Don; There are a few things I use for cleaning, but the last step which Peter Koskinen wrote is what I use. I waited for a few months and picked up a used Ultrasonic Cleaner and paid under $200. If you look for one make sure it's deep enough for a full chainset. My tank is about 9"x12", by about 9" deep. Make sure you purchase one with a working heater as well.
For alloy & chrome steel parts I use a product called Ospho made by Skyco which can be found at the local Ace Hardware. It comes in a 32oz container. It does a great job of cleaning rust off, and for grease Ace also carries Gunk GP, a petroleum based liquid. I leave parts in the Gunk overnight that are filthy with grease and the next day they are clean. It does a great job dissolving crud on chains, drivetrain parts etc.
I soak the parts in the Gunk, wash them off in warm water, then if there is an surface rust I use a Dremel Tool with a very light brass wire brush which won't scratch the metal surface or I insert it into the Ospho, and then into the tank. It's important to rinse part after they've been in the Gunk before you put them into the ultrasonic cleaner, to remove excess residue.
For the Ultrasonic cleaner, if the grease or dirt isn't too bad, the Ultrasonic cleaner may work by itself, but add dish soap. Be careful not to use household cleaners other than this, because I used a product called Zep that Home Depot carries, and it ruined the surface of an old Dura Ace AX chainset, as it discoloured the metal. I was able to clean the chainset with a lot of polishing.
For rubber hoods, I've cleaned the nastiest dirty hoods with a lanolin based hand cleaner, and it does a great job cleaning and the lanolin seems to bring back the suppleness of the rubber if the material is still in reasonable condition.
Peter Naiman Glendale, WI
Don Rogers <turning.pedals@gmail.com> wrote:
On 2/14/06, Earle Young wrote:
> I know we are supposed to remain civil here, but I have to weigh in: USIN
G
> GASOLINE TO CLEAN PARTS IS REALLY, REALLY STUPID!
Does anyone have thoughts on kerosene instead? I've heard it's just as effective and much safer, but it was a slightly questionable source that I heard that from.
Don Rogers
Rumford, RI