The Ford Barn

FrankWest · 06-11-2015, 03:31 PM

I am cleaning and decreasing my generator in preparation for painting.
Started with commercial degreasers..did not work well!
Tried Lacquer thinner did not work too much better!
Maybe a Dremel tool with wire brush tool is the best?
Any suggestion? commercial pvc Pipe cleaner solution?

Russ/40 · 06-11-2015, 05:15 PM

Lacquer thinner evaporates too fast. Use Mineral Spirits and a good stiff nylon bristle brush. Oh, and a lot of elbow grease.

51 MERC-CT · 06-11-2015, 07:56 PM

If I'm just degreasing, a spray can of brake cleaner works well for me.
Sounds to me like you're trying to remove more than oil or grease.

SofaKing · 06-11-2015, 09:42 PM

The windings in generators and starters are insulated with a varnish that will dissolve when exposed to solvents like lacquer thinner. This will cause a short. You may want to exercise some care so as to prevent it from getting inside the unit.

dean333 · 06-11-2015, 11:20 PM

I cleaned the generators on my 36 Fordoor and 57 Studebaker inside and out with mineral spirits. Worked fine for both.

Tom Walker · 06-12-2015, 01:51 AM

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You need more than a few weapons in the cleaning armoury don't you! Do you have any acetone? It sometimes shifts crud that nothing else will. When I have run out in the past, I have been caught stealing the wife's nail varnish remover....

06-11-2015, 03:31 PM	#1
FrankWest Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2013 Posts: 3,005	cleaning and degreasing generator I am cleaning and decreasing my generator in preparation for painting. Started with commercial degreasers..did not work well! Tried Lacquer thinner did not work too much better! Maybe a Dremel tool with wire brush tool is the best? Any suggestion? commercial pvc Pipe cleaner solution?

06-11-2015, 05:15 PM	#2
Russ/40 Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Santee, California Posts: 3,505	Re: cleaning and degreasing generator Lacquer thinner evaporates too fast. Use Mineral Spirits and a good stiff nylon bristle brush. Oh, and a lot of elbow grease.

06-11-2015, 07:56 PM	#3
51 MERC-CT Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: East Hartford, Ct Posts: 5,898	Re: cleaning and degreasing generator If I'm just degreasing, a spray can of brake cleaner works well for me. Sounds to me like you're trying to remove more than oil or grease. __________________ DON'T RECALL DOING SOMETHING FOR MYSELF BASED ON SOMEONE ELSE'S LIKES OR DISLIKES

06-11-2015, 09:42 PM	#4
SofaKing Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Salt Lake City, Utah Posts: 756	Re: cleaning and degreasing generator The windings in generators and starters are insulated with a varnish that will dissolve when exposed to solvents like lacquer thinner. This will cause a short. You may want to exercise some care so as to prevent it from getting inside the unit.

06-11-2015, 11:20 PM	#5
dean333 Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Shorewood Illinois Posts: 861	Re: cleaning and degreasing generator I cleaned the generators on my 36 Fordoor and 57 Studebaker inside and out with mineral spirits. Worked fine for both. __________________ Tim Carlig

06-12-2015, 01:51 AM	#6
Tom Walker Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Leicester. UK Posts: 404	Re: cleaning and degreasing generator Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) You need more than a few weapons in the cleaning armoury don't you! Do you have any acetone? It sometimes shifts crud that nothing else will. When I have run out in the past, I have been caught stealing the wife's nail varnish remover....