43

I have used Methel Ethel Keytone for over 28 years. It is the most effective grease removal agent on the planet. I keep a gallon around to wipe up oil on the garage floor. There are health risks associated with MEK, it is absorbed through the skin and attacks the liver among other things. It is also a suspected carcinogen. By yourself a pair of nitrile rubber gloves and wear them religiously when using this stuff. Also avoid breathing the vapors as much as possible as damage to the central nervous system can result with prolonged exposure.

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johnmd

05-16-2004 20:52:56

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Re: Removing grease in reply to Aaron, 05-02-2004 11:16:50

Give ether (starting fluid) a try. You will be amazed. However, the following precautions apply. Have plenty of ventilation, and NO SPARKS. You don't want to get knocked out or worse, or burned/blown up. But it will flat clean a part. The grease/oil will just roll off.
Learned that trick from the loggers 'round these parts.
John

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jared

05-13-2004 20:29:47

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Re: Removing grease in reply to Aaron, 05-02-2004 11:16:50

one thing that has worked for me is to take your normal pressure washer and plum it in to the hot water heater in the house. it is just like a steam cleaner, until you run out of hot water. then wait for the hot water tank to fill up and then go at it again.

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m smith

05-11-2004 19:41:16

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Re: Removing grease in reply to Aaron, 05-02-2004 11:16:50

oven cleaner works great spray it on wait 20 min. wash off with hose or pressure washer repeat as needed

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Kendall

05-06-2004 13:50:22

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Re: Removing grease in reply to Aaron, 05-02-2004 11:16:50

I used "Goof Off" on my '50 Super A and was amazed at how well it worked. You can get it 1 gallon cans at Home Depot. Quality paper towels that wont shread to pieces helps too.

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noname

05-03-2004 15:34:51

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Re: Removing grease in reply to Aaron, 05-02-2004 11:16:50

gasoline works very well on removing old grease, BECAREFUL

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George

05-02-2004 23:31:45

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Re: Removing grease in reply to Aaron, 05-02-2004 11:16:50

I assume you are talking about the waxy residue of ancient grease -- it takes a lot of elbow (excuse the pun) grease. Don't know if this is the best method or not, but it has worked for me. Scrape off everything you can with a putty knife. Then attack the remaining bits in corners and crevices with various shaped dental scrapers and probes. With mineral spirits in an oil can, wet small areas and scrub with a fine brass bristle brush, then immediately wipe off with clean paper towels. (Change towels regularly as you can't get anything clean wiping down with a dirty towel.) Finish off with Gunk and a bristle brush.

(I have heard that a high pressure steam jenny works the best, but don't access to such equipment.)

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rustyfarmall

05-03-2004 04:46:06

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Re: Re: Removing grease in reply to George, 05-02-2004 23:31:45

George, your method is what seems to be the most effective for me, I do not have access to a steam cleaner either, and a regular pressure washer will not touch some of that old, hard grease.

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George

05-03-2004 08:05:03

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Re: Re: Re: Removing grease in reply to rustyfarmall, 05-03-2004 04:46:06

The problem I have found with pressure washers, and is probably true with steam cleaners, is that you will end up getting water where you don't want it. You have to remember that even when new, some of the shaft seals were marginal, espcially the felt ones -- after fifty years they are pretty non-existant.

I have used the method originally described on bare engine blocks with a final wash-off of soap and water followed by a pressure washer. Dry and immediately apply a light coat of oil. Like I said before, it is a lot of work but I am sure I have a clean block.

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Chester

05-13-2004 15:43:53

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Re: Re: Re: Re: Removing grease in reply to George, 05-03-2004 08:05:03

Try using an old hand sprayer such as bathroom cleaners come in to lightly spray the Varsol on the greasy areas. For some reason, I have found that re-cyled paint thinner seems to cut the grease better than the virgin stuff. ie, the stuff that was used to clean brushes, then allowed to stand until all the paint matter settles and is clear once again. A follow-up with a pressure washer finishes the job.

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