Brake cleaner alternatives?

[A930Rocket]

What are some alternatives for brake cleaners that do as good a job, quick and are cheap? With the cost of brake cleaner getting to $3-4 bucks a can, there has to be a way to clean not only the brakes, carbs, engines, etc., and the other uses it has.

I've got a pressurized vessel that is used to clean HVAC systems and it holds a quart, but need a way to convert it to a small, controllable stream, plus a chemical that works well. Maybe laquer thinner or acetone? Don't want to create a minor explosion though.

Thoughts?

EDIT: A better way to dispense the cleaner. https://www.google.com/search?q=Sureshot+sprayer&hl=en&rls=com.microsoft:en-us&prmd=imvns&source=univ&tbm=shop&tbo=u&sa=X&ei=1_H4T4qRKsGo6wGOhonLBg&ved=0CHwQsxg

[fastfredracing]

I use those sure shot cans, I love them, and they save me a ton on money over the course of a year. I buy 5 gallon cans of brake kleen for around $80.00. I only go through maybe 3-4 a year. I used to use 2-4cases of brake kleen monthly . It occasionally clogs, but cleanout of the tip is a 3 minute job, and you are back on the road. I will still use cans if I am cleaning up a carb or something with small passages, that I am trying to clean out, can't beat that little plastic tube. I pressure mine up to 160 psi, and it puts out a nice powerful spray , that works great for cleaning brake rotors, and general washing of parts. Parts are available for them also. I have had mine for about 3 years now, and broke one nozzle, and one filler cap.

[Zeke]

Acetone is good. You can start with a cheaper cleaner. For instance, paint thinner is now 10 bucks/gal. I use gasoline for the first rinse when I have to clean a good brush after using stain. I use diesel for the final rinse. Natural brushes like it.

The state has made me do worse to the environment rather than better and I could give a crap at this point.

But if it's actually brakes, brake cleaner.

[vash]

i read a motorcycle maintenance article a long time ago. i seem to remember them saying that brake cleaner is very harsh on all the soft seals. they used simple green. IIRC, they sprayed everything down with the SG solvent, rubbed everything with a toothbrush type thing..and hosed the parts off. no so sure if this method would work on anything other than the brake bits..carbs..probably not.

[A930Rocket]

Thanks guys.

I use brake cleaner any time I'm working on the cars to clean everything. It cuts through the nastiest stuff and makes it easier to work on I guess.

I'll pick one up and try some different chemicals.

[EarlyPorsche]

Simple green and all of its knockoff alternatives work basically e same for me. I even use it on carbs and it clears up anything. Costco sells the knockoff by the gallon and you won't misss brake clean.

[azasadny]

Krud Kutter is what I use!

[944Larry]

Ether, it's cheap and available everywhere. Dries quickly. No smoking or open flames please.

[A930Rocket]

I clean some parts with a brush in a plastic pan, using gas, laquer thinner, etc. but the squirting action of the brake cleaner does wonders in tight quarters, especially with the red tube Fred mentions.

I'm just trying to recreate it for less.

[VincentVega]

I use the Walmart house brand stuff. Still not cheap, but cheaper and works ok.

[A930Rocket]

I've been buying that as well.

I used to buy a case or two at a time. Now it's buy a few cans every so often to stock up when needed.

I use the Walmart house brand stuff. Still not cheap, but cheaper and works ok.

[Zeke]

Simple Green and it's generation of cleaners is hard on the lungs. They initially were advocating being able to brush your teeth with the stuff. No thanks. It doesn't do aluminum any good ether (I speelled it that way for fun).

[syncroid]

Here now in California they have taken all the good stuff out. What are we supposed to do, Yell and scream harsh language to get the grime off?