Gunk and Goobers

Dfairchilds Sat Jun 30, 2012 6:37 am

While digging in the garage I came across a "box" of old Cox engine parts... kind of like a gold mine. Some are easily 40 years old in that I haven't used this type of engine for a long time. There are .049s, parts of .020s and some 'non-descript' pieces.

They are covered in ... for lack of a better word... goobers. Kinda sticky like old fuel, dust, and such. The parts and engines are in good shape other than that.

What can I use to soak these items in to get them clean... and then, what can I treat them with before assembly and attempts at operation??? I long for the scream of a Bee.

Much appreciated. Been modeling for over 6 decades... yup, not kidding, and still at it. That is why I know these parts are old.

Older than Dirt Dave

Beer Cheers

Kim Sat Jun 30, 2012 7:01 am

Dfairchilds wrote:While digging in the garage I came across a "box" of old Cox engine parts... kind of like a gold mine. Some are easily 40 years old in that I haven't used this type of engine for a long time. There are .049s, parts of .020s and some 'non-descript' pieces.

They are covered in ... for lack of a better word... goobers. Kinda sticky like old fuel, dust, and such. The parts and engines are in good shape other than that.

What can I use to soak these items in to get them clean... and then, what can I treat them with before assembly and attempts at operation??? I long for the scream of a Bee.

Much appreciated. Been modeling for over 6 decades... yup, not kidding, and still at it. That is why I know these parts are old.

Older than Dirt Dave

Ironically, the "goobers and goop" is what saves them and keeps away corrosion! If you soak them in a closed container of glow fuel, for a while, then take a firm-bristled toothbrush to them, they should clean up just fine. Light machine oil will work just fine to lube them before their "first" run since retirement.

And...Welcome to the Forum !!!!

Ken Cook Sat Jun 30, 2012 7:19 am

I found that denatured alcohol works quite well and a old toothbrush. I've never had an issue with plastic parts using this. Ken

fit90 Sat Jun 30, 2012 8:06 am

I like denaturesd alcohol too. Just make sure to dry and oil any parts cleaned with it IMMEDIATELY after cleaning to avoid rust.

Welcome back,

Bob

Dfairchilds Sat Jun 30, 2012 9:02 am

Bob, Ken and Kim....

Thanks very much for the timely replies. I am looking forward to learning soooo much more on this forum and total website. I will try both techniques this week.

OtDD

Older than Dirty Dave

jsesere Sat Jun 30, 2012 9:26 am

A good way to free up stuck pistons is to put a prop on the engine and place it in front of a blow dryer set to high and let it cook for several minutes. The heat will melt any dried castor oil allowing you to move the piston. Once it gets loose add fuel to the top of the piston. Another area where castor will clog is between the prop plate and the crankcase neck. Squirt fuel there also.
Have fun, Joe