Cleaning Old Grease

[philaroman]

Where does MEK fit in the list of solvents?
some swear by it to clean all-steel bearings w/ shields in place
can't even find it, anymore -- what's "MEK Substitute"?
don't care if fake MEK is less toxic -- is it equally effective/aggressive as a solvent?

I typically just wipe it off with a rag. Is this sufficient? The reason I'm asking is that I have noticed over time (year+) that my Yamaha and Penn blue grease tend to turn brown. Is this normal or is this because it's not playing well with the WD-40?
Mike

not a chemist -- can't be precise, but whatever it is in WD-40 chemical composition that breaks down old lube, also degrades fresh lube...  I'm sure it's not much after a wipe-down, but why have ANY?

BTW, if you use WD-40 for its intended purpose (water displacement) on the outside of a reel, you should never spray directly, to prevent it from seeping in -- wipe it on w/ a rag

[Tightlines667]

MEK is about as hardcore of a solvent as you can (sometimes) purchase over the counter.  It will dissolve alot of stuff, and is toxic,  so care is needed in its use, and proper disposal.  I use it to deoil/dewax cured fiberglass before painting/repairing.  Never used it on any reels.  I have used HCL on bad corrosion, but that is another story.

John

[PacRat]

I'm with you guys on the mineral spirits. It use to be my go-to but living here in California I'm not seeing it on the shelves anymore. Do you guys know of any place in CA that still sells it?
Mike

[Keta]

just don't use gasoline!!!!!   

A long time ago it was a solvent not a fuel and it works well, just make sure you are in a well ventilated area far away from ignition sources.

[philaroman]

MEK is about as hardcore of a solvent as you can (sometimes) purchase over the counter.  It will dissolve alot of stuff, and is toxic,  so care is needed in its use, and proper disposal.  I use it to deoil/dewax cured fiberglass before painting/repairing.  Never used it on any reels.  I have used HCL on bad corrosion, but that is another story.

John

MEK was recommended for a very specific situation:
rough all-steel double-shielded bearings, when you can't/won't remove the shields

[Tightlines667]

MEK is about as hardcore of a solvent as you can (sometimes) purchase over the counter.  It will dissolve alot of stuff, and is toxic,  so care is needed in its use, and proper disposal.  I use it to deoil/dewax cured fiberglass before painting/repairing.  Never used it on any reels.  I have used HCL on bad corrosion, but that is another story.

John

MEK was recommended for a very specific situation:
rough all-steel double-shielded bearings, when you can't/won't remove the shields

It works as a great solvent.  Just read the MSDS, and be careful working with it. 

Gasoline is also a great solvent.  Used it exclusively for reels, and engine parts when I was younger.

[oc1]

I haven't used anything except naphtha for a while now.  It dissolves the grease, dries/evaporates quickly, doesn't leave a residue, not too toxic to handle.  I usually make a mess so naphtha is about the strongest thing I am comfortable using.  All the sprays are creepy to me.  You can't use them without getting a good whiff of the stuff.  I don't know where naphtha would fall on a grease dissolving scale.  Way, way below MEK for sure.  Below lacquer thinner.  Similar to or a little better than mineral spirits.  Better than the soaps or simple green.
-steve

[Alto Mare]

I haven't used anything except naphtha for a while now.  It dissolves the grease, dries/evaporates quickly, doesn't leave a residue, not too toxic to handle.  I usually make a mess so naphtha is about the strongest thing I am comfortable using.  All the sprays are creepy to me.  You can't use them without getting a good whiff of the stuff.  I don't know where naphtha would fall on a grease dissolving scale.  Way, way below MEK for sure.  Below lacquer thinner.  Similar to or a little better than mineral spirits.  Better than the soaps or simple green.
-steve

You would really like Paslode cleaner then, Steve.  Paslode cleaner is mostly Naphtha.
You get the added bonus of having it in under pressure in a can. When used with the straw, I haven't found anything better to clean ball bearing...and the rest of the parts on the reel of course.


Sal

[oc1]

I shopped for it on line once before Sal and found I'd be much better off buying it off the shelf in Honolulu.  Then I forgot about it before getting to town.  My wife says I'm roofing a house next month so that will provide several opportunities to pick some up.  Thanks for the reminder.
-steve

[swill88]

I've got about an eighth can of MEK on my shelf. The fumes will clean anything!

Not sold in California anymore except old stock which is long gone.

steve

[philaroman]

so what is the stuff labeled "MEK Substitute", which is all I see in PA stores on shelves where MEK used to be?  is it a comparably aggressive solvent?