Chassis cleaning_______WD-40?

Ross/Kzoo

Ross/Kzoo

Well-known member
On the old Fordbarn someone was looking for way to clean up the chassis on restored cars. Someone mentioned WD-40. Does this work good and do you spray it on and wipe off or what? Any other suggested products?

Thanks
 
I use Purple Power from the autoparts store and I think Walmart. It's waterbased and biodegradable. It removes paint too in thin layers.
 
I use Oil Eater sold by Costco. Cleans oil and grease well and doubles in the laundry as I spray it on T shirt oil spots before they hit the machine.
 
ROSS/KZOO . . . . . . .
"Simple Green" works well too. The DOLLAR STORE sells "AWESOME" for $1.00 per spray bottle which also works well.
MIKE :)
 
When I want to clean an engine compartment, I like to spray it down with diesel fuel and let it soak for a day or so, then go to the car wash and blast it off. Then I drive the car for at least 10 miles to dry things out and when I get home I like to spray all the aluminum, bolts, etc. with WD-40. The WD-40 if sprayed on the aluminum,( like the alternator) seems to keep the corrosion at bay as long as I spray it at least one a year.
 
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i use gunk spray for motor & all udercarriage to keep it clean . ........ steve
 
WD 40 does work quite well at removing grime, etc. from underneath, and also under the hood..engine block and firewall area. You can either spray it on directly, or spray onto a rag and wipe. Does not seem to leave a residue if you wipe it well..........
 
Ross, I would be cautious about using WD-40 since it is a corrosive. If you can not assure yourself that you are removing all of the liquid, you might possibly be better served to use one or more of the cleansers mentioned in these responses. I personally like the idea of Diesel fuel if you don't have access to a cleaner such as Stoddard solvent. For years I have been using that solvent to wash aircraft engines down prior to inspection and after oil changes. It does not leave any residue. I use it on my A's on a regular basis.
 
If you use WD-40, all that WD is going to have to go somewhere, like on your driveway and onto your lawn. Don't really like WD - there's almost always a better product for any job that it would do (although it's a good cutting fluid for aluminum).

I've done a lot of engine compartments with simple green. It might take a little more scrubbing than something harsher, but I don't have to worry about as much. At $10/gallon, it's reasonable. The only hazardous waste is whatever was on the car.

Castrol purple degreaser is good, but it can eat paint and aluminum, so I'd only use that where appropriate, like steel parts off the car.

Gunk engine bright is good it you're looking at really grimy stuff, but it might be overkill for just a normal cleanup.

Steve
 
simple green over here. biodegradable and doesn't soften the paint. i've been using diesel to soften paint and rust prior to the wire wheel method.
WD40 is diesel based and great for treating mange.
 
I have always used WD to clean up oil build-up on my '40. Spray it on an wipe it off. Leaves no residue, it just evaporates, and certainly does not corrode anything. Don't know where that observation came from.
 
well this is a little different from all the other responses. my undercarriage is painted and does not see much dirt other than some dust so i just use maguires quick detailer the same stuff i use on the body. i use it on the diff, frame, strg linkage, oil pan etc.
 
I use Gibbs. Some people call it high dollar WD-40 but it cleans, lubricates, protects and kills surface rust. It stays on much longer than WD-40. Also, it will not harm paint. I have used it on original paint antique motorcycles and cars for years. Good stuff.
 
Some engine cleaners will take the shine off the paint or damage wiring. Like any chemical you use on your ride, test it first on a hidden area. On a new-old car coming to me, I disconnect the battery and mix up a solution of kero and a touch of gunk. Do this outside and with a catch underneath the car. I use a old paint brush to loosen the gook. Then hot hose water to clean the engine compartment. About 3 aplications does the job. I use zip lok bags over the dissy etc.
clem
 
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