Hand Cleaner on Engine Parts?
Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 26
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Hand Cleaner on Engine Parts? I have a question about cleaning engine parts (other parts as well, for that matter). I’ve been looking for a quick, easy to use cleaner for use in the shop. Saturating with spray cleaners and rinsing with water is not really an option because of the freezing temperatures outside, and I don’t have a floor drain in the shop.
So, while going through my cabinet, I thought “Hey, hand cleaner. That stuff removes some really stubborn grease on my hands. Will it clean up an engine and transmission?”
I tested a few spots, and it works very effectively and very quickly. Rub the cleaner into the surface, wipe off, and done.
I didn’t want to go full tilt and scrub everything down with it in the event that it would cause some problems down the road. I read a couple of posts on different forms that advocate the use of hand cleaner on aluminum parts. And a I read one post on LS1 Tech that said not to use it because it will oxidize the aluminum.
Now, here’s my question. Fast Orange is a citrus based (mildly acidic) hand cleaner. I would have to believe that it would be better than something like Simple Green, which I believe is a mildly caustic cleaner. Has anyone had experiences with using hand cleaner on aluminum parts?
I’d love for this to be generally accepted as safe, because man that stuff cleans parts fast.
So, while going through my cabinet, I thought “Hey, hand cleaner. That stuff removes some really stubborn grease on my hands. Will it clean up an engine and transmission?”
I tested a few spots, and it works very effectively and very quickly. Rub the cleaner into the surface, wipe off, and done.
I didn’t want to go full tilt and scrub everything down with it in the event that it would cause some problems down the road. I read a couple of posts on different forms that advocate the use of hand cleaner on aluminum parts. And a I read one post on LS1 Tech that said not to use it because it will oxidize the aluminum.
Now, here’s my question. Fast Orange is a citrus based (mildly acidic) hand cleaner. I would have to believe that it would be better than something like Simple Green, which I believe is a mildly caustic cleaner. Has anyone had experiences with using hand cleaner on aluminum parts?
I’d love for this to be generally accepted as safe, because man that stuff cleans parts fast.
Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 26
Likes: 2
95 views, and no thoughts?
So, since she is well versed in organic chemistry, I talked with my wife about this last night. I’m sure she was thrilled about the direction that our dinner conversation took.
This was the takeaway:
Eagle One’s mag wheel cleaner is a blend of 23-33% phosphoric, 2.3% sulfuric, and 1-6% hydrofluoric acids. Pretty wicked stuff, and designed to mitigate corrosion by dissolving oxidized aluminum.
Fast Orange hand cleaner contains polymer emulsion (proprietary, but constituents not listed so not likely any of the acids listed above), ethyl alcohol <5%, castor oil <5%, and triethanolomine <5%.
From my days of working on a submarine, I recall monoethanolamine as being some pretty corrosive stuff. But, it was corrosive when it was undiluted. If it was less than 50%, it really wasn't a big deal.
So, unless someone chimes in with a “I used hand cleaner and it dissolved my car!” sort of experience, or provides some scientifically logical explanation stating that it should not be used, I’m going to assume that it will not pose a long term detriment.
So, since she is well versed in organic chemistry, I talked with my wife about this last night. I’m sure she was thrilled about the direction that our dinner conversation took.
This was the takeaway:
Eagle One’s mag wheel cleaner is a blend of 23-33% phosphoric, 2.3% sulfuric, and 1-6% hydrofluoric acids. Pretty wicked stuff, and designed to mitigate corrosion by dissolving oxidized aluminum.
Fast Orange hand cleaner contains polymer emulsion (proprietary, but constituents not listed so not likely any of the acids listed above), ethyl alcohol <5%, castor oil <5%, and triethanolomine <5%.
From my days of working on a submarine, I recall monoethanolamine as being some pretty corrosive stuff. But, it was corrosive when it was undiluted. If it was less than 50%, it really wasn't a big deal.
So, unless someone chimes in with a “I used hand cleaner and it dissolved my car!” sort of experience, or provides some scientifically logical explanation stating that it should not be used, I’m going to assume that it will not pose a long term detriment.
Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 26
Likes: 2
WATER (60-100%)
ETHANOL, 2-BUTOXY- (5-10%)
SODIUM XYLENESULFONATE (1-5%)
POLY(OXY-1,2-ETHANEDIYL), .ALPHA.-(4-NONYLPHENYL)-.OMEGA.-HYDROXY-,BRANCHED (1-5%)
SODIUM HYDROXIDE (NA(OH)) (1-5%)
SILICIC ACID (H2SIO3), DISODIUM SALT (1-5%)
I used to use that on engine bays. It looked really good for a week or two, then the flash rusting started.
