Topic: Getting thread locking compound out of threads

[fmctm1sw]

I read that I can torch the stuff off my threaded bolts but how are you guys getting it out of the engine case?  I also saw folks recommending acetone.  Will that "dissolve" it out of there somehow?

[Jerry Rxman Griffin aka MuthaF'er]

Thread chasers, q-tips and compressed air.

[madmtnmotors]

For both the bolt and the threaded bore:

>Thread chasers. Not a tap nor die, taps are too aggressive on aluminum threads IMO. Besides, they would be overkill for this. A wire wheel would probably clean up the bolt threads just as well...
>Brake cleaner
>Compressed air


Small, round wire brushes would probably do for the threaded bolt bore, when combined with the solvent of your choice, followed by compressed air.
Acetone could be used in lieu of brake cleaner... KEEP AWAY FROM ANY IGNITION SOURCE!
Trace amounts of thread locker shouldn't have too much grip. You can always treat the bolt threads with a little anti-seize just to be sure.

[flybox1]

Bore brushes and acetone.

[Raul CB750K1]

I would use tap and/or die. Don't see why it would be hard on the threads. In fact, that's what it is meant to be: to be hard and restore the threads.

That being said, if a bolt has locking compound is because it is suppoused to have it. So I don't see the point of removing the remains to apply compound again. It is like cleaning the inside of the oil filter housing :-)

[madmtnmotors]

I would use tap and/or die. Don't see why it would be hard on the threads. In fact, that's what it is meant to be: to be hard and restore the threads.

I find taps to be overly aggressive on aluminum threads when simply cleaning thread bores. Thread chasers/restorers do a better job of cleaning, and even repairing, moderate damage to aluminum threads without removing too much material from the already soft aluminum IMHO:

http://www.sears.com/craftsman-48-pc-sae-metric-thread-restorer-kit/p-00942275000P?sid=IDx01192011x000001&kpid=00942275000&kispla=00942275000P&kpid=00942275000&mktRedirect=y

I use the crap out of my set, to the point that I actually bought a second (with more pieces than my original) set.

Now when it comes to threads cut into steel I have no qualms about using a tap (or die) to clean and restore threads. 

[Muckinfuss]

22 caliber brass bore brush for 6mm threaded holes.  30 caliber brass bore brush for 8mm threaded holes.  Brass wire brush wheel on a 6 inch bench grinder for any bolts of any material.  Put the bore brushes in your cordless drill and spin on the slowest speed into the hole, then reverse.

[Raul CB750K1]

.I find taps to be overly aggressive on aluminum threads when simply cleaning thread bores. Thread chasers/restorers do a better job of cleaning, and even repairing, moderate damage to aluminum threads without removing too much material from the already soft aluminum IMHO:
.

I understand that if a thread has been damaged, re-cutting it will remove material and further damage the threads. But if it is just removing locking compound from the grooves, I guess the tap will just cut the compound away without damaging the threads. I don't have thread chases anyway, just tap&die sets. And again, I may remove compound from bolts but doesn't care about compound in threaded holes. Just my 2 cents.

[Retro Rocket]

For both the bolt and the threaded bore:

>Thread chasers. Not a tap nor die, taps are too aggressive on aluminum threads IMO. Besides, they would be overkill for this. A wire wheel would probably clean up the bolt threads just as well...
>Brake cleaner
>Compressed air


Small, round wire brushes would probably do for the threaded bolt bore, when combined with the solvent of your choice, followed by compressed air.
Acetone could be used in lieu of brake cleaner... KEEP AWAY FROM ANY IGNITION SOURCE!
Trace amounts of thread locker shouldn't have too much grip. You can always treat the bolt threads with a little anti-seize just to be sure.

If using compressed air after solvent, cover your eyes....

[PeWe]

I should notuse a tap in aluminium to just clean the threads. I tsets the M8 threads on head for exhaust when I had painted the head. paint in threads. I saw direct that alu flakes followed the paint. I changed to paint remover that worked much better.

Thread locker as Loctite..... acetone and a brush as the other guys have answered. Acetone when it might be actual to lock the bolt again, right? Turn the brush in the threads like a bolt..

[fmctm1sw]

Good discussion gentlemen, thanks...