Cosmoline remover?

Flat sixx · 02-27-2017, 07:37 PM

Currently working on changing shocks all around. Working on the front and was looking for a cleaner to remove the cosmoline on the struts. Used a degreaser it helped but took a long time. Looking for something easier

BIGTIDEFAN · 02-27-2017, 08:16 PM

Gasoline

timmy2 · timmy2's Garage

diesel

Quicksilver · 02-27-2017, 11:01 PM

You can use gasoline but kerosene or diesel won't go 'WOOMP' on you from a static spark. After that a degreaser will get the last hint off if you want it 100% clean.

I shouldn't have to say it but chemical gloves are fairly important. I used to do a lot of transmission mods and suddenly after a few years, one day I came up with a sensitivity to solvents. (Hives covering every exposed bit of skin!)
The sensitivity went away after a decade but I see no reason to repeat that "learning experience".

DanielDudley · 02-28-2017, 02:17 AM

Steam.

Alexm930 · Alexm930's Garage

We used Kerosene back when I worked at the Dealer.

sc_rufctr · 02-28-2017, 07:24 AM

I've used mineral turpentine with good effect. Not cheap and you need lots of rags.

Try soaking it to soften it with a soaked rag. Then scrap off as much as you can without damaging the paint underneath. (flat wooden stick)
Then use rags and turps on the rest. Soap and a pressure wash to finish it off.

Bob Kontak · Bob Kontak's Garage

Get a gallon of final wipe or pre-clean from the local paint jobber. It flashes off faster than turpentine and you can use it as a bug and tar remover on your paint without issue. Not too much lingering smell.

All the others mentioned will work fine.

reachme · reachme's Garage

Chlorinated brake cleaner
spray a little on a rag and rub like a genie bottle. If you are in an enclosed space you might even see a genie

BEFORE

AFTER

Yes I left the caliper. Rather leave it protected by cosmoline since it's black anyway.

Flat sixx · 02-28-2017, 04:31 PM

Thanks for all the info guys. Gas is working great.

speedster911 · 09-26-2017, 02:25 PM

any suggestions for cosmoline removal on painted body panels?

Quickstep192 · Quickstep192's Garage

I think Naphtha should do it. Naphtha should not hurt a fully cured finish. I use it to wet sand woodworking finishes. It evaporates quickly and doesn't leave behind any residue.

wayne robson · wayne robson's Garage

Like Bob says , all painters use a degrea.ser , prepsol
it is safe on any car surface, will not hurt your paint finish
all paint shops sell it , i have a small pint tin in my garage all the time,
thick oil can first be removed with brake clean then finish with prepsol ,
but not on paint finish..