Go Back   The Ford Barn > General Discussion > Early V8 (1932-53)

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 04-18-2026, 12:11 PM   #1
19Fordy
Senior Member
 
19Fordy's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Coral Springs FL
Posts: 11,916
Default Penetrating Oil Information

I found this info from Machinist's Workshop Magazine which shows the mix of
50/50 automatic transmission fluid and acetone is the best penetrating fluid to use.
It worked better than any commercial product they used on a "rusty bolt test". The torque readings really reveal a big difference. I know many Fordbarner's alreadyuse the 50/50 mix but, it was interesting to see test results.
Attached Images
File Type: jpeg IMG_1965-2.jpeg (110.3 KB, 445 views)
File Type: jpeg IMG_1964.jpeg (108.4 KB, 428 views)

Last edited by 19Fordy; 04-18-2026 at 12:17 PM.
19Fordy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-18-2026, 12:30 PM   #2
alexiskai
Senior Member
 
alexiskai's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2018
Location: Mebane NC
Posts: 3,176
Default Re: Penetrating Oil Information

You have to be a little more careful using 50/50 because the acetone wants to evaporate immediately, so you gotta mix/shake it right before use and keep it tightly sealed.
alexiskai is offline   Reply With Quote
Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)
Old 04-18-2026, 12:34 PM   #3
petehoovie
Senior Member
 
petehoovie's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2015
Posts: 11,643
Default Re: Penetrating Oil Information

Quote:
Originally Posted by 19Fordy View Post
I found this info from Machinist's Workshop Magazine which shows the mix of
50/50 automatic transmission fluid and acetone is the best penetrating fluid to use.
It worked better than any commercial product they used on a "rusty bolt test". The torque readings really reveal a big difference. I know many Fordbarner's alreadyuse the 50/50 mix but, it was interesting to see test results.


__________________


petehoovie is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-18-2026, 02:20 PM   #4
KiWinUS
Senior Member
 
KiWinUS's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Charlotte NC KiWi-L100 available here
Posts: 3,418
Default Re: Penetrating Oil Information

And Howes Penetrant beats all of above in my testing over many years.
KiWinUS is online now   Reply With Quote
Old 04-18-2026, 05:17 PM   #5
JayChicago
Senior Member
 
JayChicago's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2019
Location: Chicago
Posts: 1,028
Default Re: Penetrating Oil Information

I have seen the home brew 50-50 mix recommended many times, but was always skeptical that it would actually be better than known commercial products. When was that test done? How old is that magazine article?
JayChicago is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-18-2026, 06:00 PM   #6
alexiskai
Senior Member
 
alexiskai's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2018
Location: Mebane NC
Posts: 3,176
Default Re: Penetrating Oil Information

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)
Quote:
Originally Posted by JayChicago View Post
I have seen the home brew 50-50 mix recommended many times, but was always skeptical that it would actually be better than known commercial products. When was that test done? How old is that magazine article?

It’s from April 2007
alexiskai is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-18-2026, 06:10 PM   #7
ford38v8
Senior Member
 
ford38v8's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: SF Bay Area
Posts: 7,634
Default Re: Penetrating Oil Information

Quote:
Originally Posted by JayChicago View Post
I have seen the home brew 50-50 mix recommended many times, but was always skeptical that it would actually be better than known commercial products. When was that test done? How old is that magazine article?
The reason our economy is strong: The American public is conditioned to believe that highly advertised products at inflated prices must surely be better than can be made inexpensively at home.
__________________
Alan
ford38v8 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-18-2026, 09:18 PM   #8
tubman
Senior Member
 
tubman's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Minnesota, Florida Keys
Posts: 12,135
Default Re: Penetrating Oil Information

I thought I saw a similar test on YouTube a few years ago that put the Acetone/ATF in the middle of the pack.

I'm too old to go look for it.
tubman is online now   Reply With Quote
Old 04-18-2026, 09:37 PM   #9
alexiskai
Senior Member
 
alexiskai's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2018
Location: Mebane NC
Posts: 3,176
Default Re: Penetrating Oil Information

Quote:
Originally Posted by tubman View Post
I thought I saw a similar test on YouTube a few years ago that put the Acetone/ATF in the middle of the pack.

