Topic: Simple Green and Bearings

[SKTP]

So I am degreasing my torn-down engine and was wondering if you guys have any thoughts on leaving the entire gear w/bearing spindles in Simple green...will that rust up my bearings or if I dry them and relube them will they be OK?

Also how about the crank shaft? Anything to look out for with that in regards to soaking and cleaning?

My internal engine parts are black and I am tired of them being that dirty...So far I have soaked some covers and the shift drum selector of 24 hours and am very impressed with Simple Green's results.

* edit how about Rubber? Any Simple Green issues with rubber or plastic?

[ludo410]

it all depends on the barring i have done it before with mixed results. i guess what it boils down to if the barring is worn out. just make sure you soak them in clean oil as soon as you get them rinsed and dried. i prefer mineral spirits or kerosine/paraffin. as for rubber for me they always seem to get greasy like the rubber it self has instead of getting clean it has absorbed the grime

[sparty]

Take an empty bean can or any small can and drop the bearings in it.  Add kerosine and swish around, empty kero into a larger container and repeat until the kerosine is clean.  Use the dirty kero on your next camp fire.  As for the rubber, no problem with Simple Green, just wash off with mild soap and water then just water.

Sparty

[gmonkey]

I don't know about the bearings which I'm guessing are steel but Simple Green affects aluminum.  Actually says so on the bottle.  Creates some of that white corrosion powder and discolors the metal itself.  Takes a while but something to keep in mind.

[OrganDonor]

I'd do what Sparty recommended.  I use Simple Green to clean out scuba tanks specifically because it leaves behind no organic film.  But I have to be extremely careful to dry them out thoroughly right after rinsing to prevent flash rust from forming.  For that reason, I'd clean internal engine parts with a solvent and use the Simple Green for the plastics.

[BobbyR]

Simple Green will attack chrome and many bearings have a plating on them. the safest solvent is the oldest also. It is called kerosene, which has a much lower flaspoint that gasolene or other solvents. Let it soak for as long as you can and brush away the crud.  It also leaves and oily film to prevent flash rust. Old school?, maybe not, they list kero as petroluem distillates on a lot of things like WD-40 and some engine cleaning additives.