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Post by aviatur on Apr 27, 2009 20:08:12 GMT -5
I have noticed in this forum, some of you talk about using acid to clean a cylinder. Okay, I'll bite. Why use acid, and what type? I have a cylinder from a SXLAO that has had minor metal transfer, but is otherwise usable. I was wondering if that might be what the acid is used for.
Thanks.
Bob
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Post by OBR on Apr 27, 2009 20:19:36 GMT -5
The type of acid that is used is called muriatic acid. It is readily avaliable at most any hardware store. I typically apply it to the cylinder with a q-tip. Dont get it elsewhere on the cylinder as it will eat it!!! You must be patient as it often takes a fair amount of time to remove the transfer.
It is used because it reacts with the aluminum and breaks it down, but will not react with the chrome plating in the bore.
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Post by MCS on Apr 27, 2009 20:56:51 GMT -5
FYI - The Homelite Shop Service Manuals specifically state not to use acid on a chrome plated cylinder so go easy with it.
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Post by topgut on Apr 27, 2009 21:20:28 GMT -5
I was told by a 25yr Homelite Tech that he uses toilet bowl cleaner to take the melted Al off the cyl's he cleans........who'd a guessed........J
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Post by MCS on Apr 27, 2009 23:26:55 GMT -5
I was told by a 25yr Homelite Tech that he uses toilet bowl cleaner to take the melted Al off the cyl's he cleans........who'd a guessed........J It makes you wonder what is going down the drain  Several years ago I took a class at a vo-tech college that had a gunsmithing program. I had aways wanted to give bluing a try so I signed up for a one week summer program on the subject. I brought in three Mauser actions for the classs. Know what the instructor told me to use to remove the old bluing on those actions before polishing Are you ready for this..Vanish Toilet Bowl cleaner. Worked great ;D |
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Post by aviatur on Apr 28, 2009 17:58:57 GMT -5
Thanks so much for the info. I have used muratic acid before on caterpillar radiators, etc., so I have experience with it. I think I might try the Vanish TB cleaner first and see how it goes. This was a free saw, so I"m not out much, but I sure would hate to ruin an otherwise great saw, and it will sure beat trying to find a new cylinder. Now all I have to do is find a piston and rings. I'll keep you guys posted as to my results.
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Several years ago I took a class at a vo-tech college that had a gunsmithing program. I had aways wanted to give bluing a try so I signed up for a one week summer program on the subject. I brought in three Mauser actions for the classs. Know what the instructor told me to use to remove the old bluing on those actions before polishing