Doubledog

My Feedback: (48)

Got a few older engines that need a good cleaning. Caked pretty bad and I'm debating on purchasing a sonic cleaner. I've read over the years that these are probably the best you can get for removing the varnish but would like your input.

Danke

aerowoof

I used one years ago never removed varnish but all the crud on the outside of the case comes off and it does remove congealed castor oil.sos pad and water with elbow grease removes varnish

Gray Beard

My Feedback: (-1)

Just go to a swap meet or garage sale and get yourself an old crock pot. {Never use the one you use for cooking!!} Fill the pot with antifreeze, turn to med. heat and drop in your engine or engine parts and simmer over night or until done!! Don't use the new green safe crap but good old fashion antifreeze.
I have used the sonic cleaner for small parts with carb cleaner and been happy. A lot happier then my wife was when she found me using here ring cleaner!!!

BountyHunter51

I've used one for years to clean my lettering and pinstripe brushes. (old sign painter) I've also used it to claen small parts with sucess. I've never tried to clean a crusty engine, but I seen the great results of the antifreeze/crocpot method.
Cheers! BH

Edwin

My Feedback: (2)

Ditto on the crock pot and antifreeze. That cleans the engines the best. I use a sonic bath for carbs and things of that nature. Water and dawn dish soap work good and is easier to dispose.
Edwin

Doubledog

My Feedback: (48)

Humm, maybe my wires were crossed about the sonic cleaner. Crockpot it is. Thanks gang.

But just to verify (one more time), they will remove the heavy varnish?

Gray Beard

My Feedback: (-1)

Yep, makes everything look good as new. If it doesn't remove it, just turn up the fire and cook a little longer. That varnish is just old cooked on castor oil. I strip my engines down before I cook them but I have seen guys just toss the complete engine in the pot. I never worry about the outside nasty like on the muffler of a four stroke, it is what it is and just the nature of the beast. I have one friend that just can't fly a plane if his muffler has gunk burnt on it and is always cleaning his engines?? I don't sweat the small stuff.

Edwin

My Feedback: (2)

One draw back to remember. If you cook it too long in the crock pot the aluminum can turn a dark grey. Doesnt hurt anything, just a color issue. It takes a few days for that to happen. I did it to a muffler I was trying to clean the inside out. I thought it was still gunked up and kept cooking it. Four days later it was a permenant dark grey.
Edwin

Doubledog

My Feedback: (48)

Super info. Now to find a cheap pot at the thrift store.
I believe I'll start by removing just the back plate, glow plug and carb to let as much get inside as possible. This thread might die for a few weeks but I'd like to come back to it and give ya'll a report.

fredscz

My Feedback: (47)

A couple of suggestions. Use low heat as the high setting can discolor the aluminum. Use the regular old green antifreeze and keep the crock pot covered when in use and when not in use return antifreeze to the original container. You can see the level of the liquid in the container and add water as it is evaporated off. In fact I use a 50/50 mix of water and antifreeze, same as I use in my autos. Use it in a well vented area so you do not have to breathe the fumes, although in my younger(read much poorer years) I had a leaking heater core in my only car and had to breathe the antifreeze aroma constantly and it was so strong you could taste it.
Fred

Doubledog

My Feedback: (48)

Will do.
I'll keep it outside under the open shed.

Flyin Beagle

My Feedback: (1)

Doubledog,

War Eagle!!!

I doubt you get to hear that much in Germany.

P.S. the crock pot works great.

Doubledog

My Feedback: (48)

Thats awesome brother. Back at'cha.