Large Scale Central

Cleaning Solvent for LGB Motor Blocks

General Discussion
#1

What solvent are you using to clean the gear grease from LGB motor blocks, gears, etc, that’s non-harmful to the LGB locomotives? I’ve been using rubbing alcohol which works fairly well, but a liquid or spray that’s a little more powerful would be helpful. Thanks. Tom

#2

I use CRC plastic approved electronic cleaner in a spray can, works great, Bill

#3

Bill Barnwell said:

I use CRC plastic approved electronic cleaner in a spray can, works great, Bill

Bill - Thanks for the suggestion. I have that product in a spray can and have used it to clean electrical connectors…didn’t think of using it for cleaning motor blocks and gears.

Thanks! Tom

#4

Thomas,

Whatever aerosol is used make sure it is plastic safe. Most if not all Carburetor and brake cleaners are NOT plastic safe.

The radio control hobby industry has many plastic safe offerings for cleaning electric motors, gearboxes and such. Typically referred to as a “Motor Cleaner”.

I typically use one the water soluble “Purple Cleaner” products available in pump spray bottles and gallon containers. I use the Purple stuff in a warm crock pot to clean parts, motor blocks, whatever needs a cleaning. The purple stuff also works good to loosen paint.

Michael

#5

Michael, the Purple Cleaner product sounds like very good solutions…I’ll try it. The CRC QD Electronic Cleaner does say Plastic Safe on the can.

Thanks. Tom

#6

I have used CRC CO Contact Cleaner for years in an aeronautical environment to clean electronic parts and it certainly does not harm plastic. Before CFC’s were banned we used Freon.

https://crcindustries.com.au/products/crc-co-contact-cleaner-350g-2016.html

Be careful which CRC QD product you choose use, one has a petroleum distillate component and I personally would not use it the, CRC QD contact cleaner is what I would use and there is no petroleum component in it.

When I dismantled 2 Stainz motor blocks last week, for a refurb, I used good old fashioned soap and warm water to clean the grease off.

#7

Hi GAP - The good old soap and water approach sounds a little complicated for me?!!!

Thanks. Tom

#8

Dawn, it takes grease out of your way.

#9

Never thought of using electrical spray cleaners. But I always used good old hot water and tooth brush with dawn and they always came out looking like new with little effort. Then hit them with the air nozzle. Dan at train li use to tell me if you can sneak them in the dishwasher without getting caught. That worked really well to. lol

#10

Dishwasher works great on LGB, not good for product glued with hot melt glue (read Aristocraft ) unless you want to take them apart.

I use normal cleaning cycle, not a cold cycle.

#11

David Maynard said:

Dawn, it takes grease out of your way.

I use corn oil in a metal pail instead of solvents, and a bristled artist’s brush to clean the old grease from motor blocks. Grease is easier to clean from a metal pail than a plastic one.

Dawn and hot water will remove the oil and any softened grease hidden in cracks.

The parts are placed on paper towels to dry. They look like new after they dry.

#12

Dan Pierce said:

Dishwasher works great on LGB, not good for product glued with hot melt glue (read Aristocraft ) unless you want to take them apart.

I use normal cleaning cycle, not a cold cycle.

Rubbing alcohol brushed on hot glue will remove it.

I bought an old Pacific with a large round speaker fastened to the tender floor with a large ring of hot glue. It took a couple of brushings of the alcohol before the glue would pop it free from the floor and the speaker. But there was no damage or marks on the floor or speaker.