Rinsing the screen on an oil bath air cleaner

[ThirdGear]

I am looking for suggestions on what to use for rinsing the screen on the oil bath air cleaner for the Willys MB. Gasoline sound ok to use as long as I dry it out really well with compressed air afterwards?

James

[Bruce W]

Please do not use gasoline to clean anything. There are plenty of safer alternatives. This will start a fire-storm of "I do it all the time" as it has before, but just remember, the first response was from a firefighter and he asked you not to do it. BW

[Chuck Lutz]

Take it apart...remove the half cover. Soak in a very strong solution of Dawn dishwashing liquid and water an keep swishing it around. It cuts grease and won't blow your head off. Keep rinsing it out until the rinse water runs clean. reassemble an you are good to go...be sure to dry it with a hair dryer or put in the oven at 150' for 10 minutes or place in HOT sun to evaporate any water and prevent rust. Then dip it into some clean OIL and coat it thoroughly and place in a Zip Lock until you are ready to use it.

[dpcd67]

Gasoline; just cleaned some M38 parts today with it. Out side. All other solvents are inferior. Of course, some want to be extra careful. You won't blow your head off; might burn it off if you want to smoke whilst using it, but that's about it. I have been using it for over 50 years now without any issues. For caked on grease, only a strong solvent will work; anything that says "green" on it, will take forever. I have a tank of it if you want some. Smells like lemons and works like that too.

[dinof]

I can say without doubt, if you live in So. Cal, you are screwed. My solvent aisle has been replaced with product that does not work at all. Even lacquer thinner is almost useless. I'm surprised that our nut job leaders haven't outlawed gasoline. Mums the word Ok, let's not give them any ideas that their stupidity might try!

[dpcd67]

We, in the midwest, where everything is legal, hear about what is going on in CA and we feel your pain. I bet if the eco police knew you were placing gas in open containers they would flog you.

[Mark Tombleson]

Hi Dino.

I had the same issues back when I lived in CA and did much as Chuck discusses, soap and water, but before washing I would spray it with Berryman B-12 Chemtool. I would rinse after washing and hit it with compressed air and give it a final spray with Chemtool.

I found in cleaning small parts it works better than gas as it is an aerosol.

[Joe Gopan]

Gasoline is efficient and evaporates readily. Use caution and nothing bad will happen.

[Bruce W]

Use caution and nothing bad will happen.

Yeah, we've all heard that before. I know of at least two guys who lost their shop/shed, with tractors, machinery, classic cars and tractors and all their tools inside, who would have said that - before the fire. They say different now. One of them is lucky to be alive.
See, I told you. I'll shut up and listen. BW

[artificer]

Right on Bruce....DO NOT USE GAS or PETROL!
'Stupid is as stupid does' is alive & well.
Detergent & hot water pressure steam cleaning is the way to go just as Chuck indicated.
Think how really greasy restaurant exhaust filter screens are cleaned.

[majmacs]

Prior to using the dawn detergent, I sprayed most of a can of oven cleaner on the really caked on oil. Then sprayed with a pressure washer...but make sure you wear eye protection and do it outside. Took most of the stubborn stuff off first and allowed the dawn to penetrate readily.

[dpcd67]

Of course if you are stupid enough to use gas indoors, then you are asking for trouble. Oven cleaner, now that is some hazardous stuff; far worse than gas on your skin and lungs.

[majmacs]

Of course if you are stupid enough to use gas indoors, then you are asking for trouble. Oven cleaner, now that is some hazardous stuff; far worse than gas on your skin and lungs.

Agreed...just don't inhale it or gasoline for that matter and wear some gloves.
The foaming stuff requires very little elbow grease to get the main bulk of the caked on stuff off.

[Lew Ladwig]

Give the wife some cash and send her shopping. Then toss it in the dishwasher!