I'm too old to go look for it.

In 2018, Project Farm ran a set of tests and ranked 50/50 #2, with Liquid Wrench #1. For seized fasteners, heating is superior to all oils.
alexiskai is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-19-2026, 06:58 AM   #10
Tim Ayers
Senior Member
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: NJ
Posts: 7,227
Default Re: Penetrating Oil Information

Quote:
Originally Posted by alexiskai View Post
In 2018, Project Farm ran a set of tests and ranked 50/50 #2, with Liquid Wrench #1. For seized fasteners, heating is superior to all oils.
Agree on heat when you can get to it. I've had great luck using a product Free All. It was recommended to me from a busy diesel mechanic. He said he's tried them all.
Tim Ayers is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-19-2026, 07:07 AM   #11
1952henry
Senior Member
 
1952henry's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: North Dakota
Posts: 1,840
Default Re: Penetrating Oil Information

Yes to Free-All.
__________________
I dig coal, which provides motivation for EVs.
1952henry is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-19-2026, 08:13 AM   #12
The Art Doctor
Senior Member
 
The Art Doctor's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2025
Location: Atlanta, Georgia
Posts: 226
Default Re: Penetrating Oil Information

Quote:
Originally Posted by alexiskai View Post
You have to be a little more careful using 50/50 because the acetone wants to evaporate immediately, so you gotta mix/shake it right before use and keep it tightly sealed.



The secret is to only use mineral ATF, not synthetic. The acetone will not go into the synthetic and separates out quickly and thus can evolve. If you use mineral ATF it fully goes into solution and does not have those issues.
The Art Doctor is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-19-2026, 09:54 AM   #13
19Fordy
Senior Member
 
19Fordy's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Coral Springs FL
Posts: 11,916
Default Re: Penetrating Oil Information

The article was in the April 2007 Machinist's Magazine.

https://www.practicalmachinist.com/f...ng-oil.196347/
19Fordy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-19-2026, 10:09 AM   #14
42merc
Senior Member
 
42merc's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Buchanan, MI
Posts: 702
Default Re: Penetrating Oil Information

This oil article surfaces about every 6 months..
42merc is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-19-2026, 10:44 AM   #15
leon bee
Senior Member
 
Join Date: May 2017
Location: Arkansas
Posts: 768
Default Re: Penetrating Oil Information

Is Free-All the one that smells good? Got some of it somewhere, seemed real good.

Has ANYbody ANYwhere ever seen any of that stuff work it's way down to the threads of a really rusted bolt?
leon bee is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-19-2026, 02:21 PM   #16
tubman
Senior Member
 
tubman's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Minnesota, Florida Keys
Posts: 12,135
Default Re: Penetrating Oil Information

I don't know about Free-All, but Marvel Mystery Oil smells so good that I use it in both my gas and oil.

Last edited by tubman; 04-19-2026 at 02:50 PM.
tubman is online now   Reply With Quote
Old 04-19-2026, 02:56 PM   #17
Cecil/WV
Senior Member
 
Cecil/WV's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Gerrardstown, WV
Posts: 2,303
Default Re: Penetrating Oil Information

Kroil has never failed me!
Cecil/WV is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-19-2026, 07:56 PM   #18
ford38v8
Senior Member
 
ford38v8's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: SF Bay Area
Posts: 7,634
Default Re: Penetrating Oil Information

3 ounces of Marvel Mystery Oil in the washer with your work clothes imparts that most elusive aroma of Master Mechanic. A side benefit: You’ll have no further need for deodorant or skin moisturizer.
__________________
Alan
ford38v8 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-20-2026, 05:38 AM   #19
32Bee
Senior Member
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Stratham, NH
Posts: 296
Default Re: Penetrating Oil Information

I agree with Cecil/WV. I've been using Kroil for years along with an application of a little
acetylene heat and it has never failed me. If something is heavily rusted, wait a day or two
before attempting to loosen.

Peter
32Bee is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-22-2026, 01:40 AM   #20
aussie merc
Senior Member
 
aussie merc's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2016
Location: sydney australia
Posts: 1,156
Default Re: Penetrating Oil Information

50/50 Atf and Diesel work well
aussie merc is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply


Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)


All times are GMT -5. The time now is 10:26 AM.