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Cleaning parts

redfishtony

Jr. Member
Joined
Apr 17, 2008
Messages
209
Loc.
Thomasville GA
What is the best product y'all have found to clean grease and oil off metal parts after wire brushing, prior to painting. I'm in the process of rebuilding my front end and want to make sure all the grease and grime is gone before painting it. Also on transfer cases, trans housings and other big stuff whats the best product? Good paint or POR15. Thanks as always, TW
 

jedblake

Full Member
Joined
Aug 27, 2007
Messages
659
Loc.
Boulder City, NV
Degreaser works but it stinks. Recently had great luck with brillo pads from the dollar store.
I brush the parts clean with acetone prior to paint.
 

bronkenn

Contributor
Bronco Guy
Joined
Apr 27, 2017
Messages
2,684
Loc.
Southeast Ohio
I have always used the POR cleaner(marine clean). Works very well cutting the grease and prepping it for paint. Also highly recommend POR15 for painting chassis parts. Tough stuff.
 

Cortez

Bronco Guru
Joined
Jan 29, 2009
Messages
1,193
Brakleen brake cleaner is amazing, also Super Clean in a purple bottle.
 

blubuckaroo

Grease Monkey
Joined
Jun 11, 2007
Messages
11,795
Loc.
Ridgefield WA
I use a pressure washer with soap. Because that's what I have.
A steam cleaner would be best. Not a hot water washer, but a real steam cleaner.
 

bulletpruf

Contributor
Full Member
Joined
Mar 31, 2019
Messages
438
Loc.
San Antonio, TX
Brakleen brake cleaner is amazing, also Super Clean in a purple bottle.

After trying just about everything out there, I like a parts washer filled with mineral spirits. When I'm not using that, I use Simple Green. If Simple Green doesn't get everything, I go with chlorinated brake cleaner. I also keep a plastic spray bottle filled with acetone handy; use that prior to paint.
 
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OP
redfishtony

redfishtony

Jr. Member
Joined
Apr 17, 2008
Messages
209
Loc.
Thomasville GA
So after de-greasing I should still wipe everything down with acetone? Seems that the wire wheel on the grinder gets it right down to clean metal but I know there is some oil residue left behind. Would acetone remove the oil by itself. Thanks for the info. TW
 

crab

Bronco Guru
Joined
Feb 23, 2004
Messages
2,268
So after de-greasing I should still wipe everything down with acetone? Seems that the wire wheel on the grinder gets it right down to clean metal but I know there is some oil residue left behind. Would acetone remove the oil by itself. Thanks for the info. TW

Always wipe with a high alcohol content cleaner or brakekleen before paint. I like 3m adhesive remover.
 

sanndmann3

Contributor
Bronco Guru
Joined
Jun 13, 2007
Messages
1,790
Really big greasy stuff goes to the do it yourself car wash. Smaller stuff goes into harbor freight parts washer filled with mineral based solvent
 

The Far Side

Contributor
Jr. Member
Joined
Sep 21, 2018
Messages
110
Oven cleaner or brake cleaner first. Next would hit it with toluene or mixed xylene (depending on how anal you are with your degreasing) because acetone really is a final cleaner.
 

tirewater

Sr. Member
Joined
Jan 28, 2011
Messages
1,044
Loc.
San Francisco Bay Area
I don't think there is a best product, just make sure it's clean without residue.

Like everyone else, I've used most products. Here are some not listed:

Duplicolor Prep Grease & Wax Remover - unbelievably smellly
Krud Kutter - I was amazed that it works so well

In the end, it's elbow grease, towels and a plastic scraper.

What is the best product y'all have found to clean grease and oil off metal parts after wire brushing, prior to painting. I'm in the process of rebuilding my front end and want to make sure all the grease and grime is gone before painting it. Also on transfer cases, trans housings and other big stuff whats the best product? Good paint or POR15. Thanks as always, TW
 

jray

Full Member
Joined
Sep 20, 2009
Messages
340
Oven cleaner followed by brake cleaner in grimy jobs, brake cleaner alone on not so dirty parts prior to painting.
 

68ford

Bronco Guru
Joined
Dec 26, 2004
Messages
2,710
Diesel, works better than any degreaser, does not hurt rubber or paint. Half the price of degreaser. Spray off with brake clean when done.
 

elan

Full Member
Joined
May 27, 2015
Messages
541
Loc.
s
STOP............if you decide to go with Por-15, use only their solvent and paper towels to wipe down everything to painted. Keep cleaning until you see no residue on the paper towels. Keep using clean towels to get the best results. I use Por-15 solvent before I use any spray paint from cans as well. It does not leave a film, dries almost instantly.
I sold their products for ten years. And continue using for the last 20.
If you want to know how to keep Por-15 paint fresh for "years" just ask.....I know the secret even the factory doesn't let folks know. Or, I can start a new thread on the subject. Simple, easy and requires two screws
 
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