GASOLINE AS A CLEANER?

[TDRComm]

My daughter and I have an understanding about understanding. It goes something like this: If you can’t explain something in terms that a five-year-old can comprehend, you really don’t know what you are talking about.

So, when I found an article from Classic Motorsports (.com) with the headline “Gasoline Makes a Terrific Cleaner, Yet It Can Kill You,” I had to read more.

Moving past the sensational headline, the author (a Sunoco technical specialist, Zack Santer) noted that the “number one rule of solubility is that ‘like dissolves like.’” Got it. And, in defense of the kid-in-you, I’m betting you used gasoline from the lawnmower to clean your bike chain? I digress.

Further in the article Santer explains the problem with gasoline (and my explanation for the five-year-old, kid in you).

Technically speaking, the problem with gasoline is its low (-40°) flashpoint. Flashpoint refers to the temperature at which a flammable liquid vaporizes or is able to ignite. (Now, you have an explanation for the kids: flashpoint, rather than “I told you so.”)

Diesel fuel, the flashpoint is 125° to 180°. I’ve used it, but I find the after-smell (it is going to get on your clothes) to be a problem.

My favorite cleaner: Orange GoJo and a toothbrush. I’m sure you have your favorite cleaner.

 

[Wiredawg]

I used gasoline in a very small quantity with an old toothbrush to clean parts wearing platex gloves, outside, and in a small can. Smaller parts, I have a sonic cleaner, larger parts I use spray parts cleaner in one of my hot water heater bases. I never had an issue with gas though.

 

[Curley E Newton]

My daughter and I have an understanding about understanding. It goes something like this: If you can’t explain something in terms that a five-year-old can comprehend, you really don’t know what you are talking about.

So, when I found an article from Classic Motorsports (.com) with the headline “Gasoline Makes a Terrific Cleaner, Yet It Can Kill You,” I had to read more.

Moving past the sensational headline, the author (a Sunoco technical specialist, Zack Santer) noted that the “number one rule of solubility is that ‘like dissolves like.’” Got it. And, in defense of the kid-in-you, I’m betting you used gasoline from the lawnmower to clean your bike chain? I digress.

Further in the article Santer explains the problem with gasoline (and my explanation for the five-year-old, kid in you).

Technically speaking, the problem with gasoline is its low (-40°) flashpoint. Flashpoint refers to the temperature at which a flammable liquid vaporizes or is able to ignite. (Now, you have an explanation for the kids: flashpoint, rather than “I told you so.”)

Diesel fuel, the flashpoint is 125° to 180°. I’ve used it, but I find the after-smell (it is going to get on your clothes) to be a problem.

My favorite cleaner: Orange GoJo and a toothbrush. I’m sure you have your favorite cleaner.


View attachment 134908

Gas, diesel, is way to high to waste, used both in my past years, now I use turpentine or spray with degreaser

 

[Thomas (Steve) Dixon]

I've used it about the same as Wiredawg. More often since I got a large parts cleaner tank along with parts cleaning fluid from HF I use it.

 

[crispyboy]

Probably not much better but I often use kerosene to clean greasy parts such as trailer wheel bearings.

 

[gtwitch]

Years ago I always used Stoddard Solvent and still buy it by 5 gal, I have never had any issues and flash point is not at all like Gasoline and does not smell either.

 

[garylmoore]

My go to cleaner and what was used for years in the trades is mineral spirits. I have a fireproof can in my toolbox. I love brake cleaner, but it is nasty stuff.