Model Forum / Radio Controlled / Air Models / April 2004

I've always had good luck with a few drops of dish washing soap added to
water.

Depends what you're cleaning.

Glasses (you should see the scunge that comes out of the hinges!) diluted
Windex. Or water and some rubbing alcohol. My wife is hooked on cleaning her
glasses with mine.

Oily dirty metal parts, mineral spirits.

Fantastik, diluted somewhat, is good for degreasing things as well.

In some applications, using hot water with a little detergent is good.

Nobody should be without one, they're way cool.

Don't stick your finger in it while it's running to see if it cleans your
fingernails. Leave it in there too long and you can get tissue damage, like
getting whacked on the fingertip with a hammer.

Mike D.

Bill,

I just read a chapter last night about cleaning engines in a book "2
Stroke Glow Engines" by David Gierke, published by MAN. He suggests
using a few different types of solvents. A simple one is Cascade
dishwashing powder and very hot water, or distilled water. Another is
DoAll ultrasonic cleaning agent, Type C for removing solids and
mineral oils, and Type B for carbonized oils, greases and light rust.
He says that you will still have to use a caustic engine cleaner to
remove heavy burned-on castor oil. (Some guys use an old crock pot and
anti-freeze, soak the engine overnight for this.) He warns not to
clean bearings in the same bath as other parts. The ultrasonic bath
will keep dirt and grit suspended in the solution, getting it into
bearing surfaces. Clean bearings in fresh solution, separately form
other parts. He also warned to keep an eye on the parts while they are
being cleaned. Unknown solvents can react with the metal, causing
blackening, or other damage. Dry and oil bearings when they come out
of the bath, to prevent the formation of rust.

BTW this is a great book. I have had it for a few years, and I often
use it for a reference. Everything you wanted to know, and afraid to
ask is in this book. Very well done.

Tom