Simple Green Problem

[TechTeach]

Well, after going through 3 reels with the simple green bath I woke up to this today.

The reel is a 309 that was given to me, it was very green and salted up. Last night I took it entirely apart and threw everything in the simple green bath including the aluminum spool.

Looks like I copper plated the parts with what was in the simple green.

Soaking the chrome in vinegar/baking soda now to see if I can correct it.

Any suggestions?

[foakes]

When soaking things overnight -- we take a chance on causing more work, or ruining the appearance of some parts.

For me, soaking is to loosen up dried grease -- prior to using an ultrasonic cleaner with a chosen cleaning solution.

When dealing with the greening on particularly salt water reels -- we need to remember that the green can be either on the surface -- and clean up fairly easily -- or more often, it has etched down below the chrome, to the brass underneath.  The Simple Green will turn the brass a reddish/orange color from its original brassy gold color.  That is why the brass internal parts have turned coppery also.  Will not affect the function.

Vinegar will not reverse this process -- "0000" steel wool will -- but the chrome is gone, you will need to accept shiny chrome and brassing -- however the reel will function well.

On other reels, and other parts -- like Daiwa alloy internals, Mitchell internals, etc. -- both simple green and purple degreaser will turn these parts a dark black color -- and they must be hand cleaned to remove the coating.  Purple may even dissolve certain parts -- so be careful.

That is not what happened to your dog spring, though.  It just got lost in the solution, or stuck to another part, or somewhere in doggie heaven.

Don't spend forever looking for it -- if you need one, let me know so I can send one out N/C.

For me, the only solutions I use for overnight soaking are: mineral spirits for loosening hard dried grease, dish soap for loosening dirt and grime, or lacquer thinner for bearings within a closed screw lid container.

Others will have personal preferences -- but these are just a basic system that has worked for me.

Best,

Fred

[TechTeach]

Actually the chrome is still there and the dog spring is fine. Just covered in copper.

A quick hit with nano polish and the copper coating is gone.