how do I remove cosmoline

[rbodell]

Does anybody know what will remove cosmoline (or however you spell it)?

[XYZER]

scrape off the bulk then use solvent (or try diesel)

[mobile_bob]

we use clean solvent, such as used in those tanks in truck shops

other alternatives,

if it was a big casting, we put it in the hot tank, let it melt off, and then pressure wash

gasoline albeit not very safe for obvious reasons will cut cosmo also, and iirc was the solvent of choice back
in the day for cleaning off the stuff.

bob g

[rbodell]

elbow grease and plenty of paper towels   
So, what did you buy ??

I know the paper towels won't do it. they just tear up.

I have had a 140 amp, 30 or 36 volt PMDC motor setting on the shelf for about 6 or 8 years that I got from surpluscenter.com. I bought it because it was cool. I finally decided to try to build something from it, maybe a DC generator or DC welder. Not sure what yet. It appears to be military or aircraft because all the bolts are wired.

It was originally made by the Electric Auto-Lite company but they were bought out by somebody else so there is no company to call for information. It looks like it should outlast me though LOL

[rbodell]

we use clean solvent, such as used in those tanks in truck shops

Wouldn't have a brand name on that would you?

gasoline albeit not very safe for obvious reasons will cut cosmo also, and iirc was the solvent of choice back
in the day for cleaning off the stuff.

Not familiar with IIRC either. I thought about gasoline too, but I am saving that for the last resort. When I was a kid I burned down the garage cleaning the bearings in my bicycle with gasoline. I kind of stay away from gasoline for anything but fuel since then LOL.

Also thanks (ABOVE) for the diesel fuel suggestion. I will try that.




bob g

[Henry W]

Try your shirt

Just kidding.

Try Mineral Spirts. You can get it at any hardware store, Home Depot or Lowes Home Improvement.

Henry

[rbodell]

Are you sure we are talking cosmoline and not some bizarre aircraft grade bullet proof and radar stealth kinda coating ? Cosmoline is a fairly soft substance although sticky as hell ....

I am pretty sure it's cosmoline, I can easily scrape it with my fingernail but it is about as sticky as the goo on masking tape after it has been in the rain and sun for a week. I first tried some go-jo to see if it was a grease, but that didn't even touch it.

[Lloyd]

try Goof-Off...it does wonders on most hings, with out damage to the surface below...just don't let sit for long periods.

Lloyd

[Tymbo]

WD40

[Lloyd]

Cosmoline is a homogenous mixture of oily and waxy
long-chain, non-polar hydrocarbons. It can range in color from white to yellow and differ
from one another in consistency and shear strength. Cosmoline melts at 113°-125° F
and has a flashpoint of 365° F.

http://www.surplusrifle.com/shooting/cosmoline/pdf/cosmoline.pdf

Maybe, this will help.

Lloyd

[BruceM]

Wow, that's the definitive Cosmoline removal link, Lloyd. Nice!

[rbodell]

Cosmoline melts at 113°-125° F
and has a flashpoint of 365° F.
Lloyd

Man did that work good. A little heat and it wiped rite off. Then I put my propane torch on it for a few seconds and the film burned rite off and the metal didn't even get warm. Probably not the approach for a gun, but for this it was great, thanks.

[cgwymp]

Not familiar with IIRC either.

IIRC --> "If I  Recall Correctly"

[rbodell]

Not familiar with IIRC either.

IIRC --> "If I  Recall Correctly"

That explains why I have never heard of the product LOL. Thanks.

[Dail R H]

   WHAT, never heard of the product??? I got half a 55 gal drum,, just doesn't seem to work as good as it used to (sigh)