Author Topic: Best Engine Oil Solvent for enclosed space (Read 7334 times)

M0T0Geezer · « **on:** December 28, 2015, 01:38:42 PM »

The oil dipstick on my 750 Breva recently came loose (my fault) while riding.

The eruption of engine oil was so great that even the rear brake caliper, disc rotor, and pads were saturated.

Before installing new pads, I must be sure all the engine oil has been cleared from the caliper and rotor surfaces, including all the little drilled holes. I need a good wipe-on, wipe-off solvent.

Gasoline is not an option (my garage is "inside" the house) due to the extreme fire hazard and persistent smell. I cannot work outside or use any water-based solvent rinse because of single digit temps here right now.

I was thinking of using grain alcohol (95% drinkable ethanol) on the rotor & caliper. Naturally any unused portion would be carefully disposed of in a proper container, after first being diluted with orange or tomato juice.

So, other than gasoline, what alternate engine oil solvents do you suggest?

'Geezer

guzzisteve · « **Reply #1 on:** December 28, 2015, 01:45:14 PM »

Mineral Spirits, some even use WD40, I used to use Stoddard Solvent.

canuguzzi · « **Reply #2 on:** December 28, 2015, 01:52:37 PM »

Your garage is in the single digits? You said you would not be working outside but can you warm the garage even a little bit and then use conventional nonflammable solvents?

What about brake cleaner? I know you said you were worried about flammables but if your garage is in the single digits...

Spray on, let's drippings go onto newspaper or cardboard and then throw the stuff out properly. Much less hassle, evaporates quickly.

oldbike54 · « **Reply #3 on:** December 28, 2015, 01:55:47 PM »

Simple Green to get started .

Dusty

Guzzer · « **Reply #4 on:** December 28, 2015, 02:05:12 PM »

I would try some spray degreaser. The stuff from Walmart foams. Let it sit for a while then just use hot water with Joy or similar dishwashing soap for hand asking dishes--dry off w paper towels.

Rich A · « **Reply #5 on:** December 28, 2015, 02:52:24 PM »

It might be worth taking the wheel off and taking it to a DIY car wash. I'd first use a spray-on degreaser, then hit the rotor with the spray, being careful to minimize the water that could get in the bearings, then use some brake cleaner. This would also give you better access to the caliper. I use those disposable aluminum roasting/pie pans to catch the mess.

Rich A

RayB · « **Reply #6 on:** December 28, 2015, 04:19:00 PM »

CRC non flammable brake cleaner

Wayne Orwig · « **Reply #7 on:** December 28, 2015, 04:33:03 PM »

Most anything beyond a mild detergent will dull the finish on the calipers and anything painted. For the metal bits like the rotors, mineral spirits it great. Or spray brake parts cleaner if a small spray can is all you need.

bad Chad · « **Reply #8 on:** December 28, 2015, 04:40:46 PM »

I would do a google search, for non toxic degreasers, there are quite a few of them out now.

Agreed, simple Green, but their may be better.

Perazzimx14 · « **Reply #9 on:** December 28, 2015, 04:47:45 PM »

Don't over think it. A shot of Simple Green and rinse my vote. Orange cleaner/degreaser also works great but really effects some finishes.

redrider · « **Reply #10 on:** December 28, 2015, 05:33:13 PM »

Shop rags to catch the runoff. CRC brake and parts cleaner. Do it by the open door, latex dish washing gloves and cold? You will spend more time travelling to get the spray cleaner than doing the job. Dispose of the rags outside and close the door.

M0T0Geezer · « **Reply #11 on:** December 28, 2015, 07:02:02 PM »

Thank you everyone for the helpful advice.
Actually it is single-digit outside (garage about 35) so can't work in the open.
What does "CRC" mean?

thanks again.

Rich A · « **Reply #12 on:** December 28, 2015, 07:46:21 PM »

As I recall, CRC stands for "Chemical Rubber Company"--it's a trade name, like 3M.

Rich

atavar · « **Reply #13 on:** December 28, 2015, 09:19:23 PM »

the best I have found for situations like yours are the Orange Oil based degreasers. I have had some luck with them in removing even black stains from old oil.

Sasquatch Jim · « **Reply #14 on:** December 28, 2015, 10:47:07 PM »

WD-40 and a brush. Then wipe really well. Then clean the rubber tire with simple green and water.

krglorioso · « **Reply #15 on:** December 29, 2015, 12:40:12 AM »

For serious cleaning; Motul of S-100 bike cleaner. However, these are very potent and precautions from makers must be followed if etching of paint and metal is not to occur. These products do a great job, but care must be taken.

Ralph

Vasco DG · « **Reply #16 on:** December 29, 2015, 04:14:15 AM »

Oh just get a huge saucepan of MEK, crank the heat up underneath it and then light up a smoke as you toss the bits in.....

Or maybe not......

Pete.

(Note. This was a joke.)

Two Checks · « **Reply #17 on:** December 29, 2015, 06:42:00 AM »

Do not use WD 40. It hasb oil in it and you are wanting to remove oil.

Triple Jim · « **Reply #18 on:** December 29, 2015, 09:34:00 AM »

Quote from: guzzisteve on December 28, 2015, 01:45:14 PM

Mineral Spirits, some even use WD40, I used to use Stoddard Solvent.

Mineral spirits (aka Varsol, paint thinner... not lacquer thinner, not turpentine) would do your job nicely. It doesn't make dangerous flammable vapor that can blow up a house, it's relatively cheap, evaporates fairly quickly, and is not particularly toxic. It's flammable, but you can't light a pot of it with a match. Like kerosene, it needs some sort of wick to burn (varsol soaked paper towels burn brightly).

Edit: From what I can gather, Stoddard solvent is another name for Varsol and Mineral spirits, etc..

Chuck in Indiana · « **Reply #19 on:** December 29, 2015, 11:17:31 AM »

*Very* good solvent. You can paint over it. (!!) No fumes to stink up your house. Water soluble. Yes, you do need to wash it off, it'll slightly dull paint if left overnight.

chuck peterson · « **Reply #20 on:** December 29, 2015, 03:43:18 PM »

sand...lots and lots of sand...scrub with steel wool...drive it into seawater to rinse

sorry, I get so sarcastic sometimes...I'd try wiping it down, spreading the oil out, then repeat with clean absorbent towels...and then polish...a few small shots of spray cleaner around the calipers...

slowmover · « **Reply #21 on:** December 29, 2015, 04:19:40 PM »

Straight Simple Green.Give it some time to work.I use it in a spray bottle for oil stains on the driveway after my brother leaves with his junk car.

Turin · « **Reply #22 on:** December 29, 2015, 07:22:14 PM »

Shout clothing detergent. I like it better than simple green.

davedel44 · « **Reply #23 on:** December 29, 2015, 07:27:49 PM »

Same thing happened on my V7. Mineral spirits in spray bottle. Wet everything well. Wiped evert hinged down. Stored rags in airtight container. No source of open flames like water heater in shop area so no fire hazard.

Also replaced rear brake pads as added precaution. Overkill I'm sure.

Dave
Galveston

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Author Topic: Best Engine Oil Solvent for enclosed space (Read 7334 times)

canuguzzi

oldbike54

redrider

Vasco DG