Hi folks,
I've got a gearbox & diff I want to use to make some table lamps from but I need to clean and degrease them but also somehow get rid of the oily smell that they naturally have.

Given all the noks and crannies that the oil will be hiding in such as bearings etc would heating the parts work? I could bbq them, maybe that would burn the oil/cleaning flid residue away?

Any other ideas?

Thanks
Col

[Edited on 23/9/17 by locoboy]

dishwasher!

but you may want to find an old one first, or be prepared to buy a new one after. (and keep the old one in the garage for a while) - along with the old fridge for beer ;-)

and an old cooker to heat things up when needed

quote:

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Originally posted by steve m
and an old cooker to heat things up when needed

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Brake cleaner is a very good degreaser and leaves no smell when fully dried.

And celly thinners too.

I wouldn't try burning oil off, it will just leave a bulletproof deposit.

Another idea, once most oil etc is removed, chuck in a large pan of boiling water with dishwater or even (clothes) washing powder. Both are very good degreasers.

Caustic soda. Does a very good job but eats Ali so be careful.

But if your going to use them in the house then no problem.

Just jet wash or hot soapy water after and you'll have a nice shiny clean object.

There is, at least one firm in Leicester who accept engine parts , blocks, heads etc for cleaning, in a bath of some sort of solvent. Causes absolutely no damage at all and the parts come back like freshly cast items.....Eats all rust away, even inside a block.....

Get this. I used it myself to degrease a heavily greased, oil, dirt etc... engine. I took the parts off and left them in a bucket of it mixed with water for 15 mins or so and it then only required a light scrub to remove all sorts.

You could put them back in the bucket again, its strong stuff as it makes a very slight fizz on the clean bare metal. so sounds perfect for you as you could leave it in longer without caring.

1 LTR 40:1 CAUSTIC TRUCK WASH TFR VALETING CHEMICALS

As you can see I managed to clean it up really well and the paint took excellantly on all surfaces. Definitely better if the parts can be submerged in it.



[Edited on 24/9/17 by killerferret666]