Infectious Off-Road.com

What are you guys using to clean up parts and whatnot with gear oil on it? Ive tried generic carb cleaner, generic and CRC brakeclean. Ended up using a million paper towels last time I had it apart and would like a better way. Thought about using gunk degreaser but really dont want to have to rinse it out with water and then have to deal with getting all the water out.

[quote="robnoxious1"]What are you guys using to clean up parts and whatnot with gear oil on it? Ive tried generic carb cleaner, generic and CRC brakeclean. Ended up using a million paper towels last time I had it apart and would like a better way. Thought about using gunk degreaser but really dont want to have to rinse it out with water and then have to deal with getting all the water out.[/quote]

Simple Green... but then youhave the water issue.

I have access to mineral spirits"solvent",you can soak the parts and let them air dry in no time.

[quote="LTLBILL"]I have access to mineral spirits"solvent",you can soak the parts and let them air dry in no time.[/quote]

I think I have a small bottle, I may give that a try.

I was always told to never use solvents because they ruin seals and cause the oil to foam. I have been told by a guy that worked for Dynatrac that leaving the old oil residue in there is better than contaminating the diff with solvents and cleaners. Who knows, as most shops use brake cleaner and never report problems.

I just get a pack of disposable shop towels from Autozone and wipe it clean. It only takes a few minutes and is cheaper than buying a can of cleaner.

The only times i worry about gear oil cleaning is after a major failure... like a carrier snapping in half lol...

For gear swaps or locker installs if there isnt a ton of metal i just wipe it down.

For failures i clean the snot out of it and change seals.

The seal on the long side let go so theres a shitload of oil in the tube. Thats what I really want to get out. Guess Ill wad up a ball of towels and ram it thru with a broom stick or something after I pull the carrier and seals.

Thanks for the input guys.

[quote="robnoxious1"]The seal on the long side let go so theres a shitload of oil in the tube. Thats what I really want to get out. Guess Ill wad up a ball of towels and ram it thru with a broom stick or something after I pull the carrier and seals.

Thanks for the input guys.[/quote]
That sounds like the best idea. A coating of oil in the tubes is a good thing - it prevents rust.

Gas works

from dumb user and a smart phone.