Solvent for Cleaning ...

ama353 Mon Mar 12, 2018 9:48 am

I purchased some Cox models that were flown, sometimes crashed, then put away ... without cleaning ... for 40+ years!

Most have a pretty good coating of oil, dirt, and anything else that could be grabbed from the surrounding environment, and the decals - though often unrecognizable at this point - really don't want to come off in hot water.

I suspect some "Goo Gone" remover would help, but just curious: has anyone here found a solvent that's effective for cleaning but doesn't damage the plastic in any way?

When all is said and done, there are some very valuable parts under all that goo!

Thanks!

Dennis
Airplane

KariFS Mon Mar 12, 2018 10:30 am

Dennis, rather than solvents, I would use detergents. You never know, with old plastics, so better be on the safe side. I would go with stuff like simple green, or dishwashing liquid. Not hotter than what your hands can handle so the plastic won't go soft.

Our friend MauricioB cleaned up his PT-19 using carpet and upholstery cleaning foam, the end result is very nice. See here:

https://www.coxengineforum.com/t9381p125-recent-engine-acquisitions

The link should take you straight to the correct page, but in case ot doesn't, it's on page 6.

crankbndr Mon Mar 12, 2018 12:09 pm

For years I used this Goof Off product, worked fantastic. Went to get more and not sold anymore. Should have bought a case.
Next I was going to try Bug and Tar remover but haven't had a dirty model yet.

dckrsn Mon Mar 12, 2018 5:44 pm

Check Amazon, Doug.
https://www.amazon.com/Goof-Off/b/ref=w_bl_hsx_s_hi_web_3029778011?ie=UTF8&node=3029778011&field-lbr_brands_browse-bin=Goof+Off
Also check GooGone, which is a similar product. Years ago, someone told
me both were basically, deodorized kerosene.
Bob

crankbndr Mon Mar 12, 2018 10:55 pm

Hi Bob, the Goof Off 2 is different. It was for plastic. It must have been nasty stuff cause it had warnings all over bottle but would melt 40 year castor instantly.
They discontinued it. I got a feeling the Bug and Tar remover will work but need to find an old, castor covered model to try it.
Congrats on you engine of the month!! Love when I vote on the winner!! Smile

Mark Boesen Tue Mar 13, 2018 1:05 am

...remember good o'l WD-40 is basically stoddard solvent, a mild solvent along with a small amount of oil added. Does a pretty fair job of cleaning old caster.

ama353 Tue Mar 13, 2018 2:46 am

Thanks all for your input.

I can assure you that hot water, dish soap, Simple Green, tub & tile cleaner, similar household cleaners will only remove some of the crud in many cases. Even when soaked for a couple of days.

Goo Gone definitely softens the stickers but even that doesn't seem to faze the worst of the lot. Thanks for the reminder on WD-40, and I'm going to try a few solvents that shouldn't affect the plastic. Denatured alcohol would seem logical

Dennis

rsv1cox Tue Mar 13, 2018 9:16 am

Jason likes denatured alcohol, but I don't know if he uses it on plastics. I haven't tried it yet, but it's on my to do list. I think it would do a better job than Simple Green on metals in some instances.

Bob

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